for some time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for some time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase when referring to a period of time that may be long or short but doesn't need to be specified. Example: We had been living in the area for some time before we realized how beautiful it was.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I haven't for some time.

The Guardian - Music

I observe for some time.

The New York Times

That's manageable for some time".

The New York Times

He hadn't looked for some time.

The New Yorker

Sadly, that stayed true for some time.

The Economist

It has been dead for some time.

Independent

We've known it for some time.

The New York Times

Not for some time, the Army says.

The New Yorker

Neither seems particularly feasible for some time.

The New York Times

I have been one for some time.

The Guardian - Opinion

I studied the photograph for some time.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for some time" when you want to indicate a non-specific period without committing to a precise duration. This allows flexibility in your writing, avoiding unnecessary detail.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on vague time references like "for some time" without providing context. Ensure your writing includes enough information for the reader to understand the approximate duration or its significance.

Linguistic Context

For some time functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate the duration of an action or state. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English. Examples show its use in various contexts, emphasizing unspecified periods.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "for some time" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate an unspecified period. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across various writing styles. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as evidenced by its frequent appearance in News & Media. Related phrases like "for a while" or "for a period" can be used as alternatives, depending on the context and desired level of specificity. Remember to provide sufficient context when using "for some time" to ensure clarity and avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for a while

Emphasizes a relatively short period of time, less formal than the original phrase.

for a period

More generic, referring to an unspecified duration of time.

for a certain period

Similar to "for a period", but implies a defined, though perhaps unstated, duration.

for an interval

Suggests a break or pause in activity.

for a spell

Informal and implies a short duration of time, often associated with weather.

for a season

Implies a longer duration, connected to change, or connected to feelings.

for the time being

Indicates a temporary situation or state of affairs.

in the interim

Refers to the period between two events.

during that period

Connects the sentence to a period discussed somewhere before.

over the course of time

Emphasizes the gradual change or development during a duration.

FAQs

How can I use "for some time" in a sentence?

Use "for some time" to indicate that something occurred or existed during a period of unspecified duration. For example: "We lived there "for some time" before moving abroad."

What are some alternatives to "for some time"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "for a while", "for a period", or "for the time being".

Is "for some time" formal or informal?

"For some time" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

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

"For a long time" implies a considerable duration, whereas "for some time" is more general and can refer to a shorter or less defined period.