carry on for a while

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "carry on for a while" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something will continue or persist for a certain period of time. Example: "Despite the challenges, we decided to carry on for a while and see if things improved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Should there be a holding company with four subsidiaries at the start of the privatisation process, for example, or should Japan Post carry on for a while as one big integrated firm?Whether the prime minister gets his way is an important test of how far reform will go.

The Economist

If he wins, it will be a sign that the old, frugal, inward-looking, self-reliant Switzerland, UN member though it will then be, may carry on for a while yet.

The Economist

I am sure he will carry on for a while, but captains who lose series do tend to think about stepping down.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The debate carried on for a while.

The New York Times

The group discussion carried on for a little while.

BMC Family Practice

Do I mind if she carries on for a while?

The Guardian - Books

But on we go, and I envisage our partnership carrying on for a while yet.

The Guardian

Both were working in a mood of optimism, in Roddenberry's case embodying in the TV series Star Trek the spirit engendered by John F Kennedy that carried on for a while after his death.

The Guardian

And that carried on for a while and then finally, when I was 16, he couldn't do it any more.' But although she is not religious herself, she says it rubbed off on her: 'You said something about my moral seriousness - I hope that doesn't make me sound like a terrible drag!

The Guardian - Books

'I just cannot think of a better job than mine in the world, except perhaps being Prime Minister, and I look forward to carrying on for a while yet.' He has already been elected twice and said he will run again in 2008.

The Guardian

Still, the party carried on for a while, until it all caught up with him in a series of strokes.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "carry on for a while", consider the specific context and choose the most appropriate alternative if a more formal or informal tone is desired. For example, in academic writing, "continue for a period" might be preferable.

Common error

Avoid using "carry on for a while" excessively in formal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound less sophisticated than alternatives like "continue for a period" or "persist for some time".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "carry on for a while" primarily functions as a phrasal verb followed by a prepositional phrase, indicating the continuation of an action or state for a limited duration. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "carry on for a while" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate the continuation of something for a limited duration. Ludwig AI analysis shows it's acceptable in various contexts, although it might be perceived as slightly informal compared to alternatives like "continue for a period". Usage patterns indicate it is prevalent in news and media, with less frequent occurrences in formal or academic writing. As Ludwig examples demonstrate, be mindful of the context and choose more formal expressions when necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continue for a period

This alternative uses more formal language and emphasizes the duration of the continuation.

persist for a time

This alternative emphasizes the sustained effort or state during the period.

maintain for a while

This suggests keeping something in a particular state or condition over time.

go on for a bit

This alternative is more informal and suggests a shorter duration.

last for a duration

This focuses on the length of time something exists or remains.

extend for a period

Similar to prolong, but slightly more formal.

keep at it for a spell

This is an informal and idiomatic alternative suggesting effort and duration.

prolong for some time

This suggests extending the duration of something.

hold out for some time

This implies enduring a difficult situation for a duration.

remain for a season

This alternative uses 'season' to imply that duration.

FAQs

How can I use "carry on for a while" in a sentence?

You can use "carry on for a while" to indicate that something will continue or persist for a certain period of time. For example: "Despite the challenges, we decided to carry on for a while and see if things improved."

What are some alternatives to "carry on for a while"?

You can use alternatives like "continue for a period", "persist for a time", or "go on for a bit" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "carry on for a while" formal or informal?

"Carry on for a while" is generally considered to be neutral to slightly informal. In more formal contexts, alternatives like "continue for a period" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "carry on for a while" and "carry on indefinitely"?

"Carry on for a while" indicates a limited period of continuation, while "carry on indefinitely" implies that something will continue without a specified end point. The first suggests a temporary state, the second an ongoing one.