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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
it doesn't last long
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesTable 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
7 human-written examples
But it doesn't last long.
News & Media
Then or now, the one thing that doesn't change is that it doesn't last long.
News & Media
I have tried to impose a narrow allegiance on my practice but it doesn't last long.
News & Media
Now go forth, freshmen, and enjoy your time in high school -- it doesn't last long.
News & Media
Don't miss your chance; it doesn't last long.
Wiki
Serve the day you make it; it doesn't last long.
Wiki
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
53 human-written examples
It doesn't last.
News & Media
"Also, it doesn't last.
News & Media
It doesn't pan out, or if it does, it doesn't last.
News & Media
We've learned to unclog the pipes ourselves, but it doesn't last long: they soon get stopped up again.
News & Media
It doesn't last long though, he aces the next down the middle, the next serve is unreturnable and he wraps it up on a second serve which Raonic bats into the net.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "it doesn't last long" to emphasize the temporary nature of a situation, feeling, or object. This phrase is effective when you want to manage expectations or provide a realistic perspective on the duration of something.
Common error
While "it doesn't last long" is a useful idiom, avoid relying on it too frequently in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "it's fleeting" or "it's temporary" to maintain reader engagement and add nuance to your descriptions.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "it doesn't last long" functions as a statement expressing the limited duration of something. It's a common way to indicate that a particular condition, feeling, or object is temporary, as demonstrated in the examples provided by Ludwig.
Frequent in
News & Media
34%
Wiki
24%
Huffington Post
6%
Less common in
The Guardian - Sport
6%
The New Yorker
4%
Vice
4%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "it doesn't last long" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey that something is temporary or of short duration. Ludwig's analysis of various sources indicates that it is frequently found in news and media, as well as in wiki contexts. While versatile, it is advisable to avoid overusing this phrase and instead incorporate synonyms like "it's fleeting" or "it's temporary" to add variety to your writing.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
it's only temporary
Directly states the impermanence of something.
it is short-lived
Emphasizes the brief duration of something.
it is brief
Simply emphasizes the concise duration.
it is fleeting
Highlights the momentary or transient nature of something.
it won't be around for long
Expresses the idea that something's presence is limited in time.
it is momentary
Indicates something lasting for only a moment.
it doesn't endure
Focuses on the lack of permanence.
it is transient
Similar to ephemeral, indicating a state of passing quickly.
it has a limited lifespan
Highlights the restricted duration or existence of something.
it is ephemeral
Stresses the fleeting or transient nature of something, often with an artistic or philosophical nuance.
FAQs
What does "it doesn't last long" mean?
The phrase "it doesn't last long" means that something is temporary or has a short duration. It implies that a particular state, condition, or object will not persist for an extended period.
How can I use "it doesn't last long" in a sentence?
You can use "it doesn't last long" to describe anything that is fleeting. For example, "The initial excitement was intense, but "it doesn't last long"." or "The battery life is decent, but on heavy usage "it doesn't last long"."
What can I say instead of "it doesn't last long"?
You can use alternatives like "it's temporary", "it's fleeting", or "it is short-lived" depending on the context.
Is "it doesn't last long" formal or informal?
"It doesn't last long" is generally considered an informal phrase suitable for everyday conversation and casual writing. In more formal contexts, you might prefer phrases like "it is transient" or "it is of limited duration."
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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
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested