Would "valid to" make sense when referring to an expiration date? I've got this text right now:
- Valid from: 01/10/2014
- Valid to: 10/10/2014
It doesn't sound correct. Should it be "until"?
In which cases can I use "to" and not "until"?
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1Whichever you pick, please don't use the construction found in some contest ad disclaimers: 'Offer ends October 10th or while supplies last'.– Jim MackCommented Oct 1, 2014 at 18:21
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Why not, @JimMack?– IOrlandoniCommented Oct 2, 2014 at 20:59
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Seriously? "Offer ends...while supplies last" was common (and much mocked) a few years ago, from fast food joints with promotional giveaways.– Jim MackCommented Oct 2, 2014 at 21:50
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Didn't know that. However, why was it mocked? It makes sense to me.– IOrlandoniCommented Oct 2, 2014 at 22:42
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Because it's contradictory. The offer continues or is valid while supplies last. It ends when supplies are exhausted.– Jim MackCommented Oct 3, 2014 at 0:26
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1 Answer
Both "to" and "until" can imply that the item is not valid on the end-date specified, but only up to that date.
"Valid through" would imply that it was valid through that final end-date, and eliminates any possible misinterpretation.
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That is a USA usage, which does not carry through to British English (and therefore, I suspect, the English spoken by people from many of the countries of the former British empire. If you want to be unmistakably clear you probably lead to say things light "valid till the beginning of (or, end of) dd/mm/yr". The need for precision varies substantially. many clubs, and similar organisations with annual memberships don't worry if a someone tries to get into the swimming club on the expiry date of the card. If it is the end of a home rental contract greater precision is needed.– TuffyCommented Nov 15 at 20:50