the play lasts two hours vs the play lasts for two hours

Both phrases are correct and commonly used in English. They convey the same meaning, but the preposition 'for' is optional in this context. Both 'the play lasts two hours' and 'the play lasts for two hours' are interchangeable and can be used depending on personal preference.

Last updated: March 20, 2024 • 1085 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"the play lasts two hours"

This phrase is used to indicate the duration of time a play lasts. The preposition 'for' is optional in this context.

Examples:

The play lasts two hours, so make sure you're prepared for a long evening.
How long does the play last? - The play lasts two hours.
I heard the play lasts two hours, so we should plan accordingly.
The play lasts two hours, with a short intermission in between.
The play lasts two hours, starting at 7 p.m.

Show examples from the web [+]

The music alone, without the dialogue of the play, lasts two hours. In this production, the musical components are welded together to form an entirely new ...
Sep 3, 2014 ... The official materials say that the play lasts two hours and someone should get on changing that because it's pushing three. And let me tell you, ...
The plot bogs down slightly in the second act since the play lasts two hours and 20 minutes, but is brought to a dazzling conclusion with Phillips masquerading ...
Oct 27, 2015 ... ... dozen parts on a stripped-down wooden stage in a comparatively brisk two hours and forty minutes. The play lasts two hours and 40 minutes.

Alternatives:

the play lasts for two hours
the play goes on for two hours
the play runs for two hours
the play is two hours long
the play takes two hours

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"the play lasts for two hours"

This phrase is used to indicate the duration of time a play lasts. The preposition 'for' is commonly used in this context, but it is optional.

Examples:

The play lasts for two hours, so plan your evening accordingly.
How long is the play? - The play lasts for two hours.
The play lasts for two hours, including a short break.
The play lasts for two hours, starting at 8 p.m.
The play lasts for two hours, so make sure you have enough time to watch it.

Show examples from the web [+]

The prologue states that the play lasts for two hours, that it will show the deaths of two young people who fell in love and that their families would not stop feuding ...
The play lasts for two hours. Suitable for Year 9 students and above. Performance times will be set to suit school parties. Tickets for school weekday matinees ...
Surrounded by the townspeople, they gather beneath the star, which is moved forward to the accompaniment of stories and songs. The play lasts for two hours ...
Apr 9, 2008 ... The play lasts for two hours You need to listen & be patient If you don't quite understand what I've just said in this prologue... I'll work hard to ...

Alternatives:

the play lasts two hours
the play goes on for two hours
the play runs for two hours
the play is two hours long
the play takes two hours

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the play lasts two hours vs the play lasts for two hours