我們都是第一次做自己

not until  直到......之前才......

在此為配合分裂句的句型(it is/was...that...)
Ex: It wasn't until I was older that I would find out how popular mushroom hunting is.
原句為 I wouldn't find out how popular mushroom hunting is until I was older.


＊強調not until的子句，主要子句的動詞要用瞬間性動詞。

Ex: It wasn't until the lights were turned down that the show started.
      等到燈關掉，表演才會開始。

＊Not until 置於句首時，主要子句的主詞與動詞須倒裝。

Ex: Not until you clean your room will you be able to go play with your friends.
      直到你將房間打掃乾淨後，才能和朋友出去玩。

Ex: Not until the typhoon passes is the airport going to reopen.
      機場要等到颱風過後才會重新開啟。





by the time + (that/when) S. + V. 在......之時(或之前)

＊主要子句的動作通常會比by the time子句的動作先發生

Ex: The soldiers had won the battle by the time they reached the city.
      士兵們在抵達該城時已打贏了這場戰役。

Ex: The game will be over by the time we make it to the stadium.
      我們抵達體育館的時候，這場比賽就要結束了。


[ 轉載自ALL+互動英語 2009 Nov. 16 ]