until just before

Status
Not open for further replies.

English Freak

Member
Joined
Jan 13, 2011
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
Persian
Home Country
Iran
Current Location
Iran
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

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Oct 14, 2010
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
British English
Home Country
Czech Republic
Current Location
Czech Republic
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

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Mar 12, 2007
Member Type
Other
Native Language
American English
Home Country
United States
Current Location
United States
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

Member
Joined
Jan 13, 2011
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
Persian
Home Country
Iran
Current Location
Iran
Thanks.
Actually how he was killed and why doen't matter. The important thing is whether he quit or not before his death.
 

5jj

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Oct 14, 2010
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
British English
Home Country
Czech Republic
Current Location
Czech Republic
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top