may it continue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'may it continue' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to express a wish or a hope that something will continue. For example, "The tradition of passing on our heritage from generation to generation is so important; may it continue long into the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Crombie firm still makes its coats in Britain from British-made cloth, and long may it continue.

The Guardian - Opinion

Long may it continue.

The Economist

And long may it continue.

The Guardian - Travel

May it continue capturing young hearts.

The New York Times

Saido's in great form and long may it continue".

Independent

"I'm so proud of him, and long may it continue".

Independent

We're in a great position, so long may it continue".

The Guardian - Sport

Long – and that is the operative word – may it continue.

The Guardian - Opinion

Long may it continue to be so informative and random.

The Guardian

Spot on, I think, and long may it continue.

The Guardian - Travel

There's no getting away from it and, if it funds great flicks, long may it continue.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may it continue" to express a sincere wish for the persistence of something positive or desirable. This phrase adds a touch of formality and hopefulness to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "may it continue" in very casual conversations or informal writing. Its somewhat formal tone can sound out of place in relaxed settings. Consider alternatives like "I hope it keeps up" or "Let's hope it continues" for a more natural feel.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may it continue" functions as an optative expression, conveying a wish or hope for the continuation of a state, action, or condition. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is suitable for expressing a positive desire.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may it continue" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to convey a wish for something to persist or endure. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. As evidenced by the numerous examples from diverse sources like BBC and The Guardian, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, indicating a neutral formality. When writing, remember that while generally acceptable, its somewhat formal tone might be out of place in very casual settings. Consider similar phrases like "may it persist" or "I hope it continues" to achieve a similar effect with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may it persist

Replaces "continue" with "persist", emphasizing endurance.

may it endure

Substitutes "continue" with "endure", suggesting a hope for lasting existence through challenges.

may it last

Uses "last" instead of "continue", focusing on the duration of the event or state.

here's hoping it continues

Adds a more conversational tone while maintaining the wish for continuation.

let's hope it continues

Similar to the previous phrase, it provides a slightly more proactive sentiment.

i hope it continues

Shifts to a first-person perspective, making the hope more personal.

may it go on

Replaces "continue" with the phrasal verb "go on", which is slightly less formal.

may it proceed

Uses "proceed" in place of "continue", implying a hope for uninterrupted progress.

long live it

Inverts the structure for emphasis, expressing a fervent wish for something's prolonged existence.

i trust it will continue

Expresses confidence in the continuation of something, rather than just hope.

FAQs

How can I use "may it continue" in a sentence?

Use "may it continue" to express a wish that something will persist. For example, "The tradition of passing on our heritage is important; may it continue long into the future."

What phrases are similar to "may it continue"?

Similar phrases include "may it persist", "may it endure", and "I hope it continues", which all convey a desire for something to last.

Is "may it continue" formal or informal?

"May it continue" carries a slightly formal tone, making it suitable for writing and speeches. In very casual conversations, consider using a more relaxed phrase like "let's hope it continues".

Can I use "may it continue" for negative situations?

While grammatically possible, it's more common and appropriate to use "may it continue" for positive or desirable situations. For negative situations, consider phrases expressing hope for change or improvement.