likely to last

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likely to last" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a high probability of enduring or continuing for a significant period of time. Example: "The repairs made to the bridge are expected to be likely to last for several decades, ensuring safety for future travelers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But like many forced marriages, it was never likely to last long".

The Guardian

Hers, though, is likely to last forever".

Independent

How long is that likely to last?

The New Yorker

The hearing is likely to last all week.

Independent

And durable goods are more likely to last.

The New York Times

Mineral's new fame is likely to last only 15 minutes.

The New York Times

The trial is likely to last into next year.

The Economist

But her honeymoon period is not likely to last.

The New Yorker

Microsoft's appeal is likely to last more than three years.

The New York Times

This dispute is likely to last for years.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Talks will resume at 10.30am on Thursday and are likely to last through the week.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the lifespan of physical objects or abstract concepts, use "likely to last" to convey a reasonable expectation of durability or continuation.

Common error

Avoid using "likely to last" when describing events with unpredictable outcomes. Instead, consider phrases that acknowledge uncertainty, such as "may last" or "could last."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likely to last" functions as a modifier, specifically indicating the predicted duration or lifespan of something. It suggests an expectation or probability that something will endure for a certain period. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "likely to last" is a versatile and correct phrase used to express an expectation about the duration of something. Ludwig AI affirms its validity and common usage. It's frequently found in news and media contexts, suggesting its widespread applicability. When using this phrase, be mindful of not overstating certainty and explore synonyms like "expected to continue" to add nuance to your writing. This phrase serves as a practical way to convey the predicted lifespan of an object, event, or condition in various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

likely to persist

A close synonym, with a slightly more formal tone focusing on the continuation of something over time.

expected to continue

Emphasizes the expectation of continuation, focusing on the anticipation of the event's duration.

predicted to endure

Highlights the predictive aspect of the duration, focusing on forecasting its persistence.

anticipated to persist

Stresses the anticipation of persistence, suggesting a strong belief in its continuation.

set to remain

Implies a predetermined state of continuation, focusing on its established path.

poised to continue

Suggests a readiness or preparedness to continue, highlighting its momentum.

bound to endure

Highlights the inevitability of its endurance, suggesting a lack of alternatives.

projected to persist

Focuses on the projection or estimation of its persistence, often based on data.

estimated to remain

Emphasizes the estimation of its continuation, suggesting an approximate duration.

expected to hold

Implies maintaining a current state or condition, focusing on stability.

FAQs

How can I use "likely to last" in a sentence?

You can use "likely to last" to describe something expected to endure for a period. For example, "The repairs made to the bridge are "expected to last" for several decades, ensuring safety for future travelers."

What are some alternatives to "likely to last"?

Alternatives include "expected to continue", "predicted to endure", or "anticipated to persist", depending on the context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "unlikely to last"?

Yes, "unlikely to last" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. It suggests that something is not expected to endure or continue for a significant period. For example, "The current economic boom is "unlikely to last"."

What's the difference between "likely to last" and "certain to last"?

"Likely to last" suggests a high probability of enduring, but not a guarantee. "Certain to last" implies absolute certainty of endurance. The choice depends on the level of confidence you want to convey. For example, the sentence 'The product is "certain to last" at least ten years' implies more trust on the product than saying 'The product is "likely to last" at least ten years'.