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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
Last up to
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"last up to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English
It typically means the activity or event lasts until a certain point in time, typically a time limit or deadline. For example, "We will have the conference call last up to one hour."
✓ Grammatically correct
General
Academic
News
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
Participation in the study may last up to 3 months.
Academia
First-HD will last up to 4 months and ARC-HD will last up to 14 months.
Academia
Treatments last up to four months.
News & Media
Treatments last up to two years.
News & Media
H.P. says its batteries will last up to six hours.
News & Media
The assistance will last up to 12 months.
News & Media
The full investigation could last up to 18 months.
News & Media
The contamination may last up to 100 years.
News & Media
The investigation could last up to 18 months.
News & Media
The trial is expected to last up to eight weeks.
News & Media
(Those kidneys can last up to 20 years).
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
✓ Best practice
When using "last up to", ensure the timeframe is clearly defined and relevant to the context. Vague timeframes can confuse the reader.
⚠ Common error
Avoid shifting tenses when describing the duration. For example, don't start with "The event will last up to three hours" and then continue with "it lasted only two".
Linguistic Context
The phrase "last up to" functions as a duration specifier, indicating the maximum length of time something can or will continue. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it's used to set expectations for the upper limit of an event, process, or object's lifespan. The Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.
Expression frequency: Very common
✓ Frequent in
News & Media
32%
Science
31%
Academia
17%
⚠ Less common in
Wiki
7%
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "last up to" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express the maximum duration of an event or the lifespan of an object. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely used and understood across various contexts. With a neutral register and broad applicability, "last up to" is a valuable addition to any writer's toolbox. Remember to define the timeframe clearly and maintain consistent tense usage to ensure clarity in your writing.
Alternative expressions
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
reach a maximum of
Shifts emphasis to a maximum quantifiable limit.
continue until
Emphasizes the uninterrupted nature of the duration.
persist for a maximum of
Highlights the tenacity or continuation over a certain duration.
extend to
Replaces the duration-focused "last" with a sense of reach or scope.
be prolonged until
Highlights the act of something being extended.
stretch to
Highlights the potential for an activity to occupy the maximum time.
More alternative expressions(6)
FAQs
How can I use "last up to" in a sentence?
You can use "last up to" to indicate the maximum duration of an event or the lifespan of an object. For example, "The meeting will "last up to" two hours" or "The battery can "last up to" 10 hours on a single charge."
What's the difference between "last up to" and "last until"?
"Last up to" indicates a maximum duration, suggesting the event might end sooner. "Last until" implies the event will continue until the stated time without exception. For example, "The sale "last up to" Friday" means it might end before, while "The sale lasts until Friday" means it ends on Friday.
What can I say instead of "last up to"?
You can use alternatives like "extend to", "continue until", or "reach a maximum of" depending on the context.
Is it correct to use "last up to" when referring to something in the past?
Yes, it is correct. You can use ""last up to"" in the past tense to indicate the maximum duration something endured in the past. For example: "The siege "last up to" three months."
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested