it lasted a long time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it lasted a long time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the duration of an event or experience that extended over a significant period. Example: "The meeting was supposed to be brief, but it lasted a long time, leaving everyone exhausted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"It lasted a long time without spoiling," he said.

The New York Times - Food

Even though after the first one, which stood alone, it lasted a long time," she said.

Independent

But it was a phenomenon, and it lasted a long time, five years or so".

The New York Times

Further, he argued that a little knock never hurt anyone, unless it lasted a long time.

The New York Times

"At first it was light, but it lasted a long time and got stronger," she told Reuters.

The Guardian

It lasted a long time," Pawnee mayor Brad Sewell told CNN. "We've been having a lot of earthquakes over the last couple of years – most of those have been single tremors.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It lasts a long time.

The Guardian - Sport

It's because it's beautiful and rare and divisible and it lasts a long time.

Independent

It's expensive, but I can make it last a long time.

The Guardian

I keep it in the refrigerator, where it lasts a long time.

The New York Times

Also I've bought her Topshop stuff in the past and it lasts a long time.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the duration of events, consider using "it lasted a long time" to emphasize the length and impact of the event. Ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to for clarity.

Common error

Ensure the subject of the phrase "it lasted a long time" is clear to avoid ambiguity. Replace "it" with the actual subject if needed to improve clarity and comprehension.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it lasted a long time" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating the duration of a subject. This is verified by Ludwig, which marks the phrase as grammatically correct. Examples show it used to describe events, experiences, or phenomena.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

23%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it lasted a long time" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe the duration of events, experiences, or objects. As Ludwig confirms, it is versatile and suitable for various contexts, though clarity regarding the subject is key to avoid ambiguity. Its frequency is common, particularly in news and media, as well as in more informal and scientific contexts. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "it continued for an extended period" for formality or "it went on for quite a while" for casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it continued for an extended period

This alternative emphasizes the continuation aspect and uses more formal language.

it went on for quite a while

This alternative is more informal and emphasizes the duration.

it persisted for a considerable duration

This alternative uses more formal vocabulary, emphasizing the persistence of something.

it stretched out over a lengthy period

This alternative uses a more visual metaphor, suggesting the time was drawn out.

it endured for an age

This alternative employs a hyperbole to emphasize the perceived length of the duration.

it remained for an appreciable time

This alternative is more formal, stressing that the duration was noticeable or significant.

it took a good while

This alternative is more conversational, indicating a notable amount of time passed.

it spanned many years

This alternative specifically refers to years, providing a sense of extended chronology.

it ran for a good spell

This alternative uses a more colloquial term ('spell') to describe the duration.

it drew on for months

This alternative highlights the gradual passing of time, specifying 'months' as the unit of duration.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it lasted a long time" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "it continued for an extended period" or "it persisted for a considerable duration".

What's a more casual way to say "it lasted a long time"?

In a casual context, you could say "it went on for quite a while" or "it took a good while".

Is "it lasted a long time" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it lasted a long time" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe the duration of an event or phenomenon.

When should I use "it lasted a long time" versus "it lasted long"?

"It lasted a long time" emphasizes the duration more explicitly, while "it lasted long" is grammatically correct but less common and might sound slightly awkward to some native English speakers.