last for centuries

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "last for centuries" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that endures or remains relevant over a very long period of time. Example: "The ancient ruins are a testament to a civilization that can last for centuries, showcasing their remarkable engineering skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

"In many societies, the patterns of government last for centuries, or last for a millennium, and I think that Russia is the same.

The New York Times

"WE ARE forming a new political culture", President Viktor Yushchenko told the people of Ukraine last week, "which will last for centuries".

The Economist

Built to last for centuries, it carried its final train, loaded, perhaps apocryphally, with frozen turkeys, in 1980.

The New York Times

"The most important thing was creating a watch to last for centuries".

The New York Times

A book printed on acid-free paper will last for centuries.

The New York Times - Tech

The consequences of our failure to act will last for centuries.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

"It's the most beautiful, the most time-consuming and it lasts for centuries," she said.

The New York Times

He himself developed a doctrine of mystical love, the influence of which lasted for centuries.

Britannica

The ruins, having lasted for centuries, could wait for me a little longer.

The New York Times - Travel

So to keep a wood lasting for centuries it was constantly renewing itself.

The Guardian

MARTÍN SASTRE "The war for fiction control lasted for centuries," intones a voice straight out of a blockbuster movie trailer.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the durability or impact of something, use "last for centuries" to underscore its long-term relevance or resilience. For instance, "The principles of democracy should last for centuries." Emphasize long-term impact and durability.

Common error

Avoid using "last for centuries" when the context suggests a shorter timeframe or when there's no evidence to support such longevity. This can create unrealistic expectations or undermine credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "last for centuries" functions as a predicate within a sentence, indicating the duration or expected lifespan of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form, suggesting its role in expressing longevity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "last for centuries" effectively communicates the enduring nature of a subject, whether it's a structure, an idea, or an environmental impact. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness, making it a reliable choice for describing long-term durability. It is most frequently found in news and media, encyclopedias and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the context supports the claim of such extended longevity to maintain credibility. Common alternatives include "endure for centuries" and "stand the test of time".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

endure for centuries

Replaces "last" with "endure", emphasizing the ability to withstand time.

persist for centuries

Substitutes "last" with "persist", highlighting continuous existence over a long period.

remain for centuries

Uses "remain" instead of "last", focusing on the state of continuing to exist.

continue for centuries

Employs "continue" to stress the uninterrupted duration over a long time.

hold up for centuries

Replaces "last" with "hold up", suggesting resilience against decay or damage.

stand the test of time

A more idiomatic expression indicating survival and relevance over a long duration.

have a lasting impact for centuries

Adds the concept of "lasting impact", emphasizing the significance of the endurance.

be preserved for centuries

Focuses on the aspect of being protected and maintained over a long period.

be sustained for centuries

Highlights the continuous support or maintenance required for something to last.

survive for centuries

Emphasizes the ability to overcome challenges and continue existing over a long time.

FAQs

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

Use "last for centuries" to describe something with exceptional durability or a long-lasting impact. For example, "The pyramids were designed to last for centuries." or "The environmental damage could last for centuries".

What are some alternatives to "last for centuries"?

You can use alternatives such as "endure for centuries", "persist for centuries", or "stand the test of time depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "last for centuries" or "last for decades"?

Use "last for centuries" when you want to emphasize a very long duration, specifically multiple centuries. If the duration is shorter, "last for decades" is more appropriate.

What's the difference between "last for centuries" and "have a lasting impact"?

"Last for centuries" refers to the physical or functional endurance of something, while "have a lasting impact" refers to the prolonged influence or effect it has over time. While something can do both, they describe different aspects.