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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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Last up to

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE 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

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Participation in the study may last up to 3 months.

First-HD will last up to 4 months and ARC-HD will last up to 14 months.

Treatments last up to four months.

News & Media

The New York Times

Treatments last up to two years.

News & Media

The New York Times

H.P. says its batteries will last up to six hours.

News & Media

The New York Times

The assistance will last up to 12 months.

News & Media

The New York Times

The full investigation could last up to 18 months.

News & Media

The New York Times

The contamination may last up to 100 years.

News & Media

The New Yorker

The investigation could last up to 18 months.

News & Media

Independent

The trial is expected to last up to eight weeks.

News & Media

The New York Times

(Those kidneys can last up to 20 years).

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

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".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

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.

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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Authority and reliability

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Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: