it rarely lasts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it rarely lasts" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that does not endure or continue for a long time, often in contexts related to emotions, trends, or experiences. Example: "While the excitement of a new project is thrilling, it rarely lasts beyond the initial phase."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It is, anyway, a historical truth that when sides strike a period when everything clicks perfectly as it did for Barça in that early period, it rarely lasts more than a few minutes, even in performances held up as the greatest of all time.

The Guardian - Sport

"It rarely lasts over the long term," he says.

Forbes

Some bitchass inmate will always drop a slip on a fellow convict gettin' buns, so it rarely lasts.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In our youth, when we hurt, it rarely lasted.

The New York Times

It comes and goes as it wills to those brave enough to risk it and rarely lasts very long.

Huffington Post

Each year he put on a new play, and each year it failed, rarely lasting a month before it closed.

The Guardian - Books

With nine Glasgow players in the team you could see the shrewdness of the intention but at this level it is a tactic rarely lasts the course of 80 minutes and despite the reputation for Schmidt teams to play high-octane rugby they are always comfortable to defend for long periods.

Independent

Popular music rarely lasts, even when its creators build it for that purpose — as Haggard typically did, with one eye on the past and another on the ages.

The New Yorker

Control without complexity rarely lasts very long.When it comes to co-operation, things get a bit trickier.

The Economist

The real cure, as in all bipolar illness, is nature: the average mood episode rarely lasts longer than six months before it goes into remission by itself.

The New York Times

With the nearest Jewish settlement hidden beyond the brow of surrounding hills, it almost seems possible to forget the Israeli occupation.The calm rarely lasts long.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it rarely lasts", ensure that the context clearly defines what "it" refers to. Clarity is crucial for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "it rarely lasts" when referring to something that demonstrably has lasted a significant amount of time. Be specific about the conditions under which something is unlikely to endure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it rarely lasts" functions as a statement about the duration of something. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness and usability. Examples show it describing the limited duration of phenomena like initial enthusiasm or stability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it rarely lasts" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to convey a lack of endurance or permanence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. With a "Rare" frequency rating, it's essential to consider context and audience when employing it. While versatile, more formal alternatives may suit academic or professional writing. The analysis reveals a distribution across News & Media, Formal & Business, and Wiki contexts, emphasizing the importance of clarity and avoiding overgeneralization in usage. Remember to define "it" clearly for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it doesn't last long

Uses a simpler, more direct structure, replacing "rarely" with "doesn't...long".

it seldom endures

Replaces "rarely" with "seldom" and "lasts" with "endures", offering a more formal tone.

it is short-lived

Employs the adjective "short-lived" to describe the brief duration.

it is fleeting

Uses the adjective "fleeting" to convey the transience of something.

it tends not to last

Replaces "rarely" with "tends not to", making it a slightly softer statement.

it has a short lifespan

Emphasizes the limited duration by using the term "lifespan".

it is only temporary

Highlights the impermanent nature of something.

it is ephemeral

Uses the more formal term "ephemeral" to indicate something very short-lived.

it is not sustainable

Suggests that something cannot be maintained or supported over time.

it lacks staying power

Focuses on the absence of the ability to remain effective or popular over time.

FAQs

How can I use "it rarely lasts" in a sentence?

You can use "it rarely lasts" to describe something that doesn't endure for an extended period. For example, "The initial enthusiasm for a new diet is often strong, but "it rarely lasts" beyond a few weeks."

What are some alternatives to "it rarely lasts"?

Alternatives include "it seldom endures", "it doesn't last long", or "it is fleeting". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is "it rarely lasts" formal or informal?

"It rarely lasts" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "it seldom endures" might be preferred in academic or professional writing.

What does "it rarely lasts" imply?

The phrase implies that something is transient or temporary. It suggests that the duration of the subject is limited and that it is unlikely to continue for a significant period.