for some weeks

USAGE SUMMARY

"for some weeks" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to indicate a range of time that is approximately two or more weeks. For example: "We had not seen each other for some weeks prior to our reunion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Conditions are likely to remain volatile for some weeks".

The Guardian - Business

For some weeks, they were walking about dazed, poor chaps.

The Guardian

That may not become clear for some weeks or months".

The Guardian

I stayed there for some weeks, until my father – back again – sent for me.

Stanford University

That night, and for some weeks after, I lost my faith.

The Guardian

There is circumstantial evidence that the Administration has been preparing for this announcement for some weeks.

The New Yorker

For some weeks now, Stephen Fisher and Rosalind Shorrocks have been tracking referendum forecasts.

The Washington Post

"That may not be possible for some weeks," the official added.

The New York Times

I have been rehearsing for a play for some weeks now.

The Guardian - Opinion

Wallander is unhappy for some weeks, and then he decides he will always be unhappy.

The Guardian - Books

They completely dominated a lacklustre Saints outfit who have been out of touch for some weeks.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for some weeks" to indicate a period lasting roughly between two to six weeks when the exact duration is unknown or unimportant.

Common error

Avoid using "for some weeks" when you have the exact number of weeks. If the duration is precisely known, state it directly (e.g., "for three weeks") for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for some weeks" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs by indicating duration. It specifies the length of time an action, state, or condition persists. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

24%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for some weeks" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate a period of several weeks when the exact number is either unknown or unimportant. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various writing styles, most frequently in News & Media. While Ludwig AI confirms its general acceptability, precision is key; if the exact duration is known, it's best to state it directly. Related phrases like "for a few weeks" and "for several weeks" offer nuanced alternatives to enrich your writing. It is best to remember that the register of "for some weeks" is generally neutral, which makes it suitable for most writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for a few weeks

Indicates a slightly shorter or less definite period than "for some weeks".

for several weeks

Implies a slightly longer duration than "for some weeks", suggesting more than just a couple.

during several weeks

Changes the preposition but maintains a similar duration, emphasizing the period as a container of time.

over a few weeks

Suggests a process or event that unfolds across the specified weeks.

in the span of a few weeks

Highlights the duration as a timeframe within which something occurs.

for approximately a month

Approximates the duration using a more common unit of time measurement.

during a couple of weeks

Specifies that the duration includes at least two weeks.

throughout several weeks

Implies that something occurs consistently or repeatedly during the weeks in question.

lasting a few weeks

Focuses on the duration of an event or condition.

covering some weeks

Highlights the range or scope of time considered.

FAQs

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

You can use "for some weeks" to indicate a period of time lasting several weeks, typically when the exact duration isn't specified or isn't important. For example, "I've been feeling unwell "for some weeks" now".

What's the difference between "for some weeks" and "for a few weeks"?

"For some weeks" and "for a few weeks" are very similar. "For a few weeks" might imply a slightly shorter or more definite duration than "for some weeks", but they are often interchangeable.

What are some alternatives to using "for some weeks"?

Alternatives to "for some weeks" include "for several weeks", "for a few weeks", or "over a period of weeks". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of precision.

Is it more formal to use "for some weeks" or "for a couple of weeks"?

"For some weeks" is generally considered more neutral in tone. "For a couple of weeks" is slightly more informal. Both are acceptable in most contexts, but "for some weeks" might be preferred in more formal writing.