a short while

USAGE SUMMARY

'a short while' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a short amount of time. For example: I will be gone for only a short while.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A short while later he resigned.

The Economist

It died a short while later.

Independent

A short while later, he completely disappeared.

Independent

It's free for a short while.

The New York Times - Tech

For a short while, it did.

The Economist

A short while later -- wham!

The New York Times - Magazine

For a short while, perhaps.

The Guardian

He died a short while later.

The New York Times

A short while later, he was dead.

The New York Times

My professor died a short while ago.

The New York Times - Magazine

For a short while, things were quiet.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a short while" to indicate a brief duration of time, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Be mindful of the specific nuance you wish to convey, as other phrases might be more appropriate depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "a short while" repeatedly in the same paragraph or section. Vary your language with synonyms like "shortly", "a moment", or "a brief period" to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a short while" functions as an adverbial phrase of time, indicating a brief duration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a short while" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to denote a brief period of time. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's versatile and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral, consider slightly more formal options like "shortly" or "a brief period" for highly formal writing. Be mindful of overuse and vary your phrasing for stylistic purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short time

Direct synonym, focusing on the brevity of the time frame.

a little while

Emphasizes a slightly shorter duration than "a short while".

for a short period

More formal and explicit about the duration being limited.

a brief period

More formal, highlighting the limited duration of time.

a small amount of time

More descriptive, emphasizing the limited quantity of time.

a moment

Implies an even shorter duration, almost instantaneous.

a quick moment

Highlights the speed and brevity of the duration.

shortly

More formal adverb, indicating something will happen soon.

in a bit

Informal, indicating something will happen soon.

for a second

Implies an extremely short, almost negligible duration.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "a little while", "a brief period", or "shortly" depending on the context.

How do I use "a short while" in a sentence?

You can use "a short while" to indicate a brief duration. For example, "I'll be back in a short while" or "He waited a short while before continuing".

Is "a short while" formal or informal?

"A short while" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal writing, you might consider alternatives like "a brief period" or "shortly".

What's the difference between "a short while" and "a little while"?

Both phrases indicate a brief duration, but "a little while" might suggest a slightly shorter or less defined duration than "a short while". The choice often depends on personal preference and the specific context.