lasting for decades

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lasting for decades" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that endures or continues over a long period, specifically decades. Example: "The tradition of storytelling has been lasting for decades, passed down through generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

An incredible inflation got under way, lasting for decades.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But Mother Teresa's "dark night" was of a different magnitude, lasting for decades.

The New York Times

ICSI's previous visiting program with Italy in the 1990's resulted in many successful research collaborations, some lasting for decades.

University of California, Berkeley

For many individuals, substance use leads to a chronic cycle of relapse, treatment reentry, and recovery, often lasting for decades.

Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment

Because climate naturally warms and cools on cycles lasting for decades, the observed Antarctic cooling does not disprove the idea of human-induced global warming.

The New York Times - Science

BEHIND THE NEWS The sweeping action followed a damning grand jury report accusing the archdiocese of a widespread cover-up of predatory priests lasting for decades.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Their affair lasted for decades.

The New York Times

This struggle lasted for decades.

The New Yorker

"And it lasted for decades".

The New York Times

Radioactive contamination could last for decades.

The New York Times

Liners can and should last for decades.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lasting for decades", ensure the context clearly establishes what began at a specific point in the past and has continued through the present, or is projected to continue well into the future. Providing concrete examples or supporting evidence strengthens the statement.

Common error

Be specific about what is "lasting for decades". Avoid using the phrase with overly broad or abstract subjects, as this can weaken the impact of your statement. For example, instead of saying 'progress is lasting for decades', specify which specific achievements are lasting and why.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lasting for decades" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a present participle phrase, that modifies a noun by indicating the duration of something. It describes something that extends over a period of multiple decades. Ludwig examples show it often follows a noun to provide context on longevity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lasting for decades" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe something that persists over many decades. Ludwig AI validates this, indicating its widespread acceptance. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, it emphasizes the long-term impact or duration of events or trends. When using this phrase, ensure the subject is specific and the context clearly establishes the timeline. Alternatives such as "persisting for decades" or "spanning decades" can provide slight variations in emphasis. As with similar analyses, this phrase is best suited for neutral and professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persisting for decades

Focuses on the continuation of something over several decades.

enduring for decades

Highlights the ability to withstand challenges over a long period.

spanning decades

Emphasizes the breadth of time covered.

continuing for decades

Simply states the ongoing nature over a long duration.

going on for decades

Suggests a process or activity that has been in progress for many years.

extending for decades

Implies a reach or scope that covers multiple decades.

remaining for decades

Highlights the sustained presence of something.

prevailing for decades

Suggests dominance or widespread existence over many years.

holding for decades

Focuses on maintaining a certain state or condition for a long time.

existing for decades

Simply indicates the presence of something over a long period.

FAQs

How can I use "lasting for decades" in a sentence?

You can use "lasting for decades" to describe events, trends, or impacts that extend over a long period. For example, "The effects of the policy changes are expected to be "lasting for decades".".

What are some alternatives to "lasting for decades"?

Alternatives include "persisting for decades", "enduring for decades", or "spanning decades". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "lasting for decades"?

Yes, "lasting for decades" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. Ludwig confirms its acceptability.

What's the difference between "lasting for decades" and "lasting decades"?

"Lasting for decades" is more common and grammatically sound. "Lasting decades" is less frequently used and may sound awkward, lacking the preposition "for" to clearly indicate duration.