not continue for long

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not continue for long" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that is expected to be brief or short-lived. Example: "The meeting was productive, but I knew it would not continue for long due to everyone's busy schedules."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

That arrangement clearly could not continue for long after the creation of the German federal republic in 1949.

The Guardian

Mr. Goodman also argued that the phone companies could not continue for long to offer high-speed access at the reduced rates, which he said were not profitable.

The New York Times

Given that stock prices are a bet on future earnings, the imbalance may not continue for long, said Mr. Esrey at Sprint.

The New York Times

Chris Powell, the assistant manager, has been asked to take charge of the team in the interim, although that situation will not continue for long, with Derby expected to make a decision about the manager swiftly.

The Guardian - Sport

However, this scaling trend could not continue for long with silicon as the channel material.

Nanoscale Research Letters

In principle, it seems possible to show this by showing that non-self-regarding desires do not continue for long once their connection to our welfare is broken.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

This may be due to the fact that follow up was not continued for long enough to detect a drop off in risk.

Plosone

On the one hand, pure price competition can't continue for long; rising demand for services in the primary destinations for offshoring companies has lead to rapid wage convergence.

The Economist

"This situation won't continue for long.

Forbes

The status quo won't continue for long though and the desperate need for cash will be the catalyst for change.

BBC

This can't continue for long.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not continue for long", ensure the context clearly indicates what is expected to be short-lived. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the message.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "not continue for long" can sound informal in some contexts. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "be transient" or "have a limited duration" in formal documents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not continue for long" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the limited duration of an action or state. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not continue for long" is a grammatically correct way to express that something is expected to end soon. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While it's commonly found in news articles, scientific publications, and general writing, it leans toward informality. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "be transient" or "have a limited duration". Remember to clearly indicate what is predicted to be short-lived to avoid any ambiguity. The frequency of the phrase is uncommon so it is less used with respect to other alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not last long

Emphasizes the brevity of duration, focusing on the ending.

not endure for long

Highlights the inability to withstand or sustain over time.

not persist for long

Focuses on the cessation of an ongoing state.

not remain for long

Stresses the temporary nature of a presence or condition.

not hold out for long

Implies a struggle to maintain, suggesting an eventual failure.

not go on for long

Refers to the termination of an activity or event.

be short-lived

Directly states the briefness of existence or occurrence.

be transient

Highlights the fleeting and impermanent nature.

be ephemeral

Emphasizes the extremely short duration and lack of lasting impact.

have a limited lifespan

Focuses on the finite duration of something's existence.

FAQs

What does it mean when something will "not continue for long"?

It means that a situation, activity or state is expected to end soon or last for a limited time. It suggests temporality and a foreseeable conclusion.

How can I use "not continue for long" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe events that are temporary. For example: "The assistant manager has been asked to take charge of the team in the interim, although that situation will "not continue for long".

What can I say instead of "not continue for long"?

You can use alternatives like "not last long", "not endure for long", or "be short-lived" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "not continue for long" and "not last long"?

"Not continue for long" emphasizes the ongoing nature of something that will soon cease, while ""not last long"" simply focuses on the brevity of its existence. The difference is subtle and both can often be used interchangeably.