Not until

[sohre]

I have problem with the meaning of this statement: :-?

Not until the eighteenth century, however, did such banks begin to provide capital for business investment.

it means: 'until 18th century, such banks did not provide capital for business investment' ???

 

[5jj]

Does it mean[STRIKE]s[/STRIKE]: 'Until the 18th century, such banks did not provide capital for business investment' ?[STRIKE]??[/STRIKE]

More or less.

 

[Rover_KE]

It sort of means that, though 'Before the eighteenth century...' would be a better way to start that sentence.

You could also say 'Such banks did not provide capital...until the eighteenth century'.

it means: 'until 18th century, such banks did not provide capital for business investment' ???

Writing a sentence and putting three question marks at the end is not the right way to ask a question. This is how to write it:

Does it mean 'Until the 18th century, such banks did not provide capital for business investment'?

 

[sohre]

It sort of means that, though 'Before the eighteenth century...' would be a better way to start that sentence.

You could also say 'Such banks did not provide capital...until the eighteenth century'.



Writing a sentence and putting three question marks at the end is not the right way to ask a question. This is how to write it:

Does it mean 'Until the 18th century, such banks did not provide capital for business investment'?

Thank you for your response. However, it is a TOEFL question and according to the correct response, its meaning should be "Before the 18th century, such banks provided capital..."

I am really confused!

 

[emsr2d2]

Thank you for your response. However, it is a TOEFL question and according to the correct response, its meaning should be "Before the 18th century, such banks provided capital..."

I am really confused!

"Not until the 18th century did banks begin to provide capital" = "Until the 18th century, banks did not provide capital" = "Before the 18th century, banks did not provide capital". If the textbook says that it means "Before the 18th century, banks did​ provide capital" then it's wrong.

 

[5jj]

However, it is a TOEFL question and according to the correct response, its meaning should be "Before the 18th century, such banks provided capital..."

If your source states that "Before the 18th century, such banks provided capital for business investment" has the same meaning as "Not until the eighteenth century, however, did such banks begin to provide capital for business investment", then your source is wrong.

 

[sohre]

If your source states that "Before the 18th century, such banks provided capital for business investment" has the same meaning as "Not until the eighteenth century, however, did such banks begin to provide capital for business investment", then your source is wrong.

thank you so much

 

[emsr2d2]

Thank you so much.

There is no need to write a new post to say thank you if you do not have a follow-up question. Simply click the Like button on any post you found helpful. Also, please remember to start every sentence with a capital letter and end every sentence with a single appropriate punctuation mark.