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 • 3190 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

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

it lasted for two years vs it lasted two years