I cannot last

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I cannot last" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a feeling of being unable to endure or continue in a situation, often due to exhaustion or emotional strain. Example: "After working for 12 hours straight, I feel like I cannot last much longer without a break."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I cannot last long".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

And it cannot last.

Huffington Post

But those "extraordinary measures" cannot last forever.

The New York Times

In the harsh Darwinian world, such genetic mugs cannot last forever.

The Economist

Innovation-driven monopolies do exist but cannot last long.

Forbes

Many Turks believe it cannot last much longer.

The Economist

It is a pity it cannot last longer.

The New York Times

There is an iron law in economics: what cannot last does not last.

The Guardian

I mean, what kind of person cannot last the 3h 55m it takes from Gatwick to Heraklion without sparking up?

Vice

I also want to expand on my general sense that the regime is losing legitimacy and cannot last indefinitely.

The New York Times

In a series of rapid-fire questions Robin challenged Nibor about the price of petrol, the collapse of pension incomes and – out of the blue: "When was the last time you ever bought a pasty from Greggs?" "Er, um, I cannot remember the last time I bought a pasty from Greggs," the well-scrubbed chancellor stuttered, paling at the very thought of the delicacy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I cannot last" when you want to express a personal limit to your endurance, whether physically, emotionally, or mentally.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "I cannot last" can sound overly dramatic in formal settings. Opt for phrases like "I am unable to continue" or "I cannot sustain this" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I cannot last" primarily functions as a statement of personal limitation. It indicates an inability to endure or continue in a particular state or activity. As Ludwig AI highlights, it expresses a feeling of being unable to endure.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I cannot last" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express an inability to endure or continue, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It finds common ground in the News & Media. While versatile, it's best used in neutral contexts, avoiding overly formal settings where alternatives like "I am unable to continue" might be more suitable. When using this phrase, be mindful of the situation and adjust your language accordingly to ensure your message is clearly and appropriately conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am unable to continue

Replaces "cannot last" with a more formal synonym for "continue".

I don't think I can go on

Expresses doubt about the ability to proceed further.

I cannot keep going

Simple substitution to highlight the continuity of the action.

I can't endure this

Substitutes "cannot last" with "can't endure", focusing on tolerance.

I am unable to sustain this

Replaces "cannot last" with "unable to sustain", focusing on long-term viability.

I'm at my limit

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey reaching a point of exhaustion.

I'm reaching my breaking point

Emphasizes the imminence of collapse or failure to cope.

I'm failing to cope

Focuses on the inability to manage or deal with a situation.

I'm running out of steam

Employs a metaphor to describe a loss of energy or motivation.

I'm about to give up

Highlights the feeling of being on the verge of surrender.

FAQs

How can I use "I cannot last" in a sentence?

You can use "I cannot last" to express a feeling of being unable to endure or continue in a situation, often due to exhaustion or emotional strain. For example, "After working for 12 hours straight, I feel like "I cannot last" much longer without a break."

What can I say instead of "I cannot last"?

You can use alternatives like "I am unable to continue", "I can't endure this", or "I'm at my limit" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "I cannot last" or "I can't last"?

Both "I cannot last" and "I can't last" are grammatically correct. "I can't last" is a contraction and is more informal.

What does "I cannot last" mean?

The phrase "I cannot last" means that you feel you are unable to continue or endure a situation, typically due to exhaustion, stress, or other limiting factors.