it's been a while

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it's been a while" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the length of time since something has happened. For example, "It's been a while since we last had dinner together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's been a while since N26 updated its metrics.

TechCrunch

So it's been a while since we've seen Cournot, so let's remind ourselves.

Yale University

It's been a while".

The New York Times - Sports

Admittedly, it's been a while.

The New York Times

"It's been a while," Rondo said.

The New York Times - Sports

I know it's been a while.

The New Yorker

"It's been a while," Woods said.

The New York Times

After all it's been a while.

The New York Times

It's been a while for me".

The New York Times - Sports

But it's been a while.

The New Yorker

It's been a while, basically.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it's been a while" to acknowledge a lapse in time since the last occurrence of an event or interaction. It's suitable for both casual and semi-formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "it's been a while" when a shorter, more direct phrase is appropriate. For instance, use "recently" or "lately" if the period is brief.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's been a while" functions as an adverbial phrase indicating the passage of time since a previous event or interaction. Ludwig examples show its common use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it's been a while" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate that a significant amount of time has passed since a previous event. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and academic settings. While generally neutral in register, leaning towards informal, the phrase effectively serves to acknowledge the passage of time and can be used to initiate conversations or provide context. Consider the specific tone and formality of your writing when deciding if "it's been a while" is the most appropriate choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's been quite some time

Adds emphasis to the duration.

it has been some time

Formal alternative emphasizing duration.

it's been too long

Implies regret about the separation.

it's been a long time

Emphasizes the length of the interval.

it's been ages

Informal, exaggerating the time passed.

it's been a minute

More casual and contemporary.

a considerable time has elapsed

Formal and factual.

it feels like forever

Expresses a subjective sense of a long duration.

lately

Shorter, less emphatic.

long time no see

Specifically for greetings.

FAQs

How can I use "it's been a while" in a sentence?

You can use "it's been a while" to indicate that some time has passed since something last happened. For instance, "It's been a while since we've seen each other."

What are some alternative phrases to "it's been a while"?

Alternatives include "it's been a long time", "it has been some time", or "it's been ages", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "it's been a while" in formal writing?

While generally informal, "it's been a while" can be acceptable in semi-formal contexts. For more formal situations, consider using phrases like "a considerable time has elapsed".

What's the difference between "it's been a while" and "lately"?

"It's been a while" indicates a more extended period than "lately". "Lately" suggests something that has occurred in the recent past.