B2–C1 · GFF · GFF013

It was not until + time expression/clause + that + ordinary past clause

Explanation

A reusable frame from “Negation, inversion and focus”. Compare how English and German express negation, inversion and focus. Practise reusable constructions with Russian translations.

EN · EnglishIt was not until + time expression/clause + that + ordinary past clause
DE · GermanErst + time expression + past main clause / erst als + clause, main clause
RU · Translation

Подтверждение мы получили только в понедельник.

EN · English

It was not until Monday that we received confirmation.

DE · German

Erst am Montag erhielten wir die Bestätigung.

Try variations2 · more examples

  1. RU · Translation

    Пятно я заметил только когда пришёл домой.

    EN · English

    It was not until I got home that I noticed the stain.

    DE · German

    Erst als ich zu Hause ankam, bemerkte ich den Fleck.

  2. RU · Translation

    Название она объяснила только в последней главе.

    EN · English

    It was not until the final chapter that she explained the title.

    DE · German

    Erst im letzten Kapitel erklärte sie den Titel.

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