for a good while

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for a good while" is perfectly correct and usable in written English.
It means for some considerable period of time, and is typically used to refer to how long someone or something has been in a certain state, or how long a situation has been happening for. For example: "He had been feeling ill for a good while before finally deciding to go to the doctor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Low yields could be here for a good while yet.

The Economist

He'd had gray hair for a good while.

The New Yorker

For a good while, I was going through full workouts.

The New York Times - Sports

The agency could use a leader who will stay for a good while.

The New Yorker

"I don't think I was very easy to work with for a good while.

Independent

If it was the weekend, I'd be out there for a good while, too.

The New Yorker

The Pirates — yes, the ones in Pittsburgh — were in first place for a good while.

The New York Times - Sports

Corruption cemented local baronies and for a good while won votes.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

I hadn't heard that voice for a good while.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The wealth is in the country's oil and Libya's people may not see that for a good while yet.

BBC

Tiger hasn't dominated Augusta for a good while now, but he did place fourth in 2010, 2011, and 2013.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for a good while" to indicate that something has lasted longer than a brief moment but not necessarily an extremely long time. It's suitable when you want to convey a sense of moderate duration.

Common error

While "for a good while" is generally acceptable, be mindful of your audience. In highly formal writing, consider using a more precise or academic alternative such as "for a considerable duration" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for a good while" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate duration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it specifies the length of time an action or state persists, adding temporal context to the sentence. Examples from Ludwig show it describing periods of working, staying clean, and even the persistence of certain economic conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for a good while" serves as a common adverbial phrase indicating a moderate duration of time. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While not inherently formal, it's versatile enough for many situations, though more precise alternatives might be preferable in highly formal settings. The phrase implies a duration longer than a brief moment but avoids the implication of an excessively extended period, fitting comfortably into general communication. Be aware of the context to avoid overuse of informal phrasing where formality is expected.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for a considerable time

Emphasizes the length of the period being discussed using a more formal tone.

for quite some time

Highlights that the period is longer than expected or usual.

for a long period

Focuses on the extended nature of the duration.

for an extended duration

Uses more formal language to denote a prolonged time.

for a significant stretch

Suggests the time was noteworthy or impactful.

for an appreciable period

Highlights that the period of time is easily noticed or measurable.

for ages

An informal way to express a long duration.

for a spell

Suggests a continuous period, often used informally.

for a lengthy interval

Uses a more technical or precise term for a time period.

for a protracted length of time

Emphasizes the tedious or drawn-out nature of the period.

FAQs

How can I use "for a good while" in a sentence?

You can use "for a good while" to describe how long something has been happening or how long someone has been doing something. For example, "I studied Spanish "for a good while" before visiting Spain".

What are some alternatives to saying "for a good while"?

You can use alternatives like "for a considerable time", "for quite some time", or "for a long period", depending on the level of formality you need.

Is "for a good while" formal or informal?

"For a good while" is generally considered to be neutral in tone. It's suitable for most everyday conversations and writings, but might not be the best choice for highly formal or academic contexts.

How does "for a good while" differ from "for a long time"?

While both phrases indicate a duration, "for a good while" often suggests a moderate length of time, whereas "for a long time" implies a more significant or extended duration. The choice depends on the specific context and the degree of emphasis you want to convey.