but until when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but until when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express uncertainty about the duration of a situation or condition, often implying a need for a timeline or deadline. Example: "I can support you in this project, but until when do you need my help?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

They're thinking 'I'll stay here but until when?'" explained Holyem Saidani, a UNICEF psycho-social worker at Shousha camp.

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The new extension was completed, but went unnumbered until when NY 47 was realigned north of Blossom Road to follow the expressway north to the Empire Boulevard interchange, where it ended at US 104.

Wikipedia

But until 10pm, when the wind began to drop, their task was almost impossible.

Independent

But until recently, when Bank of America signed on, no banks had cooperated.

The New York Times

But until this summer, when the pod was torn down, only those inside the administration knew about the mold.

The New York Times

But until this autumn, when I saw Paul McCartney at Madison Square Garden, I had never heard any former Beatle in concert.

The New Yorker

But until this year, when applicants claimed United States citizenship, states had discretion: they could choose whether to require documentation.

The New York Times

But until March, when the electricity and gas were restored, Ms. DiMartino and Mr. Cocca did not know whether to send invitations.

The New York Times

But until 1956, when Maurice S. Friedman published a broad survey of Buber's work, few Americans besides professors and divinity students had ever heard of him.

The New York Times - Books

But until 1997, when the City Council lifted its 26-year ban on garbage disposals, the kitchen-sink route to oblivion was not an option for most of New York City.

The New York Times

The company was founded in 1955, but until 1994, when the product was launched in Europe, people in the West were blissfully unaware that they should be drinking Yakult to "support the work of beneficial bacteria already in the gut".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but until when" to introduce a question about the duration or termination of a situation, especially when contrasting it with a previous statement or expectation.

Common error

Avoid using "but until when" if you already have a defined end date or condition. This phrase is best used when seeking clarification or expressing uncertainty about the duration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but until when" functions as an interrogative conjunction phrase. It introduces a question that seeks to determine the duration or end point of a situation, often in contrast to a prior statement or expectation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

24%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

14%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but until when" serves as an interrogative conjunction phrase, designed to elicit information about the duration or termination point of a situation. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and common in diverse written contexts. Predominantly found in "News & Media", "Formal & Business", and "Wiki" sources, its neutral register makes it suitable for a wide range of communications. Remember, this phrase is most effective when there is a need to question or clarify an indefinite timeline. Alternatives like "but for how long" may offer slight variations in formality or emphasis. Understanding the communicative goal and the context will help you leverage "but until when" effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but for how long

Focuses directly on the duration, replacing "until when" with a more concise question.

but until what point

Substitutes "when" with "what point", emphasizing a specific moment in time.

but when does it cease

Uses a more formal term ("cease") for "end", slightly altering the tone.

but up to which time

Uses "up to which time" to specify a time limit.

but to what extent

Shifts the focus from time to degree or scope, implying a limit.

however until which moment

Adds "however" to contrast with a previous statement, emphasizing a specific duration.

but under what conditions will it end

Expands the question to include the circumstances required for termination.

but what's the cutoff

Employs a more informal expression ("cutoff") for a termination point.

but what is the expiration date

Replaces the open-ended "when" with a more specific request for a deadline.

but at what stage does it conclude

Replaces "when" with "at what stage", suggesting a phase or process instead of a simple date.

FAQs

How can I use "but until when" in a sentence?

You can use "but until when" to question the duration of an activity, state, or condition. For example: "I can support you in this project, "but until when" do you need my help?"

What's a more formal way to say "but until when"?

While "but until when" is acceptable, a more formal alternative could be "but for how long" or "until what time will this continue?" depending on the context.

What does "but until when" imply?

The phrase "but until when" typically implies a sense of needing clarification about the duration of something. It can also convey a subtle sense of impatience or a desire for a defined timeline.

Is it always necessary to use "but" before "until when"?

No, the "but" is not always necessary. It serves to contrast the question with a previous statement. You can use "until when" directly if there's no need for a contrasting element.