it outlasted them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it outlasted them" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something has endured or remained in existence longer than a particular group of people or things. Example: "The ancient tree has stood for centuries; it outlasted them all, witnessing the rise and fall of many generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It outlasted them.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

For years, they'd been inviting guests to place bets on when it would topple, never considering that it might outlast them.

The New Yorker

Chrebet outlasted them all.

The New York Times - Sports

They have outlasted them both.

The Guardian

Add 2016, when Chile outlasted them in an unending rumble.

The New York Times - Sports

McNair was not as acclaimed, but he outlasted them all.

The New York Times - Sports

(The bird outlasted them all, staying until 6 45 the next morning).

The New Yorker

Within Africa, early H. erectus overlapped with the two other species of early Homo but eventually far outlasted them.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Eminem outlasted them all.

Vice

My lone voice had outlasted them.

Huffington Post

Importantly, fibrosis became apparent only after the onset of lung function changes and outlasted them.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it outlasted them" to emphasize the longevity or resilience of a subject compared to others, particularly when highlighting historical, competitive, or survival contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "it outlasted them" when the comparison is not clearly defined or the subjects being compared are not naturally comparable. Ensure that the context makes it clear what "it" and "them" refer to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it outlasted them" functions as a concise way to express that something has endured or survived for a longer period compared to a specific group. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and the examples illustrate its use in diverse contexts to denote superior longevity or resilience.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it outlasted them" is a grammatically correct and effective way to convey that something has endured longer than a particular group. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources and science, indicating its suitability for factual and objective reporting. While not exceptionally common, its usage is well-established and understood. For more nuanced expressions, alternatives like "it survived them" or "it endured beyond them" can be considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it survived them

Focuses on the act of surviving past others.

it endured beyond them

Highlights the aspect of enduring or lasting longer.

it outlived them

Directly states that something lived longer than others.

it surpassed them in longevity

Emphasizes the aspect of surpassing in terms of length of existence.

it persisted after their demise

Focuses on the continuation after the end of something else.

it remained when they were gone

Highlights the state of remaining while others disappeared.

it continued past their termination

Emphasizes the ongoing nature beyond the end of something.

it maintained its existence despite them

Focuses on maintaining existence in spite of other entities.

it prevailed while they faded

Highlights the contrast between prevailing and fading.

it weathered their passing

Emphasizes the ability to withstand the passage of time or events.

FAQs

How can I use "it outlasted them" in a sentence?

Use "it outlasted them" to illustrate how something has survived or endured longer than other comparable things or entities. For example, "The old oak tree "it outlasted them", standing as a silent witness to generations of change."

What's a good alternative to "it outlasted them"?

Alternatives include "it survived them", "it endured beyond them", or "it outlived them". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it outlasted to them"?

No, the correct phrase is "it outlasted them". The preposition "to" is unnecessary and grammatically incorrect in this context.

Can "it outlasted them" be used in a formal context?

Yes, "it outlasted them" is suitable for formal contexts, especially when discussing historical events, business strategies, or scientific findings where longevity and endurance are key factors. For example, "The company's innovative approach "it outlasted them" competitors."