last for ages

USAGE SUMMARY

'last for ages' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that has lasted or will last a long time. Example sentence: "My grandmother's stories last for ages!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

If a bridge can resist this then it will last for ages.

Hormigón y Acero

Plus a super-generous 10ml in the bottle made mine last for ages.

Independent

My favourites (see here and here) are from Ren, which are expensive but last for ages.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The breakdowns last for ages, and people start losing their minds because it's so intense".

The Guardian - Music

It'll last for ages, then it will improve and then it will get worse again.

The Guardian

The meetings last for ages — 6 hours 6 minutes in the case of the higher education session.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

I buy a big jar and it lasts for ages.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Stilton quiche Stilton lasts for ages in the freezer.

Independent

If nothing else, it smells delish and lasts for ages.

Independent

Any good cheesemongers or Italian grocers should have it, or it is easily found online and lasts for ages.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Even if you're not a vegetarian, tofu is definitely a great choice; it's cheap, lasts for ages and soaks up flavour like a sponge.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "last for ages" to emphasize the extended duration or durability of something, whether it's a physical object, a relationship, or a concept. This phrase is best used when you want to convey that something's lifespan or relevance will be notably long.

Common error

While "last for ages" is widely understood, avoid using it in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise terms like "long-lasting" or "durable" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "last for ages" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating duration. It describes how long something is expected to endure, as confirmed by Ludwig and the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Lifestyle

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Academia

4%

Tech

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "last for ages" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to emphasize the longevity or durability of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for general use, though it might be better to avoid it in highly formal writing. It appears most frequently in news and media and wiki contexts. While it's a useful and widely understood phrase, remember to consider the context and audience to ensure your language is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

endure for a long time

Focuses on the endurance aspect rather than a specific duration.

persist for years

Emphasizes a duration of multiple years.

remain for a considerable period

Uses a more formal tone and highlights the duration.

continue for a long duration

Replaces "ages" with the synonym "duration".

hold up for many years

Highlights the ability to withstand wear and tear over a long time.

have a long lifespan

Shifts the focus to the lifespan of something.

stand the test of time

Idiomatic expression indicating lasting quality.

be long-lasting

More concise and directly states the quality of lasting long.

go the distance

Idiomatic expression suggesting perseverance and prolonged existence.

be built to last

Specifically refers to the construction and durability of something.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is said to "last for ages"?

Saying something will "last for ages" means it is expected to "endure for a long time" or have a very long lifespan. It emphasizes the longevity of the item, idea, or relationship.

Is "last for ages" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "last for ages" is generally considered informal. In formal contexts, it's better to use phrases such as "long-lasting", "durable", or "endure for a considerable period".

How can I use "last for ages" in a sentence?

You can use "last for ages" to describe anything expected to have a prolonged existence. For example, "If properly maintained, this bridge will "last for ages"." or "A well-made coat should "last for ages"".

What are some alternatives to "last for ages"?

Alternatives include "persist for years", "stand the test of time", or "remain for a considerable period". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.