'Continue for/until' vs. 'Lasts for/until'

I can see why this might be confusing, Koji. I hope this helps:

1. You're right. 'Last' is preferred here.

2. These two sentences really don't mean the same thing. Generally speaking, "He will continue until he finishes" is correct, simple and straightforward. The other sentence -- "He will last until he finishes" -- clearly implies that the person being described is having some difficulty and can't last long. With that sentence you are indicating confidence that he will "last" at least that long. We don't know; he might die soon afterwards. To say he will "continue" doesn't imply any such thing, merely tells us his time schedule.

3. The problem is similar here. Both sentences tell us that the program ("it") will be over at 5 o'clock. But the first sentence implies that there is some question about whether "it" can take up that whole time period. You are assuring us that it'll last that long.

Last has more of quality of an enduring or perhaps more passive nature or a process in a work effort. Continue might imply some sort ofmore passive mechanical motion or action... such as a continuing of a walk or an effort that might not require as much energy to endure.

It is not likely that the house is expending any effort that it needs continue. It lasts or endures. And, it's not appropriate term as it's an inanimate object that also has no motion.Whereas a car which is capable of moving can also continue on in motion but it also lasts as parts can wear out and the car can cease to be effective and be 'used up'.

oops...a little too early for me. I re-read that and please ignore the first paragraph, This is my rewrite:

Last implies more of a quality of an endurance or even a surviving a process.

Continue might imply some sort of passive mechanical motion or action... such as a continuing of a walk or an effort.
Last implies more about energy expended over a lifetime or even a shelf-life.

Continue is more general as to how long it will move forward or move on with no concern about expiration or survival.

I will continue to insist that this is not characteristic of the American language, for as long as the discussion may last. Until, of course, so self-appointed expert shows up to tell us we are all wrong.

Even here, with 'last' isn't there a slight idea of annoyance. If it's a movie, play or something similar, the neutral would be goes 'til.

You might actually offer something of substance instead of just being petulant.