might not last

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "might not last" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express uncertainty about the duration or permanence of something. Example: "The battery life on this device might not last through the entire day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He also cautioned that the gains from the last two days might not last.

The New York Times

Or he might not last until nightfall.

The New Yorker

"He might not last.

The Guardian - Music

This might not last long.

The Guardian - Sport

That arrangement might not last forever, though.

MIT Technology Review

Germany's enthusiasm for refugees might not last.

The Washington Post

But those prices might not last.

The New York Times

Yet there were signs the gains might not last.

The New York Times

But Mr Morse argues that such growth might not last.

The Economist

But he warned that these profits might not last long.

The New York Times

The celebration in Tehran might not last long, analysts say.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "might not last", consider adding context to explain why something may be temporary. This provides clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid presenting "might not last" as a definite conclusion. It expresses possibility, not certainty. Use qualifiers if necessary to reflect the degree of uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might not last" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing uncertainty about the duration or permanence of something. It indicates a possibility that something will not continue for an extended period.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "might not last" is a versatile phrase used to express uncertainty about the duration of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media. It's essential to use this phrase accurately, understanding that it conveys possibility rather than certainty. Consider using alternative phrases like "could be temporary" or "may be short-lived" to add variety to your writing while maintaining clarity. Remember that context is key when choosing the most appropriate expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be short-lived

Emphasizes the potential brevity of something.

could be temporary

Highlights the non-permanent nature of something.

is unlikely to endure

Focuses on the low probability of something continuing.

will probably fade

Suggests a gradual disappearance over time.

is not expected to continue

Formal way to indicate the cessation of something.

might not hold up

Implies that something may fail under pressure or time.

is not guaranteed to remain

Emphasizes lack of assurance of continuation.

isn't going to stick around

Informal expression suggesting something will disappear soon.

is subject to change

Highlights the possibility of alterations or discontinuation.

has an uncertain future

Expresses doubt about the prospects of something.

FAQs

How can I use "might not last" in a sentence?

You can use "might not last" to express uncertainty about the duration of something, as in, "This good weather "might not last" long."

What are some alternatives to "might not last"?

Alternatives include phrases like "could be temporary", "may be short-lived", or "is unlikely to endure", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "may not last" or "might not last"?

"May not last" and "might not last" are often interchangeable. However, "might" can sometimes imply a slightly lower probability than "may". Choose the one that best reflects your intended degree of uncertainty.

What's the difference between "might not last" and "will not last"?

"Might not last" suggests a possibility that something will end, whereas "will not last" indicates a higher degree of certainty that it will end. The first conveys uncertainty, the second, a prediction.