it lasted only until

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it lasted only until" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a specific duration or time frame for an event or situation that was temporary. Example: "The excitement of the event lasted only until the rain started pouring down."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

But it lasted only until 1999.

The New York Times

Paul and renamed the Twins, and a new franchise was granted to Washington (also named the Senators); however, it lasted only until 1971, when it was transferred to Dallas Fort Worth and renamed the Texas Rangers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yet even though it lasted only until the general election defeat of February 1974, his record suggests that a longer spell might have established Carr as the most enlightened and reforming of recent Conservative home secretaries.

The Guardian

After all, Orton's success was not only a long time coming (a decade of abject failure was crowned by a six-month spell in prison for defacing library books), but when it did finally arrive in 1964 (with the West End production of Entertaining Mr Sloane) it lasted only until 9 August 1967.

The Guardian - Books

They married again the following year in Botswana, but it lasted only until the following summer.

BBC

Their first 10-year marriage ended in divorce in 1974, and they married again the following year in Botswana, but it lasted only until the following summer.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

It lasted only two years until the next shuffle, with Lord Mandelson back in government, saw the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills coming into being, assuming responsibility for skills, apprenticeships and higher and further education.

The Guardian - Business

Gidley kicked his third goal to put his side into an 18-12 lead but it lasted only six minutes, until Hanbury took Widnes upfield with a surging run and Brown took a smart return pass out of the tackle from Houston to get centre Charly Runciman over out wide.

The Guardian - Sport

It lasted only a few months, until June 2016, but thousands of readers took an interest.

The Washington Post

It replaced the 1956 flag in 2001 after an acrimonious debate, but did not satisfy many Georgians and lasted only until last year.

The New York Times

His next venture, a fleet of hot dog and hamburger delivery vans in London, lasted only until he realized it was the buns that were in short supply.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it lasted only until", ensure the subject and the end date or event are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "The free trial lasted only until the end of July" is more precise than "It lasted only until then".

Common error

Avoid using "it lasted only until" without specifying what 'it' refers to or clarifying the endpoint. Always provide sufficient context to ensure the sentence is easily understood. For example, instead of saying "It lasted only until it broke", specify what broke.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it lasted only until" functions as an adverbial phrase of time, modifying a verb to specify the duration of an action or state. Ludwig demonstrates this usage across various contexts, indicating a limited period.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Science & Research

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it lasted only until" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to describe the limited duration of an event or situation, as affirmed by Ludwig. It's most commonly found in news and media, as well as encyclopedic content. When using this phrase, make sure to provide a clear context, specifying the subject and the end date or event to avoid ambiguity. While Ludwig examples are relatively uncommon, the phrase is versatile and can be replaced with alternatives such as "it was only valid until" or "it remained effective until" depending on your specific needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was only valid until

Replaces 'lasted' with 'valid', focusing on the period something is acceptable or functional.

it remained effective until

Substitutes 'lasted' with 'remained effective', highlighting the period something has a desired effect.

it was in effect only until

Emphasizes the period something was operational or legally binding.

it was only operative until

Focuses on the functionality and operational period of something.

it persisted only until

Replaces 'lasted' with 'persisted', stressing the continuation of something, even briefly.

it held good only until

Indicates the time something was true or applicable, using a more formal tone.

it was just up to

A more informal way of expressing a time limit or duration.

its duration was limited to

A more formal and explicit way to state that something's duration was restricted.

it extended merely to

Highlights that the continuation of something was minimal or short.

it continued solely up to

Emphasizes that something only continued up to a specific point, and no further.

FAQs

How can I use "it lasted only until" in a sentence?

Use "it lasted only until" to indicate the limited duration of something. For example, "The ceasefire "it lasted only until" the end of the month" shows the ceasefire's short lifespan.

What can I say instead of "it lasted only until"?

You can use alternatives like "it was only valid until", "it remained effective until", or "it was in effect only until" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "it lasted only until" or "it was lasting only until"?

"It lasted only until" is correct because it uses the simple past tense to indicate a completed action within a specific timeframe. "It was lasting only until" implies a continuous action in the past, which is less common and might not fit the intended meaning.

What’s the difference between "it lasted only until" and "it was supposed to last until"?

"It lasted only until" indicates the actual duration of something. "It was supposed to last until" indicates the intended or expected duration, which may have been different from the actual duration.