supposed to last

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "supposed to last" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate an expectation or assumption about the duration of something, often in relation to its intended lifespan or effectiveness. Example: "This battery is supposed to last for at least five years before needing replacement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

They're supposed to last beyond his presidency.

The Washington Post

They weren't supposed to last this long.

The New York Times

Some provisions are not supposed to last even that long.

The New York Times

His trip was only supposed to last one day.

The New York Times - Books

The arrangement was supposed to last for only six months.

The Economist

After all, this was supposed to last forever.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

It was supposed to last 60 days.

The Economist

The loan from the United States that was supposed to last four years was nearly gone.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The program was supposed to last six months.

The New York Times

Traditional hip implants are supposed to last 10 years or more before requiring replacement.

The New York Times

The multinational study was supposed to last five years, until about the beginning of 2015.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing warranties or product lifecycles, use "supposed to last" to clearly communicate the manufacturer's expectation for the product's lifespan.

Common error

Avoid using "supposed to last" as a guarantee. It expresses an expectation, not a legally binding promise. For guarantees, use terms like "guaranteed to last" or "warranted for".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "supposed to last" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating an expectation, intention, or design regarding the duration of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. This is evident in the numerous examples provided, where the phrase describes the expected lifespan of products, agreements, or even personal experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "supposed to last" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey expectations regarding duration. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is prevalent across various contexts, especially in news, academic, and scientific domains. While it denotes an anticipated lifespan, it should not be mistaken for a guarantee. When aiming for alternatives, consider phrases such as "expected to continue" or "meant to endure", which provide similar connotations. Keep in mind that while versatile, there can be alternative sentences with similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expected to continue

Focuses on the expectation of continuity, emphasizing duration.

meant to endure

Highlights the intention of withstanding or lasting for a certain period.

designed to persist

Emphasizes the design aspect of something lasting, implying a specific construction for longevity.

intended to remain

Stresses the purpose of remaining in a certain state or condition over time.

projected to hold

Implies a prediction or forecast of something maintaining its state or value.

estimated to survive

Focuses on the estimation of surviving or lasting through certain conditions.

anticipated to hold up

Suggests an expectation of maintaining integrity or functionality over time.

forecast to maintain

Highlights the forecasting of maintaining a certain level or condition.

predicted to persevere

Emphasizes the prediction of persevering or continuing despite challenges.

purported to extend

Indicates a claim or assertion of extending in duration or scope.

FAQs

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

You can use "supposed to last" to describe the expected duration of something. For example, "This phone battery is supposed to last all day on a single charge."

What is an alternative to "supposed to last"?

You can use alternatives like "expected to continue", "meant to endure", or "designed to persist" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "This should last" instead of "This is supposed to last"?

Yes, "This should last" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning, expressing an expectation of duration. However, "supposed to last" often implies an external expectation or design, while "should last" is more of a personal judgment.

What's the difference between "supposed to last" and "guaranteed to last"?

"Supposed to last" implies an expectation or design, while "guaranteed to last" offers a warranty or assurance of durability. If something is "guaranteed to last", the manufacturer is legally bound to provide a remedy if it doesn't meet that standard.