it lasted for two years vs it lasted two years

Both phrases are correct and commonly used in English. They convey the same meaning, but the inclusion of 'for' in the first phrase adds a slight emphasis on the duration of the event. The choice between the two depends on personal preference and the context in which they are used.

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 3170 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"it lasted for two years"

This phrase is used to emphasize the duration of an event or period of time. The preposition 'for' is optional but adds a slight emphasis on the duration.

Examples:

The construction of the bridge lasted for two years.
The exhibition lasted for two weeks.
The project lasted for two months.

Show examples from the web [+]

This period has lasted for two years.
It lasted two years. We'd meet from 6 to 8 P.M.
Surprised he lasted two years inside.
It lasted what... two years?
Mr President, Community cooperation in the field of civil protection began in 1985 and included two programmes, one which lasted two years - 1998-1999 - and another which will be in force until 2004.
The option provided for in the second subparagraph is only available for Member States in which the training of general practitioners lasted two years as of 1 January 2001.
The option provided for in the second subparagraph shall be available only for Member States in which the specific training in general medical practice lasted two years as of 1 January 2001.
The option provided for in the second subparagraph is only available for Member States in which the training of general practitioners lasted two years as of 1 January 2001.
The option provided for in the second subparagraph shall be available only for Member States in which the specific training in general medical practice lasted two years as of 1 January 2001.
Mr President, we have now come to the end of this debate that has lasted for very nearly two years at this level of intensity.
You will be aware that, as a result of this crisis, which has now lasted for more than two years, many independent producers find that they have been relegated to being mere casual workers for firms or other large-scale producers.
We all worked with the aim of finalising this package on 6 December 2005, following a long and difficult negotiating process that will have lasted over two years.
Mr President, when we come to vote on REACH, we do so at the end of a debate that has lasted almost two years and was, at its outset, conducted along strongly ideological lines.
After a stalemate which has lasted some two years, a new round of peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority is about to begin in Washington.
The battle for a workable compromise lasted almost two years, and now, at long last, the European Parliament can give the go-ahead.
The studies lasted from one to two years and compared three different doses of Xenical with placebo (a dummy treatment), in combination with dieting.
The Transatlantic Environmental Dialogue (TAED) lasted less than two years due to funding difficulties, but is a vital element with regard to the environmental issues at stake.
The work of Parliament in the drafting of the Directive was significant, and so once again our warm congratulations go to Mr Davies and to our other colleagues who were involved in this process, which lasted over two years.
The main areas concerned were: environment and consumers, agriculture, approximation of laws, social policy and taxation; cases lasted on average two years;
The main areas concerned were: environment and consumers, agriculture, approximation of laws, social policy and taxation; cases lasted on average two years. |

Alternatives:

it lasted two years
it went on for two years
it continued for two years
it endured for two years
it persisted for two years

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"it lasted two years"

This phrase is used to indicate the duration of an event or period of time. It is a concise way of expressing the same idea without the preposition 'for.'

Examples:

The drought lasted two years.
The war lasted two decades.
The festival lasted two days.

Show examples from the web [+]

It lasted two years. We'd meet from 6 to 8 P.M.
It lasted what... two years?
Surprised he lasted two years inside.
Mr President, Community cooperation in the field of civil protection began in 1985 and included two programmes, one which lasted two years - 1998-1999 - and another which will be in force until 2004.
The option provided for in the second subparagraph is only available for Member States in which the training of general practitioners lasted two years as of 1 January 2001.
The option provided for in the second subparagraph shall be available only for Member States in which the specific training in general medical practice lasted two years as of 1 January 2001.
The option provided for in the second subparagraph is only available for Member States in which the training of general practitioners lasted two years as of 1 January 2001.
The option provided for in the second subparagraph shall be available only for Member States in which the specific training in general medical practice lasted two years as of 1 January 2001.
This period has lasted for two years.
However, I must say to Mrs Frassoni that this reform process has now lasted two and a half years.
We all worked with the aim of finalising this package on 6 December 2005, following a long and difficult negotiating process that will have lasted over two years.
Mr President, when we come to vote on REACH, we do so at the end of a debate that has lasted almost two years and was, at its outset, conducted along strongly ideological lines.
After a stalemate which has lasted some two years, a new round of peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority is about to begin in Washington.
The battle for a workable compromise lasted almost two years, and now, at long last, the European Parliament can give the go-ahead.
The studies lasted from one to two years and compared three different doses of Xenical with placebo (a dummy treatment), in combination with dieting.
Mr President, I would firstly like to thank the Commission for the great support that Parliament has received during a legislation process that has lasted two and a half years.
The Transatlantic Environmental Dialogue (TAED) lasted less than two years due to funding difficulties, but is a vital element with regard to the environmental issues at stake.
The work of Parliament in the drafting of the Directive was significant, and so once again our warm congratulations go to Mr Davies and to our other colleagues who were involved in this process, which lasted over two years.
Mr President, we have now come to the end of this debate that has lasted for very nearly two years at this level of intensity.
The main areas concerned were: environment and consumers, agriculture, approximation of laws, social policy and taxation; cases lasted on average two years;

Alternatives:

it lasted for two years
it went on for two years
it continued for two years
it endured for two years
it persisted for two years

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it lasted for two years vs it lasted two years