Difference between Till and Until
Till and Until are two commonly used words in English that are often used interchangeably. They are both used to indicate the duration of time or a point in time. However, they have slight differences in their meanings and usage, which we will explore in this article.
Definition of Till
Till is a conjunction that means up to the time of or before a certain point in time. It is also used to indicate the duration of time leading up to a particular moment.
Usage of Till
- Till is used in informal contexts
- Used to refer to the time that has passed up to a specific point in time.
- Used with specific times or events and can be used in a variety of tenses.
Examples of Till
- The store is open till 10 pm.
- She stayed in bed till noon.
- Wait till later.
- Study till midnight.
- Open till 9 p.m.
- Sleep till morning.
- Play games till dark.
- Work till lunchtime.
- Talk till he arrives
Definition of Until:
Until is also a conjunction, and it means up to the time or event that is mentioned. It is used to indicate the duration of time leading up to a particular event or moment in time.
Usage of Until:
- Until is a more formal word than till and is used in formal contexts.
- Used to describe the time leading up to an event or moment in time.
- Usually used with a specific event or moment in mind and is not used with a general reference to time.
Examples of Until
- She will wait until he comes back.
- The party will continue until midnight.
- Can’t leave until done.
- Wait here until called.
- Party until midnight.
- Store closed until notice.
- Don’t quit until success.
- No entry until cleared.
- Road closed until finished
Differences between Till and Until
Till |
Until |
Informal |
Formal |
Refers to time leading up to a moment |
Refers to time leading up to an event or moment |
Can be used with specific times or events |
Used with a specific event or moment |
Used in a variety of tenses |
Used in a specific tense |
More casual in tone |
More formal in tone |
Used in spoken language |
Used in written language |
Can be used with general time references |
Cannot be used with general time references |
Can be used to indicate both duration and limit of time Primarily |
Used to indicate duration of time |
Can be used interchangeably with until in some cases |
Cannot be used interchangeably with till |
Does not require a specific endpoint |
Requires a specific endpoint |
Can be used with negative constructions Can be used with negative constructions |
Can be used with negative constructions Can be used with negative constructions |
Can be used with imperative constructions Cannot be used with imperative constructions |
Can be used with imperative constructions Cannot be used with imperative constructions |
Can be used to suggest ongoing action Cannot be used to suggest ongoing action |
Can be used to suggest ongoing action Cannot be used to suggest ongoing action |
Can be used with non-finite verb forms Cannot be used with non-finite verb forms |
Can be used with non-finite verb forms Cannot be used with non-finite verb forms |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Till and Until are two conjunctions that are commonly used to indicate the duration of time leading up to a specific point in time. While they are often used interchangeably, they have differences in their meanings and usage. Till is informal and can be used with specific times or events, while Until is formal and is used with a specific event
Contact Us