cannot last forever

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot last forever" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to express the idea that something is temporary or will eventually come to an end. Example: "The joy of youth cannot last forever." Alternative expressions include "won't last indefinitely" and "is not eternal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

But Jordan's luck cannot last forever.

The Economist

The over-capacity cannot last forever.

The Economist

And he worries that this man cannot last forever.

The New York Times

As painful as the current climate of Islamophobia is, I believe that it cannot last forever.

The New Yorker

Beyond that, executives here recognize that the boom in notebook computers cannot last forever.

The New York Times

That underlines the E.C.B.'s assessment that policy is very accommodative, with the implication that this cannot last forever.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"This way of running the region cannot last forever," he added.

The New York Times

Sober experts both inside and outside the administration realise that the economic good news cannot last forever, and that the pendulum of exponential calculation can easily swing back.

The Economist

"The pressure against people like me cannot last forever, because the demands of the people are the opposite of what is happening in this country," he said.

The New York Times

Delgado has been around long enough to know that his hot streak cannot last forever — maybe not even into the postseason, on the verge of which he has almost single-handedly taken the Mets.

The New York Times - Sports

That degree of transience cannot last forever, and neither can this feeling of disconnection from myself, I am sure of it.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot last forever" to temper expectations, especially when discussing trends, emotions, or situations that are inherently unstable or reliant on specific conditions. This provides a realistic perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot last forever" in situations where a gentler expression of impermanence would be more appropriate. Overuse can sound melodramatic or cliché; consider alternatives for subtle contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot last forever" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a prediction or a statement about the temporary nature of something. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot last forever" is a commonly used phrase expressing the temporary nature of something. Ludwig AI analysis confirms it's grammatically correct and finds it used across news, business, and scientific contexts. It serves to temper expectations and highlight impermanence. Consider related phrases like "will eventually end" or "is only temporary" for variety. While versatile, avoid overuse in melodramatic contexts. The prevalence of this phrase in authoritative sources underscores its validity and widespread understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

will eventually end

Focuses on the inevitable conclusion.

is only temporary

Highlights the transient nature of something.

is not meant to be permanent

Suggests the design or expectation of impermanence.

has a limited lifespan

Indicates a finite duration.

is not sustainable indefinitely

Emphasizes the lack of long-term viability.

is destined to cease

Implies a preordained end.

is not built to endure

Focuses on the inherent inability to withstand time.

is approaching its expiration

Highlights the nearing of the end.

is subject to change

Focuses on change rather than complete cessation, but still implies impermanence.

is ephemeral

Uses a more formal term to describe something short-lived.

FAQs

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

You can use "cannot last forever" to describe anything that is temporary or not sustainable in the long term. For example, "The economic boom "cannot last forever"".

What are some alternatives to "cannot last forever"?

Some alternatives include phrases like "will eventually end", "is only temporary", or "is not sustainable indefinitely" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "can't last forever" instead of "cannot last forever"?

Yes, "can't last forever" is a contraction of "cannot last forever" and is perfectly acceptable in informal contexts. "Cannot" is slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "cannot last forever" and "will not last forever"?

While similar, ""cannot last forever"" often implies an inherent limitation or impossibility of permanence, whereas "will not last forever" simply states that something's duration is finite.