UNTIl vs. BEFORE

IP: *.chello.pl 19.11.08, 15:20
Dear Jonathan,

a few days ago, while chatting with a Dutch friend of mine, I was corrected on my use of 'UNTIL' in the sentence: 'When I'm done I'll transfer it, unless you go to bed until that time'. Yep, I do admit that 'before that time' sounds way better and more natural, but the friend wasn't able to explain what reason makes it for my mistake. Could you then be that kind and dissolve my doubts?

Bests,
M.
    • jonathan.oakley Re: UNTIl vs. BEFORE 20.11.08, 16:15
      Hi,
      I can see why you might get confused as 'UNITL' & 'BEFORE' have
      similar meanings. The key word in your context is 'UNLESS' which
      implies - with regards to your friend's bed time - earlier or sooner
      than hence 'BEFORE' should be used.

      We generally use UNTIL with the meaning of BEFORE in negative
      constructions: example: 'They did not come until the lesson was
      over.'

      The best to learn the different uses of UNTIL and BEFORE is with
      practice. I know we have different examples of these words on
      www.expressteacher.com.
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