Question

[y_phary]

Hi sir or madam! Would you mind providing me how to use the word "not until" and its meaning?

I am looking forward to seeing your reply soon.

Regards,

Phary

[David L.]

Can you write some sentences using "until" ?

[y_phary]

Hi sir! Here is the example using the negative adverb "not until":
Eg: Not until 1993 Mr. A became the Managing Director of ABC company.

Could you please advise me about the meaning and usage of the word "not until".

Thanks and regards,

Phary

[David L.]

Firstly - are you sure you understand what 'until' means, the meaning that it gives to a sentence?
What is the difference in meaning between these two sentences?:

In 1993, Mr. A was the Managing Director of ABC company.
Until 1993, Mr. A was the Managing Director of ABC company.

[y_phary]

Yes, I do understand the word "until". But I cannot judge the meaning of the two examples you provided.

In 1993, Mr. A was the Managing Director of ABC company.
Until 1993, Mr. A was the Managing Director of ABC company.

Could you please elaborate about this?

Thanks and regards,

Phary

[2006]

Originally Posted by y_phary

Hi sir or madam! Would you mind providing me how to use the word "not until" and its meaning?
"not until" is two words meaning 'not before', 'only at the time in question'.
Santa will come soon, but not until you are asleep.
Not until 1993, did Mr. A become the Managing Director of ABC Company.

The words "not" and "until" are very often separated by one or more words.
I did not hear the bear until it was right behind me.
Mr. A did not become the managing director of ABC company until 1993.
Phary

2006

[y_phary]

Thanks for your value explanation.

Through this, it makes me feel that I am still not clear about negative adverb. Would you mind giving me some clue to how to use them?

Phary

[aggelos]

A common alternative way to use not until is in the form "It was not until... that...", as in: "It was not until 1993 that Mr A. became managing director of ABC company".

Negative adverbs or adverbial phrases are used just like other adverbs when they're not at the very beginning of a sentence: "I have never seen such a thing before in my life". When they come first in a sentence, though, they must be followed by the same verb form as used in the interrogative. Putting them at the start of the sentence is done for emphasis: "Never before have I seen such a thing in my life".