for quite long

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for quite long" is correct and usable in written English.
The phrase is used to indicate that something has been true or has been happening for a considerable period of time. For example, "She has been working for quite long without a break."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

"The archaeology fits with them lasting for quite long," said Dr. Potter.

The New York Times - Science

For quite long stretches, the track is only a few yards from the water's edge.

The Guardian - Travel

Or perhaps they might feel that Winner was sustained, and indulged, for quite long enough.

The Guardian

Historically, no society had the types of institutions required for modern economic growth, though a few had elements of them for quite long periods.

Harvard University

"The Joyce corpus," he goes on, "maps a journey into language and away from life -- life which never stays put or holds still for quite long enough.

The New York Times - Books

Brown really should have won – he squandered five match points – but, as is often the case, he couldn't sustain his brilliance for quite long enough.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Antoninus Pius again was–he reigned for a quite long time.

Yale University

It's been around for quite a long time.

Cornell University

And it stayed that way for quite a long time".

The New York Times

I was a bad dresser for quite a long time.

Independent

You can keep this going for quite a long time.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, consider using more common alternatives like "for quite some time" or "for a considerable period" which may resonate better with readers.

Common error

While grammatically correct, phrases like "for quite long" may sound slightly awkward to modern ears. Prioritize clarity by opting for more conventional alternatives such as "for a long time" or "for quite some time" to ensure your message is easily understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for quite long" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun to indicate the duration of an action or state. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, though it is less common than alternatives.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for quite long" is grammatically correct but less common in contemporary English. As Ludwig AI indicates, while understandable, it's advisable to opt for more prevalent alternatives like "for a long time" or "for quite some time" to enhance clarity and resonance with readers. Considering the limited examples, choosing more conventional phrasing ensures effective communication across various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for quite some time

Employs "some time" as a slightly more common alternative.

for an extended period

Replaces "quite long" with "extended period", maintaining a similar meaning.

for a substantial period

Substitutes with "substantial period", conveying a notable amount of time.

for a considerable time

Uses "considerable" to emphasize the length of the period.

for a significant duration

Emphasizes the importance of the duration using the word "significant".

for a prolonged time

Substitutes "quite long" with "prolonged time", indicating a lasting duration.

for a lengthy duration

Employs "lengthy" to highlight the extended nature of the time.

for an appreciable length of time

Replaces the phrase with a more formal and emphatic expression.

for a good while

Uses "good while" as an informal substitute for "quite long".

for a long stretch

Uses "stretch" to describe a continuous period of time.

FAQs

How can I use "for quite long" in a sentence?

While grammatically correct, "for quite long" is less common. Consider alternatives like "for quite some time" or "for a considerable period" for better clarity.

What phrases are similar to "for quite long"?

Alternatives include "for a long time", "for an extended period", and "for a good while", offering varied levels of formality and emphasis.

Is it better to say "for quite long" or "for a long time"?

"For a long time" is generally preferred in contemporary English due to its common usage and widespread acceptance. "For quite long" is grammatically correct but less frequently used.

What's the difference between "for quite long" and "for quite some time"?

Both indicate duration, but "for quite some time" is more idiomatic and commonly used, suggesting a notable but indefinite period. "For quite long" is less conventional.