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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
it didn't last long
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesAlternative expressions(3)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
52 human-written examples
It didn't last long.
News & Media
It didn't last long, naturally.
News & Media
"But it didn't last long," he adds.
News & Media
It didn't last long, says Williams.
News & Media
Whatever they found, it didn't last long.
News & Media
It didn't last long but even Carter spilled the ball.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
8 human-written examples
Farewell then, Juan Carlos Garrido: it was bad while it lasted and it didn't last long.
News & Media
Obviously it didn't last long.
News & Media
But with the runners, it didn't last long.
News & Media
Van Coot had a plan but it didn't last long.
News & Media
If it was a success it didn't last long.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "it didn't last long", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The trend was popular, but it didn't last long", specify: "The trend was popular, but the popularity didn't last long".
Common error
Avoid using "it didn't last long" as a way to dismiss an idea or event without providing further explanation. Instead, offer insights into why something had a short duration or what factors contributed to its limited lifespan.
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "it didn't last long" functions as a statement of duration, indicating that something's existence or relevance was brief. Ludwig examples show it often follows an initial period of success, excitement, or activity, highlighting the temporary nature of that state.
Frequent in
News & Media
100%
Less common in
Science
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Academia
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "it didn't last long" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey that something had a short duration. As Ludwig examples demonstrate, it's widely found in News & Media contexts. While perfectly acceptable, it's crucial to ensure clarity in usage and avoid using it as a vague dismissal without further explanation. For formal contexts, consider alternatives like "its duration was limited" to maintain a professional tone.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
it was short-lived
Emphasizes the brevity of the event or situation.
it didn't endure
Highlights the lack of staying power or persistence.
it was fleeting
Suggests the transient nature of the experience.
it quickly ended
Focuses on the rapid conclusion of the event.
it came to an abrupt end
Implies a sudden and unexpected termination.
it didn't continue for long
A more literal and straightforward way of expressing the same idea.
it ceased quickly
Highlights the rapid cessation or termination of something.
it was a brief episode
Identifies the event as a short and contained occurrence.
its lifespan was short
Emphasizes the limited duration of something's existence.
it proved ephemeral
Highlights the transient and non-lasting nature of the subject.
FAQs
What does "it didn't last long" mean?
The phrase "it didn't last long" means that something had a short duration or ended quickly. It implies that the subject in question did not continue for an extended period.
What can I say instead of "it didn't last long"?
You can use alternatives like "it was short-lived", "it didn't endure", or "it was fleeting" to convey a similar meaning.
How do I use "it didn't last long" in a sentence?
Use "it didn't last long" to describe something that had a brief duration. For example: "The initial excitement was intense, but it didn't last long", or "His enthusiasm for the project was strong, but "it quickly ended"".
Is "it didn't last long" formal or informal?
"It didn't last long" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional settings, such as "its duration was limited".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested