it may last

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it may last" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express uncertainty about the duration of something, indicating that it has the potential to continue for a period of time. Example: "The storm is unpredictable, and it may last for several hours before clearing up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It looks as if it may last.

The New York Times

It may last several months.

The Guardian

It may last a couple of years.

The Guardian - Business

It may last for months, or even years.

Harvard University

Opti mists say it may last for weeks, even months.

The New York Times

Thanks to Mueller, it may last until Election Day.

The Washington Post

It may last from a few seconds to several minutes.

Nature

"I think it may last a long time," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Depending on the weather, the boot may last one season or it may last two.

WikiHow

It may last two or three more years and after that he'll be a notch less.

The New York Times - Sports

So far, tests have shown the gelatine can be extended to a lifespan of one month, although Pakstaite believes it may last longer.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it may last", clearly define what 'it' refers to in the context to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "It may last a long time", specify "The recovery process may last a long time."

Common error

Avoid using "it may last" in close proximity to other sentences containing 'may' or 'might'. Overuse of modal verbs can make your writing sound hesitant and uncertain. Vary your sentence structure and use stronger verbs where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it may last" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a possibility or uncertainty regarding the duration of an event, state, or condition. Ludwig AI shows various contexts where this phrase is used to indicate that something has the potential to continue for an unspecified period.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

24%

Science

22%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it may last" is a versatile phrase used to express uncertainty about the duration of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and very common, appearing frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While appropriate for various registers, it's crucial to ensure clarity by explicitly defining what 'it' refers to and avoiding overuse in close proximity to similar modal verbs. When aiming for more descriptive or impactful language, consider alternatives like "it could endure" or "it might continue".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it could endure

Emphasizes resilience or ability to withstand over time, implying a stronger sense of persistence.

it might continue

Suggests a possibility of ongoing action or state, similar to the original phrase but with a slightly different nuance.

it is liable to persist

Implies a higher probability of continuing, often used in contexts where something undesirable is expected.

it is likely to go on

Focuses on the continuation of an event or activity, suggesting a reasonable expectation of it happening.

it has the potential to extend

Highlights the inherent capacity for elongation or expansion, implying a natural tendency to prolong.

it is capable of lasting

Emphasizes the ability or capacity to endure for a certain duration, similar to "it could last" but with a stronger assertion of capability.

its duration is uncertain

Shifts the focus to the ambiguity of the length of time, while still implying that the event has commenced.

its end is not yet in sight

Suggests the potential for long duration by emphasizing that the termination is far off or unseen.

it is expected to run

Refers primarily to the duration of something that's planned or has a scheduled course.

it remains to be seen how long it will go for

Expresses the unknown quantity of time that may pass, is a longer, more verbose alternative.

FAQs

How can I use "it may last" in a sentence?

Use "it may last" to express uncertainty about the duration of something. For example, "The effects of the medication may last for several hours" or "The economic downturn it may last longer than anticipated."

What are some alternatives to "it may last"?

You can use alternatives like "it could endure", "it might continue", or "it is liable to persist" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "it may last" instead of "it will last"?

"It may last" implies uncertainty about the duration, while "it will last" suggests a definite timeframe. Use "it may last" when you are unsure how long something will continue. For example, "The conference it may last three days" suggests it could be shorter, whereas, "The conference it will last three days" indicates a confirmed duration.

What is the difference between "it may last" and "it could last"?

Both "it may last" and "it could last" express possibility, but "may" suggests a slightly higher probability than "could". "It may last" indicates a reasonable chance of continuing, while "it could last" suggests a more remote possibility. In most contexts, they are interchangeable but can also affect nuance.