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Mr. Tom Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

Expression: How long does a cigarette last you?

Hi

What does last mean here?

How long does a cigarette last you?

Does it mean "How long does it take you to finish a cigarette?" or "How long is one cigarette sufficient for you?"

Thanks,

Tom
  

Top answer

Mr. " It can mean either one. CJ

— CalifJim

  • Mr.
  • " It can mean either one.
  • CJ
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3 Answers
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Mr. TomDoes it mean "How long does it take you to finish a cigarette?" or "How long is one cigarette sufficient for you?"
It can mean either one.

CJ
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Thanks, CJ.

So the sentence "A cigarette lasts me a few minutes only." may mean both of the following versions as well?

*It takes me a few minutes to finish a cigarette.
*Within a few minutes of finishing one cigarette, I need another. (Of course said by a chain smoker)

Tom
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Mr. TomSo the sentence "A cigarette lasts me a few minutes only." may mean both of the following versions as well?
Exactly.

Note that in spite of the ambiguity, most people would think first of the time it takes to smoke one cigarette.

After finishing a cigarette, how soon do you feel the need to have another? might be the more usual
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