Until V Till V ’Til V Unless

Understanding Until, Till, ’Til, and Unless

These small words are often confusing because they all deal with time or conditions. Let’s understand how to use them correctly with examples and practice.

Using “Until”

Until means “up to the time that” or “before a specific point in time.” It is used for time or events that continue and then stop.

I will wait until you arrive.
They worked until midnight.
Don’t leave until I tell you.

Using “Till”

Till means the same as until. It’s a little more informal but perfectly correct in both writing and speech.

I didn’t sleep till 3 a.m.
Stay here till the rain stops.

Note: “Until” is slightly more formal than “till.”

Using “’Til”

’Til is just a shortened (modern) form of until, used mainly in informal writing or songs. It is less common in formal English.

I’ll stay here ’til you come back.
The shop is open ’til 9 p.m.

In academic or professional writing, use until or till instead.

Using “Unless”

Unless means “if not.” It introduces a condition that must be met for something to happen. It is not about time but about situations.

You can’t go out unless you finish your homework. (If you don’t finish it, you can’t go.)
We won’t start unless everyone is ready.
I’ll call you unless I forget. (If I don’t forget, I’ll call.)

Common Confusion

Until, Till, and ’Til talk about time. Unless talks about a condition.

I will stay here until you come back. ✅ (time)
I won’t stay here unless you come back. ✅ (condition)

Practice: Choose the Right Word

I waited _______ the bus arrived.
Until / Till
Don’t touch anything _______ I say so.
Until
You won’t pass the test _______ you study hard.
Unless
He didn’t leave _______ late at night.
Till / Until
She won’t come _______ you invite her.
Unless

Mini Test

Pick the correct option:

Wait here _______ I come back.
Until
I won’t go out _______ it stops raining.
Until / Till
We can’t start _______ everyone is present.
Unless
I’ll stay at work _______ 7 p.m.
Till / Until
I’ll come tomorrow _______ I get sick.
Unless

Quick Summary Table

Word	Meaning / Use	Example
Until	Up to a certain time (formal)	I’ll stay until 6 p.m.
Till	Same as “until” (informal)	Wait till I finish.
’Til	Short form of “until” (informal/slang)	We danced ’til midnight.
Unless	If not (shows condition)	Don’t go unless I call you.