Usage and Difference: Till, Until, 'Til

1. Till

The term "till" is a preposition and conjunction that indicates a limit in time. It is commonly used in both casual and formal contexts.

Examples:

• I will wait here till you return.
• She worked hard till midnight to finish the project.
• They played games in the park till the sun went down.

2. Until

"Until" is a preposition and conjunction that expresses a duration of time leading up to a specified point. It is more formal than "till" and is widely accepted in written and spoken English.

Examples:

• Please remain seated until the plane comes to a complete stop.
• We will keep the store open until 9 PM.
• He practiced the piano every day until he mastered the piece.

3. 'Til

The contraction "'til" is an informal and less conventional version of "until." It is commonly used in casual writing and speech, but some style guides recommend avoiding it in formal writing.

Examples:

• We won't know the results 'til tomorrow.
• They stayed at the beach 'til sunset.
• Wait here 'til I come back.

While these terms share similar meanings, understanding their distinctions can enhance your language proficiency and help you choose the most appropriate term based on the context.