for a while longer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for a while longer" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something will continue or exist for a period of time. For example, "I think I'll keep this job for a while longer before I look for something else."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I lay there for a while longer.

The New York Times - Magazine

Will Corbyn survive for a while longer?

The Guardian

Hang in for a while longer.

The New York Times

TD will have to endure uncertainty for a while longer.

The Guardian - Money

Everyone sat for a while longer, talking about their families.

The New Yorker

And perhaps they can — at least for a while longer.

The New York Times

"We have to do our job, for a while longer.

Independent

InstaCRT might keep them alive for a while longer.

The Economist

report pains above 10 when stressed for a while longer" (e.g., Hilgard & Morgan, 1975).

University of California, Berkeley

His double century guarantees that his place is intact for a while longer.

The Guardian - Sport

"I'd like to be here for a while longer," Testaverde said today.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for a while longer" to indicate a continuation of a state or activity when the exact duration is not critical but the extension is relevant to the context.

Common error

While generally acceptable, using "for a while longer" in highly formal or academic writing might sound too casual. Consider alternatives like "for an extended period" or "for a prolonged duration" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for a while longer" functions as an adverbial phrase of time, modifying a verb or clause to indicate duration. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase specifies the extent to which an action or state will continue.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for a while longer" functions as an adverbial phrase of time, indicating that something will continue for an unspecified duration. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, spanning from neutral to informal contexts. While frequently found in news and media, and often used in wiki contexts, writers should consider more formal alternatives like "for an extended period" when writing academic papers. When the register is appropriate, incorporating "for a while longer" into your writing is a perfectly acceptable way to express a temporary extension or continuation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for a longer period

Emphasizes the duration itself.

for an extended time

Similar to "for a longer period" but emphasizes the indefinite nature of the extension.

a while more

Slightly more informal and concise.

for some time more

Highlights the unspecified duration.

for a further period

More formal and emphasizes continuation.

for the foreseeable future

Implies a longer, less defined extension of time.

still for some time

Highlights the continuation from the present moment.

for a continuing period

Focuses on the ongoing nature of the time extension.

in the short term

Suggests an extension within a limited timeframe.

for the interim

Highlights that the extension is temporary, pending a change.

FAQs

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

You can use "for a while longer" to indicate that something will continue for an additional, unspecified amount of time. For instance, "I think I'll stay at this job "for a while longer" before looking for something new".

What are some alternatives to "for a while longer"?

Alternatives include "for a longer period", "for an extended time", or "a while more", depending on the desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "for a while longer"?

It's appropriate when you want to express that something will continue for an unspecified duration and the specific length of time is not important to the context. It's suitable for informal to neutral registers.

Is "for a while longer yet" the same as "for a while longer"?

Yes, "for a while longer yet" and "for a while longer" have essentially the same meaning. The addition of "yet" simply emphasizes the continuation a bit more. Both indicate something will persist for some additional time.