a long while

USAGE SUMMARY

'a long while' is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is often used when referring to a significant length of time, often long enough that one has difficulty remembering or recalling the exact details of when something happened. For example, "I haven't seen Jane in a long while; I can't remember the last time I saw her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For a long while afterward, he floundered.

The New York Times - Sports

We said nothing for a long while.

The New York Times - Travel

Rachael didn't speak for a long while.

The Guardian - Books

For a long while, almost nothing changed.

The Guardian - Opinion

That hasn't happened in a long while".

The New York Times

I should have to think a long while.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The dot doesn't change, not for a long while.

The New Yorker

Robert looked at Dylan a long while before he spoke.

The New Yorker

— those signs had been there for a long while".

The New York Times

My father was ill for a long while.

Independent

"It is a long while since he has played.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a long while" to indicate a duration that is subjectively perceived as lengthy. This phrase is appropriate when precision isn't required and you want to convey a sense of considerable time.

Common error

While "a long while" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it in highly formal or scientific writing where more precise language is preferred. Instead, opt for phrases like "an extended period" or specify the exact duration if known.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a long while" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate duration. Ludwig provides numerous examples where the phrase specifies how long an action lasted or a state persisted. According to Ludwig AI, it's a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a long while" is a common and acceptable way to describe a significant duration of time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is perfectly suitable in written English. It functions as an adverbial phrase to modify the length of an action or state. While versatile, it's best used in neutral to informal contexts; formal or scientific writing may require more precise alternatives like "an extended period" or specifying the exact duration. Ludwig's examples showcase its use across various media, including news and academia, indicating its broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

For quite some time

Similar in meaning, this alternative is a common substitute for "a long while".

In a long time

Similar in meaning to "a long while", but structured differently.

A good while

A slightly more informal way of saying "a long while".

For a considerable time

This alternative suggests a notable duration, similar to "a long while" but slightly more formal.

For an extended period

This phrase emphasizes the duration of the time, implying it was longer than usual.

For a protracted period

A more formal expression suggesting a prolonged duration.

A lengthy duration

This emphasizes the length of the time period.

After a significant delay

This implies that something was expected sooner, but was delayed for "a long while".

For ages

An informal way to indicate a long time has passed.

In the distant past

This phrase refers to something that happened far back in time.

FAQs

What does "a long while" mean?

The phrase "a long while" refers to a considerable duration of time, often perceived as longer than usual. It's a subjective measure, meaning the exact length isn't specified.

How can I use "a long while" in a sentence?

You can use "a long while" to describe a period of time that has passed. For example, "I haven't seen her in "a long while"" or "It took "a long while" to complete the project."

What can I say instead of "a long while"?

You can use alternatives like "for some time", "for an extended period", or "for quite some time" depending on the context.

Is "a long while" formal or informal?

"A long while" is generally considered informal to neutral. While acceptable in many contexts, more formal writing may benefit from using phrases like "a considerable time" or "a protracted period".