it would not last

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it would not last" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express doubt or suggest something is unlikely to remain true or successful. For example, "He thought his new job would make him happy, but it would not last."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Mr. Lopez said that Mr. Kirchner, with whom he talks regularly, told him the day after the conflict began in March that "it would not last more than three days".

The New York Times

Similar doubts greeted the Bush administration and the neocon revolution: its novelty would be short-lived, it would not last and it was just not viable.

The Guardian

Summer was at its height, but the cicadas seemed to know that it would not last long.

The New Yorker

It would not last.

The New York Times - Sports

It would not last long.

The Guardian - Sport

The words implied that it would not last".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

It wouldn't last.

The New Yorker

They said it wouldn't last".

The New York Times - Sports

It wouldn't last five minutes.

Independent

Many said it wouldn't last a year.

The Economist

It wouldn't last long.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines what "it" refers to, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it would not last" without a clear referent for "it". Ambiguity can confuse the reader. For example, instead of saying "The trend was exciting, but it would not last", specify: "The trend was exciting, but its popularity would not last".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it would not last" functions as a predictive statement or an expression of doubt regarding the longevity or sustainability of a situation, object, or concept. Ludwig provides examples across various contexts where this phrase is used to convey impermanence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it would not last" is a common and correct way to express the belief or prediction that something is temporary or unsustainable. Ludwig provides numerous examples from reputable sources demonstrating its use in various contexts, from news to personal narratives. The phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for both formal and informal communication. While the phrase itself is neutral, the impact can be influenced by the context, implying doubt, caution, or even a sense of inevitability regarding the short-term nature of the subject at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it wouldn't endure

Replaces "last" with "endure", emphasizing the capacity to withstand or survive.

it was not going to last

Adds "going to" to emphasize the future and intention, making it slightly more descriptive.

it was doomed to fail

Shifts the focus to inevitable failure rather than simply not lasting.

it was not sustainable

Replaces the general idea of lasting with the more specific concept of sustainability, implying a lack of resources or conditions to continue.

it was short-lived

Uses an adjective to describe the brief duration, changing the grammatical structure.

it had no future

Focuses on the absence of a future, implying that something will cease to exist or be relevant.

it would soon be over

Indicates a quick end, emphasizing the imminent cessation of something.

it wouldn't stand the test of time

Emphasizes the inability to remain relevant or valid over a long period.

its effects were temporary

Specifies that the impact or consequences would not be long-lasting.

its viability was questionable

Casts doubt on the ability of something to function effectively or succeed in the long term.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it would not last" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "it was unsustainable", "it lacked longevity", or "its duration was limited".

What's the difference between "it would not last" and "it could not last"?

"It would not last" implies a prediction or strong belief that something is unlikely to continue. "It could not last" suggests that something is impossible to continue, perhaps due to inherent limitations.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "it would not last"?

You can use "it would not last" when discussing trends, relationships, political situations, or any situation where you anticipate impermanence or a limited duration. For example, "The peace treaty was fragile; many feared "it would not last"".

Are there any synonyms for "it would not last" that emphasize a negative outcome?

Yes, phrases like "it was doomed to fail", "it was short-lived", or "it had no future" convey a more negative connotation by highlighting the ultimate failure or lack of prospects.