noun phrase · neutral
shelf life
/ʃelf laɪf/SHELF LIFE
Band 6-7speakingtask1task2
the length of time a product remains usable, fit for consumption, or saleable
Examples
“Canned goods have a long shelf life compared with fresh bread.”
“Proper storage can extend the shelf life of dairy products.”
“The shelf life printed on the package is two years.”
Band 8 sentence
“Manufacturers often add preservatives to extend the shelf life of ready-to-eat meals.”
Collocations
- extend the shelf life
- short shelf life
Word family
shelf nounlife nounshelf-stable adjective
Common mistakes
life of shelf→shelf life
shelf lives→shelf life
Say it for a higher band
5expiration date→6expiry date→7+shelf life
Synonyms
storage life
Easily confused
expiry date
“Check the expiry date to make sure the milk is still safe to drink.”
Related words
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In Food & Cooking
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