Until then
Future time
Use `until then` to bridge the gap between now and your next scheduled plan or meeting.
En 15 secondes
- Used to describe the time leading up to a future event.
- Commonly used as a polite way to end a conversation.
- Requires a previously mentioned time or date to make sense.
Signification
This phrase is used to talk about the time between right now and a specific event in the future. It means 'during the time before that happens' or 'until we meet again at that time.'
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Ending a work meeting
Our next check-in is Tuesday. Until then, keep up the good work.
Our next check-in is Tuesday. Until then, keep up the good work.
Texting a friend about dinner
See you at 8:00! Until then, try not to get too hungry.
See you at 8:00! Until then, try not to get too hungry.
A doctor's appointment
Your surgery is next month. Until then, please take these vitamins.
Your surgery is next month. Until then, please take these vitamins.
Contexte culturel
The phrase reflects a Western cultural emphasis on scheduling and punctuality. It serves as a linguistic 'bookmark,' ensuring both parties are on the same page about a future commitment. It became a standard sign-off in radio and television broadcasts in the mid-20th century.
The Standalone Sign-off
You can use 'Until then!' as a complete sentence when saying goodbye. It sounds very confident and friendly.
Don't forget the 'Then'
Make sure you have mentioned a time first. If you haven't, 'until then' has no meaning and will confuse people.
En 15 secondes
- Used to describe the time leading up to a future event.
- Commonly used as a polite way to end a conversation.
- Requires a previously mentioned time or date to make sense.
What It Means
Until then is a bridge between the present and a future moment. It points to a specific time you just mentioned. It tells your listener what you will do or how things will be before that time arrives. It is like saying, "I'll see you at 5:00, but from now until 5:00, stay safe."
How To Use It
You usually say this after you have already set a plan or a date. First, mention the time or event. Then, use until then to wrap up the conversation. You can use it as a standalone sentence or at the start of a thought. For example: "The party is on Friday. Until then, have a great week!"
When To Use It
Use it when ending a phone call or a meeting. It works perfectly when you are hanging out with friends. It is great for emails when you want to sound organized. Use it at a restaurant if your table isn't ready yet. It keeps the focus on the future plan while being polite right now.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it if you haven't mentioned a specific time yet. If you just say until then without a plan, people will be confused. They will ask, "Until when?" Also, avoid it in very urgent, immediate emergencies. It sounds a bit too calm and patient for a crisis. It is not for things happening right this second.
Cultural Background
English speakers love to confirm plans. We use this phrase to show we are committed to the schedule. It acts as a "social glue" to end a chat smoothly. In the US and UK, it is a very common way to say goodbye. It feels warmer than a simple "bye" because it looks forward to seeing the person again.
Common Variations
You might hear people say until next time or till then. Till is just a shorter, more casual version of until. Some people say see you then if they are meeting in person. In emails, you might see I look forward to it. Until then... which is very professional. All of these keep the same friendly, expectant energy.
Notes d'usage
The phrase is incredibly versatile and sits right in the middle of the formality scale. The main 'gotcha' is ensuring the 'then' clearly refers to a specific time mentioned in the previous sentence.
The Standalone Sign-off
You can use 'Until then!' as a complete sentence when saying goodbye. It sounds very confident and friendly.
Don't forget the 'Then'
Make sure you have mentioned a time first. If you haven't, 'until then' has no meaning and will confuse people.
The 'Till' Shortcut
In very casual speech, Americans often say 'Till then.' It's exactly the same meaning, just faster for a busy day!
Exemples
6Our next check-in is Tuesday. Until then, keep up the good work.
Our next check-in is Tuesday. Until then, keep up the good work.
Sets expectations for the work period before the next meeting.
See you at 8:00! Until then, try not to get too hungry.
See you at 8:00! Until then, try not to get too hungry.
A playful way to sign off a text message.
Your surgery is next month. Until then, please take these vitamins.
Your surgery is next month. Until then, please take these vitamins.
Gives instructions for the waiting period.
I'm buying pizza tonight. Until then, you are forbidden from touching the fridge!
I'm buying pizza tonight. Until then, you are forbidden from touching the fridge!
Uses the phrase to set a 'rule' for a short period.
I'll be home in a week. Until then, I'll miss you every day.
I'll be home in a week. Until then, I'll miss you every day.
Expresses feelings during a period of separation.
The new phone arrives Friday. Until then, I'll have to use this old one.
The new phone arrives Friday. Until then, I'll have to use this old one.
Describes a temporary situation.
Teste-toi
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence.
The movie starts at 9:00 PM. ___, let's go grab some snacks.
`Until then` refers to the time between now and 9:00 PM.
Complete the email sign-off.
I will see you at the conference in June. ___ , have a wonderful spring!
This is a standard, polite way to close an email after mentioning a future date.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'Until then'
Used with friends/family.
See ya! Till then!
Standard daily use.
See you at 5. Until then, take care.
Professional emails or speeches.
We meet in October. Until then, I remain yours.
Where to use 'Until then'
Ending a phone call
Talk Saturday! Until then, bye.
Business Email
See you at the launch. Until then...
Doctor's Office
Take these until your next visit.
Setting a Date
Dinner is at 7. Until then!
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt means 'during the time between now and the future event we just talked about.' For example, if you are meeting at 6:00, it covers the time from now until 6:00.
Yes, it is very common in professional emails. You might say, I look forward to our meeting. Until then, please review the attached file.
Yes, Till then is a more informal version. It is perfectly fine to use with friends or colleagues you know well.
Usually, yes. If you start a sentence with it, add a comma: Until then, have a nice day.
No, you need a reference point. If you haven't mentioned a time, use Until next time instead.
It isn't 'better,' but it is more specific. It emphasizes that you will see the person again soon.
No. By then means something will be finished before that time. Until then describes the whole duration of time.
Yes. You could say, I'll see you at graduation in four years. Until then, study hard!
Yes, it is used globally across almost all English dialects including British, American, and Australian English.
Yes, it works well as a closing sentiment before your signature, especially in a friendly letter.
Expressions liées
Until next time
A general way to say goodbye until an unspecified future meeting.
In the meantime
During the period of time between two events; very similar to until then.
See you then
A confirmation that you will meet at the agreed-upon time.
Till we meet again
A more poetic or old-fashioned way to say goodbye for a long time.
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