Until means up to a time or event: the action continues all that time. The reading room stays open until nine. Wait here until I return. With not, it means 'only when': The concert won't start until the lights go down. In speech, people often say till.
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continue until + time or clause / not ... until + time or clause
- The reading room stays open until nine.
- Wait here until I return.
- The concert will not start until the lights go down.
What changed
First versionWait here until I will return.
RevisionWait here until I return.
The return happens later, so will feels natural: until I will return. But after until, as after when, the present tense talks about the future: until I return.
By sets a deadline: Send it by noon, no later than noon. Until means the action lasts up to that point: Stay until noon. Before simply means earlier: Arrive before noon.
Your turn
You must remain here for the whole period: Stay here ___ noon.
Show the answer
until — You have to stay the whole time up to noon, so until. By would set a deadline, not a length of time.
Write a message to a neighbour asking them to do or not do something until a certain time. Use until.
Please don't park here until the painters leave.
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