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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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it didn't last long

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

It didn't last long.

News & Media

The New Yorker

It didn't last long, naturally.

"But it didn't last long," he adds.

News & Media

Independent

It didn't last long, says Williams.

News & Media

The Guardian

Whatever they found, it didn't last long.

It didn't last long but even Carter spilled the ball.

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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.

Obviously it didn't last long.

News & Media

Independent

But with the runners, it didn't last long.

News & Media

The New York Times

Van Coot had a plan but it didn't last long.

If it was a success it didn't last long.

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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.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

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.

Expression frequency: Very common

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.

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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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

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Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: