it does not last

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it does not last" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to talk about something which wears off quickly, or about an emotion or feeling that dissipates over time. For example: "The feeling of love is beautiful, but unfortunately it does not last."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

It does not last very long and does not happen every year.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Her washing must surely be whiter than anyone else's, even if it does not last so long.

The Guardian

Every Irish person who gets on that plane knows the feeling; some, like me, also know that it does not last for long.

The New Yorker

However, it does not last very long due to the extensive softening of the tool steel substrate and the thermal expansion mismatch between the hot work tool steel and the nitride coating.

Surface and Coatings Technology

The mushroom has a cortinate partial veil (resembling the webby cortina produced by species of Cortinarius) but it does not last for long; it occasionally leaves behind sparse remnants of tissue hanging on the cap margin and the upper part of the stem.

Wikipedia

It does not last forever".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

It doesn't last forever".

The New Yorker

What if it doesn't last?

The Guardian

It doesn't last usually and it's fine.

Independent

I hope it doesn't last for long.

Independent

It is all great, colorful fun while it lasts, but it doesn't last that long.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the temporary nature of abstract concepts such as feelings or trends, use "it does not last" to convey their impermanence with clarity.

Common error

While "it does not last" is a valid expression, avoid using it repetitively in close proximity within your writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "it is temporary" or "it is fleeting" to enhance readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it does not last" functions as a declarative statement, asserting that something is not permanent or enduring. Ludwig and its examples show it is typically used to describe the limited duration of a phenomenon, feeling, or condition.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it does not last" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate the transient nature of something. According to Ludwig, it's common across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While versatile, consider using synonyms to prevent overuse. With a neutral register, this phrase is suitable for both formal and informal settings. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and useful for describing the temporary nature of feelings, conditions, or phenomena.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is not permanent

Emphasizes the lack of enduring quality, differing in its focus on permanence as opposed to duration.

it is temporary

Highlights the transient nature of something, differing only in word choice.

it is fleeting

Stresses the brief and swift passage of something, adding an element of quick disappearance.

it is short-lived

Indicates a limited lifespan or duration, varying in its direct reference to life or existence.

it is transient

Focuses on the characteristic of passing through or across, differing in its emphasis on movement.

it is ephemeral

Highlights the very short duration and often beauty of something, adding a poetic quality.

it fades quickly

Emphasizes the process of diminishing or losing intensity, altering the focus to the manner of disappearance.

it does not endure

Highlights the inability to withstand or remain strong, differing in its emphasis on resilience.

it is not long-lasting

Directly states the absence of a prolonged existence, varying in its explicit mention of lasting.

it soon ends

Emphasizes the prompt termination of something, shifting the focus to the timing of the conclusion.

FAQs

How can I use "it does not last" in a sentence?

You can use "it does not last" to describe something that is temporary or doesn't endure over time. For example, "The initial excitement of a new job is wonderful, but "it does not last" forever".

What are some alternatives to "it does not last"?

Some alternatives to "it does not last" include "it is temporary", "it is fleeting", or "it is short-lived", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it doesn't last" instead of "it does not last"?

Yes, "it doesn't last" is a contraction of "it does not last" and is perfectly acceptable in most contexts, especially in informal writing or speech. Both phrases carry the same meaning.

When is it more appropriate to use "it does not last" over "it is temporary"?

"It does not last" is generally more suitable when emphasizing the duration or the process of ending, whereas "it is temporary" is a more direct statement about the state of being. The choice depends on the specific context and the desired emphasis.