last for hours

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "last for hours" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that endures or continues for an extended period of time, typically in reference to events, experiences, or conditions. Example: "The concert was so captivating that it seemed to last for hours, leaving the audience wanting more."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Conversation can last for hours.

The New York Times - Travel

The sunsets last for hours.

The New York Times - Books

Its numbing can last for hours.

The New York Times

They can last for hours or days.

The New Yorker

The recording sessions would last for hours.

The New Yorker

He can make a single butt last for hours.

The New York Times - Sports

They usually last for hours and I can't escape them.

Independent

Friendships were forged that might last for hours, possibly days.

The New York Times - Magazine

On jobs that last for hours, officers try to rotate talking to the person.

The New York Times

Dr. Varadarajulu said the swelling can show up suddenly and last for hours or days.

The New York Times

The ritual is held twice a day in most homes, and can last for hours.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the duration of an event or activity, use "last for hours" to convey that it takes a significant amount of time. This phrase is suitable for various contexts, from describing a concert to explaining the length of a meeting.

Common error

Avoid using "last for hours" when describing events that may only last for a few minutes or a very short time. Ensure the duration genuinely extends to multiple hours to maintain accuracy and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "last for hours" functions as a verb phrase indicating the duration of an event, activity, or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, making it a straightforward way to express that something persists over an extended period.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

28%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "last for hours" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe the duration of events, activities, or conditions. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and broad applicability. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, with high occurrence in news and media, scientific articles, and general discussions. When writing, remember to use this phrase to accurately convey an extended duration, ensuring the event or activity genuinely takes several hours. Alternatives like "continue for hours" or "extend for hours" can provide slightly different nuances, depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continue for hours

Replaces "last" with "continue", emphasizing the ongoing nature of the duration.

extend for hours

Substitutes "last" with "extend", highlighting the reach or scope of the duration.

go on for hours

Uses the phrasal verb "go on" instead of "last", providing a more informal tone.

persist for hours

Employs "persist" in place of "last", suggesting a stubborn or prolonged duration.

endure for hours

Replaces "last" with "endure", implying a sense of withstanding or lasting through a difficult period.

take hours

Shifts the focus to the time required, using "take" instead of "last".

occupy hours

Replaces "last" with "occupy", framing the duration as filled or taken up by something.

stretch for hours

Uses "stretch" instead of "last", emphasizing the length or drawn-out nature of the duration.

span hours

Replaces "last" with "span", highlighting the breadth or scope of the time period.

drag on for hours

Uses "drag on" instead of "last", suggesting a slow and tedious duration.

FAQs

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

You can use "last for hours" to describe the duration of an event or activity. For example: "The meeting seemed to "last for hours"", or "The effects of the medication can "last for hours"".

What can I say instead of "last for hours"?

You can use alternatives like "continue for hours", "extend for hours", or "go on for hours" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "last for hours" or "last hours"?

"Last for hours" is the correct and more common phrasing. "Last hours" is grammatically incorrect in most contexts where you are trying to describe duration.

What's the difference between "last for hours" and "take hours"?

"Last for hours" emphasizes the duration itself, while "take hours" focuses on the amount of time required for something. The former describes how long something continues, the latter describes the time an activity consumes.