What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
last
Example
This is the last piece of cake. [last: adjective]
Example
The concert lasted for three hours. [last: verb]
Example
I don't think my phone battery will last until the end of the day. [last: verb]
survive
Example
He survived the car accident with minor injuries. [survived: past tense]
Example
The company was able to survive the economic recession. [survive: verb]
Example
I don't know how I'm going to survive this difficult exam. [survive: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Last is more commonly used in everyday language than survive. Last is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while survive is more specific and often used in particular situations such as survival scenarios or business environments.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between last and survive?
Both last and survive can be used in formal and informal contexts, but last is generally more neutral and can be used in a wider range of situations, while survive may be more appropriate in specific contexts where endurance or overcoming challenges is emphasized.