until“直到”,表示某一種行為一直持續(xù)到某一時間.用在肯定句中,句子的謂語動詞必須是可延續(xù)性的.not...until“直到...才”表示直到某一時間,某一行為才發(fā)生,之前該行為并沒有發(fā)生.用在否定句中,主句中的謂語可以是延續(xù)性的也可以是短暫性動詞.
1.I studied Englis until 9 o'clock last night.
我咋晚學(xué)英語一直學(xué)到9點鐘.(表示9點前一直在學(xué))
2.I did not study Englis until 9 o'clock last night.
我咋晚直到9點鐘才學(xué)英語.(表示9點才開始學(xué))
3.I waited for five hours until it was dark.I had to give it up.
4.I didn't go to sleep until 11 o'clock
not until 還可以用于強調(diào)句中,也可以放在句首,句子要采用部分倒裝
5.It was not until he came back that I went to sleep
6.Not until he came back did I go to sleep.