1.如果(主)句中的谓语动词是终止性动词,应采用“...not...until...”结构,意为“……到……时候才……”。
2.如果(主)句中的谓语动词是延续性动词,那么谓语动词用肯定式或否定式,它们所表达的意思有所不同。
1)如果谓语动词为肯定式,则until译为“到……时候为止”。
2)如果谓语动词为否定式,则until应译为“到……时候才”,即“在……以前不”。
3.用终止性动词作谓语时,until既可以和not连用,又可以和never,nobody,nothing,few,little,seldom,hardly等含否定意义的词连用。今日事,今日毕。
4.连词until引导的从句中谓语动词的时态。
It was not until 1974 that his ability to write gelled again.
直到1974年,他的写作才华才又得以发挥。
It was not until morning that the sheer scale of the damage could be seen.
直到早晨才看清了损害的严重程度。
It was not until 1911 that the first of the vitamins was identified.
直到1911年才发现了第一种维生素。
It was not until yesterday that I learned it.
顶昨天我才听说这件事。