last a long time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'last a long time' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that is expected to have a duration that is longer than expected or desired. For example, "The winter this year is expected to last a long time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Signs last a long time.

The New Yorker

"They last a long time.

The New York Times

They also last a long time.

The New York Times

This thing could last a long time.

The Guardian - Opinion

It will last a long time.

The New York Times

It was: build something to last a long time.

The New York Times - Sports

"Plastic can last a long time, suspenders or something.

The New York Times

"They are going to last a long time".

The Economist

"The footprints last a long time," she said.

The New York Times - Travel

"It will be fun and, hopefully, last a long time".

The New York Times

"You want it to last a long time," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "last a long time", consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning of durability, endurance, or extended duration.

Common error

While "last a long time" is acceptable, varying your language can improve your writing. Consider alternatives like "endure for years" or "have a prolonged lifespan" for a more nuanced expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "last a long time" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the duration or longevity of something. It modifies a subject by expressing how long it will endure, as shown in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

35%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "last a long time" is a grammatically sound and very common way to express that something will endure or remain functional for an extended duration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and used across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, wikis, and scientific sources, this expression carries a neutral tone, suitable for both formal and informal communication. When aiming to convey durability or extended duration, consider incorporating "last a long time" into your writing. While effective, diversifying your phrasing with synonyms like "endure for years" or "have a prolonged lifespan" can further enhance the clarity and sophistication of your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold up for a considerable period

Suggests the ability to remain in good condition or function properly for a significant duration.

continue for an extended duration

Focuses on the continuity and length of time something persists.

have a prolonged lifespan

Focuses on the length of time something remains functional or viable.

prove durable over time

Highlights the demonstrated ability to withstand wear and tear.

offer long-term durability

Focuses on the quality of being able to withstand wear and tear for a considerable time in the future.

endure for years

Emphasizes the ability to withstand wear or decay over an extended period.

demonstrate longevity

Emphasizes the characteristic of having a long existence or service life.

remain viable for years

Highlights the capability to stay effective or successful over an extended period.

persist indefinitely

Suggests that something continues without a foreseeable end.

stand the test of time

Implies that something is durable and of high quality, proven over time.

FAQs

How can I use "last a long time" in a sentence?

You can use "last a long time" to describe the durability of an object, the duration of an event, or the persistence of a condition. For example, "This battery should "last a long time"", or "The effects of the policy may "last a long time"".

What are some alternatives to "last a long time"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "endure for years", "have a prolonged lifespan", or "stand the test of time".

Is it grammatically correct to say "last a long time"?

Yes, "last a long time" is grammatically correct. "Last" functions as a verb, and "a long time" acts as an adverbial phrase modifying the verb.

What does it mean for something to "last a long time"?

When something is said to ""last a long time"", it means that it is expected to function, endure, or remain relevant for an extended period.