it will live on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it will live on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the idea that something will continue to exist or be remembered in the future. Example: "Though the author has passed away, her legacy and influence in literature will live on for generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"For us," she said, "it will live on forever".

The New York Times

But at least it will live on, as a hollowed-out virtual corporation.

Forbes

(Presumably that's down to its sheer popularity, but it remains to be seen how long it will live on for).

TechCrunch

I just hope it will live on".

The New Yorker

It will live on, just in a new home.

Independent

It will live on in this place, Penn State.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

But it's certain that it's cultural impact and notoriety will live on forever.

Vice

But it will be his words that will live on with us for much longer.

Huffington Post

That doesn't mean it shouldn't, of course, but its lack of built-in Bluetooth or space for Google Ads means it'll live on only as a render.

TechCrunch

But I'll keep the process in it, that will live on.

Huffington Post

It will live or die on the success of its jokes.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it will live on" when you want to express the continuation of an idea, tradition, memory, or impact, especially when something tangible may cease to exist. For example, "Though the building is gone, its spirit will live on."

Common error

Avoid using "it will live on" for situations that are expected to last only a short time. The phrase implies a lasting legacy or prolonged existence, so it's inappropriate for temporary scenarios. For example, don't say "The promotion will live on for the next week"; instead, use "The promotion will continue for the next week."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it will live on" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, indicating a future state of continued existence or remembrance. Ludwig's examples show its common use in expressing the enduring nature of ideas, legacies, and spirits.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Academia

4%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

HuffPost

2%

Forbes

2%

Vice

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it will live on" is a versatile and commonly used expression to convey the enduring nature or lasting impact of something, often beyond its physical existence. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media contexts. While appropriate for both formal and informal communication, it is best suited for conveying a sense of legacy or continued influence rather than short-term continuation. Alternatives like "it will endure" or "it will be remembered" can offer subtle variations in meaning, depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it will endure

Focuses on the lasting nature and ability to withstand challenges.

it will persist

Emphasizes continuous existence despite potential obstacles.

it will continue to exist

A more literal and straightforward way of expressing the same idea.

it will be remembered

Shifts the focus to the memory and legacy of something.

it will survive

Highlights the ability to overcome threats and remain.

it will carry on

Suggests that something will continue its function or activity.

it will prevail

Implies eventual triumph and continued existence after a struggle.

it will remain

A simpler way of stating that something will stay in its current state.

its legacy will continue

Specifically refers to the lasting impact or heritage.

it will last

Focuses on the duration of existence.

FAQs

How can I use "it will live on" in a sentence?

You can use "it will live on" to express that something will continue to exist, be remembered, or have an impact in the future. For example, "Although the company is closing, its innovative spirit "will live on" in its former employees."

What's the difference between "it will live on" and "it will continue"?

"It will continue" simply means something will keep happening or existing. "It will live on" implies a lasting legacy or impact, often beyond the original form. For instance, a tradition might end, but its influence "will live on".

What can I say instead of "it will live on"?

You can use alternatives like "it will endure", "it will persist", or "it will be remembered" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it will live on" formal or informal?

"It will live on" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the subject and the overall tone of the communication. It's suitable for expressing lasting impact in speeches, articles, and casual conversation.