"Last for" refers to the duration or length of time something continues or remains in a particular state or condition. It is often used to describe the longevity or lifespan of an object, event, or experience. For example, when someone says, "The concert will last for two hours," it means that the concert duration is expected to be two hours. This phrase is commonly used in various contexts to indicate how long something will exist, be effective, or be enjoyable.

In short:

• It signifies the duration or longevity of something.
• It describes how long an event, condition, or object will continue or remain effective.

What Does "Last For" Mean?

The phrase "last for" indicates the expected or actual duration of time that something will continue or remain in effect. It can be applied to various scenarios, including the lifespan of products, the duration of events, the longevity of relationships, and the endurance of conditions or states. This phrase helps set expectations about the length of time something is anticipated to last.

More about the phrase's meaning:

• It is often used to provide specific information about the duration of something.
• The phrase can be applied to both tangible and intangible things.
• It helps in planning and managing expectations related to time.
• "Last for" can refer to both short-term and long-term durations.
• It is a versatile phrase used in everyday language, professional settings, and academic contexts.

Where Does "Last For" Come From?

The phrase "last for" comes from the word "last," which has Old English roots. Historically, "last" has been used to denote continuity or the ability to endure over time. The term evolved to include the preposition "for" to specify a duration of time. "Last for" is a linguistic construction that combines the concept of duration with the specifics of how long that duration is expected to be.

Historical Example

"This battery is designed to last for up to 10 hours."

- An example of the phrase used in a product context

10 Examples of "Last For" in Sentences

To help you get a good grasp of when to use this phrase, let's check out some examples from different situations:

• The effects of the medicine are expected to last for about four hours.
• Her speech lasted for 30 minutes, captivating the audience.
• The warranty for this appliance lasts for two years.
• They hoped their vacation would last for at least a week.
• The meeting is scheduled to last for an hour.
• These flowers can last for several days if properly cared for.
• He was a boxer; he had to knock 'em down individually and last for all the rounds.
• The play is set to last for two and a half hours, including intermission.
• She was a new employee, so she had to integrate with the team and last for the probation period.
• The celebration lasted for the entire weekend.

Examples of "Last For" in Pop Culture

This phrase is also found in pop culture, often in contexts where the duration of an event, relationship, or experience is described.

Let's look at some examples:

• In a romantic movie, a character might say, "Our love will last for eternity," to express the depth of their feelings.
• A documentary might describe how a particular historical event lasted for several years.
• In a song, lyrics might include "last for a lifetime" to convey the enduring nature of a sentiment or experience.

Synonyms: Other/Different Ways to Say "Last For"

Here are some alternative phrases that express the same idea:

• Endure for
• Continue for
• Go on for
• Extend over
• Persist for
• Remain for
• Run for
• Span
• Stretch over
• Sustain for

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Last For":

• What does "last for" mean?

"Last for" means the duration or length of time something continues or remains in a specific state or condition.

• Can "last for" be used for both good and bad situations?

Yes, it can be used to describe the duration of both positive and negative situations or conditions.

• Is "last for" a formal phrase?

It's a neutral phrase that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

• How is "last for" different from "lasts until"?

"Last for" specifies the duration, while "lasts until" indicates the endpoint of a duration.

• Can "last for" be used in scientific contexts?

Yes, it's often used in scientific contexts to describe the duration of phenomena, effects, or experiments.

• Is "last for" always about time?

Yes, it specifically refers to the duration of time.

• Can this phrase be used to describe emotions?

While less common, it can be used metaphorically to describe the duration of emotions or feelings.

• How can I use "last for" in a sentence?

You can use it to indicate the expected duration of something. For example, "The conference is expected to last for three days."

• Can "last for" be used to describe relationships?

Yes, it can be used to describe the duration of personal or professional relationships.

• Does "last for" imply a definite or indefinite time period?

It can imply either, depending on the context. It can be used for both definite and indefinite durations.

Final Thoughts About "Last For"

The phrase "last for" is a common and versatile expression to discuss the duration of various events, states, and conditions. It's useful for setting expectations about how long something is expected to last and is applicable in a wide range of contexts.

To sum it up:

• It's commonly used to indicate the expected duration of something.
• Applicable in both tangible and intangible contexts.
• Helpful in planning and expectation management.
• Suitable for use in everyday language, professional environments, and academic discussions.