until just before

[English Freak]

Even though the doctor told him smoking was deleterious to his health, he didn't quit until just before he died.
I'd like to know if it means "he died as a result of not giving up smoking".

[5jj]

Even though the doctor told him smoking was deleterious to his health, he didn't quit until just before he died.
I'd like to know if it means "he died as a result of not giving up smoking".

The sentence does not say that. In fact, it does not even imply that. We may infer it, but that's a different thing.

[Barb_D]

Sure. Maybe he finally kicked the habit and the next month he was killed crossing the street by a drunk driver. Or trampled at a Who concert. Or shot by a bank robber.

[English Freak]

Thanks.
Actually how he was killed and why doen't matter. The important thing is whether he quit or not before his death.

[5jj]

Thanks.
Actually how he was killed and why doen't matter. The important thing is whether he quit or not before his death.

He did.