in perpetuity

USAGE SUMMARY

'in perpetuity' is correct and usable in written English.
It typically means 'for eternity', or 'indefinitely'. For example, you could say, "The family trust was established in perpetuity, so that future generations could benefit from the estate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Valuations cannot rise in perpetuity.

The Economist

Should the authority exist in perpetuity?

The New York Times

These royalties will be paid in perpetuity.

The New Yorker

Those shadows are there in perpetuity".

The Guardian

The fees are guaranteed in perpetuity.

The New York Times

The trusts can be renewed in perpetuity.

The New York Times

"Eternity in perpetuity," she says.

The Guardian - Arts

The question dangles in perpetuity.

The Guardian - Music

The film has been withdrawn in perpetuity".

The Guardian - Film

We want to be affordable in perpetuity".

The Guardian

"We control the intellectual property in perpetuity.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in perpetuity" when you want to emphasize that something will continue indefinitely into the future without any foreseeable end. This phrase is particularly effective in legal documents, contracts, and discussions about long-term investments or endowments.

Common error

Avoid confusing "in perpetuity" (meaning forever) with "in perpetration" (meaning in the act of committing something, usually a crime). These phrases have very different meanings, so using the wrong one can drastically alter the intended message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in perpetuity" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that an action or state will continue indefinitely. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in perpetuity" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adverbial phrase that signifies something will continue indefinitely. Ludwig AI validates its appropriate use. It is commonly found in formal contexts such as news, science, and business, often used in legal agreements, financial endowments, and academic discussions where long-term duration is crucial. While alternatives like "forevermore" and "eternally" exist, "in perpetuity" maintains a formal tone. Be mindful not to confuse it with "in perpetration", which has a completely different meaning. Using "in perpetuity" effectively ensures clarity when emphasizing that something is intended to last without a foreseeable end.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

forevermore

Emphasizes continuation into the future from now on, suggesting a slightly more literary or emphatic tone than "in perpetuity".

for all time

Highlights the timeless aspect of the duration, implying a sense of grandeur or significance that "in perpetuity" might not always convey.

eternally

Focuses on the unending nature of something, similar to "in perpetuity" but often used in more emotional or philosophical contexts.

indefinitely

Stresses the lack of a defined end point, making it suitable when the exact duration is unknown or unimportant, unlike the strong implication of endlessness in "in perpetuity".

permanently

Implies a fixed and lasting state, suitable when something is intended to remain unchanged, whereas "in perpetuity" emphasizes continuous existence.

for good

Suggests a final and irreversible change, differing from "in perpetuity" which focuses on ongoing existence rather than a state change.

without end

Directly expresses the idea of limitless duration, similar to "in perpetuity" but can sound more poetic or dramatic.

for the duration

Emphasizes the entire length of something, but does not necessarily mean endlessly, creating an alternative meaning than "in perpetuity".

in all ages

Highlights continuation across historical periods, suggesting a broader scope than the individual focus of "in perpetuity".

from now on

Concentrates on the future continuation of the duration, therefore has a different purpose than the meaning of "in perpetuity".

FAQs

How can I use "in perpetuity" in a sentence?

You can use "in perpetuity" to describe something that lasts forever, such as "The land was donated to the park "in perpetuity", ensuring its preservation for future generations".

What are some alternatives to saying "in perpetuity"?

Alternatives to "in perpetuity" include "forevermore", "for all time", or "eternally", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "in perpetuity" in formal writing?

Yes, "in perpetuity" is grammatically correct and appropriate for formal writing, especially in legal, financial, or academic contexts where precise and enduring language is required.

What's the difference between "in perpetuity" and "permanently"?

"In perpetuity" implies something continues indefinitely without end, while "permanently" suggests a fixed state that is not easily changed. Something established "in perpetuity" is intended to last forever, while something that is "permanent" is simply long-lasting.