is funny until

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is funny until" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is amusing or entertaining up to a certain point, after which it may no longer be considered funny. Example: "The joke is funny until you realize it has a serious underlying message."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

This is funny, until it is not.

The New Yorker

Which is funny, until you leave the cinema.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The comedian Dave Chappelle brilliantly remarked that everything is funny until it happens to you.

The New Yorker

Each anecdote is funny until it isn't, specific until it is everywhere.

The New Yorker

Their stubbornness is funny until it becomes catastrophic.

Los Angeles Times

Even Quiznos has gotten in on the act, which is funny until you taste their sandwiches.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

It was funny until it wasn't.

The New Yorker

These wild times were funny until, for Mr. Ebert, they weren't.

The New York Times - Books

Nobody knew he could be funny until we were cast together in The Pirates of Penzance.

The Guardian - Music

I'm just going to talk and be funny until 10 o'clock".

The Guardian

Ginger Minj: "I used to think I was funny until I met Kathy Griffin.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is funny until" to signal a change in tone or perception. It's effective when introducing a plot twist or a realization that transforms a seemingly amusing situation into something serious or problematic.

Common error

Avoid using "is funny until" if the subject remains humorous throughout. The phrase is designed to indicate a clear transition from amusement to a different, often negative, emotion or outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is funny until" functions as a transitional expression. It introduces a scenario or action that initially elicits amusement but subsequently leads to a negative or serious outcome. It sets up a contrast, highlighting a shift in perception or consequence, as Ludwig examples show.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is funny until" serves as a linguistic bridge, connecting initial amusement to an eventual realization of seriousness or negativity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in News & Media. This phrase is most effective when highlighting a shift in tone or perception, cautioning against potential undesirable outcomes. While alternatives like "is amusing until" exist, the core function of signaling a transition remains consistent. When using this phrase, be mindful of the intended context and ensure it accurately reflects a shift from humor to something more consequential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is amusing until

Replaces "funny" with a synonym, "amusing", maintaining the original structure and meaning.

is humorous until

Replaces "funny" with "humorous", offering a slightly more formal tone.

is all fun and games until

Introduces a more idiomatic expression, emphasizing the transition from lightheartedness to seriousness.

seems funny until

Adds the nuance of initial perception; something seems funny at first.

appears funny until

Similar to "seems funny until", this also focuses on initial impressions.

is lighthearted until

Shifts the focus to the lighthearted nature of the subject before the change.

is comical until

Replaces "funny" with "comical", suggesting a slightly broader comedic scope initially.

is a joke until

Highlights that something was initially considered a joke before turning serious.

is entertaining until

Focuses on the entertainment value before the change in tone or outcome.

is laughable until

Implies that something initially provokes laughter before becoming serious.

FAQs

How can I use "is funny until" in a sentence?

Use "is funny until" to indicate that something is amusing or entertaining up to a certain point, after which it may no longer be considered funny. For example: "The prank "is funny until" someone gets hurt."

What can I say instead of "is funny until"?

You can use alternatives like "is amusing until", "is humorous until", or "is all fun and games until" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "is funny until" and "was funny until"?

"Is funny until" refers to a situation that is currently amusing but will cease to be so at some point. "Was funny until" refers to a situation that used to be amusing but is no longer. Example: "His antics "are funny until" he goes too far" versus "His antics "were funny until" he started insulting people."

Is it appropriate to use "is funny until" in formal writing?

While "is funny until" is generally acceptable, consider the tone and audience. In highly formal contexts, you might prefer a more nuanced expression that conveys the same meaning with greater precision. For example, you might say "the situation "is entertaining until" the consequences become apparent."