till I managed to drive the car till the nearest hospital.
I managed to drive the car as far as the nearest hospital. See Note at UNTIL 1 time 1
The journey takes long time.
The journey takes a long time. Long time ago there was a queen named Isabel.
A long time ago there was a queen named Isabel. a long time (WITH a ): ‘The film lasted a long time.’ 2
In the present time the situation is getting worse.
At the present time the situation is getting worse. We both left the building in the same time.
We both left the building at the same time. Most families get together in Christmas time.
Most families get together at Christmas time. He was born in the right time and in the right place.
He was born at the right time and in the right place. See Language Note on page 333 3
Last time Singapore used to be a fishing village.
Many years ago Singapore used to be a fishing village. Last time you promised to join me on a trip to Beijing.
The last time we met you promised to join me on a trip to Beijing. The last time (always with the ) refers to a particular occasion: ‘The last time we saw each other she said that she was going to get married.’ ‘This is the last time I’m coming here!’ To refer to a period in the (distant) past, use previously , formerly , many years ago , in
