it's been a while since

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "it's been a while since" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a length of time that has passed since a particular event. For example: "It's been a while since I talked to my old friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's been a while since France have had a men's champion.

The Guardian - Sport

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

TechCrunch

It's been a while since Washington complained loudly about the rest of Kim's rackets.

Forbes

It's been a while since I could smile like that.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's been a while since I had those".

The New Yorker

"It's been a while since I played football".

The New York Times - Sports

It's been a while since we've won, so we're due".

The New York Times - Sports

It's been a while since we had a good retirement.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's been a while since I've been in the ring".

The New York Times - Sports

It's been a while since it was hopping.

The New York Times

It's been a while since I saw it.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "it's been a while since" with a specific detail to make the statement more impactful and relatable. For example, "It's been a while since I've seen a shooting star; I need to get out of the city more often."

Common error

Avoid substituting "while" with "whilst" in this phrase. "Whilst" can sound overly formal or archaic in modern English. Stick with "it's been a while since" for a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's been a while since" functions as an introductory clause, setting the stage for explaining or reflecting upon a past event. Ludwig shows numerous examples in various contexts, validating its function in connecting a time lapse to a subsequent statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it's been a while since" is a grammatically correct and frequently used introductory clause that indicates the passage of time since a particular event. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is perfectly acceptable in written English and serves to connect a time lapse to a subsequent statement or explanation. It is predominantly found in neutral to informal contexts, with news and media being a primary source. While versatile, writers should consider the tone and context to ensure it aligns with the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has been some time since

Uses "some time" instead of "a while", slightly more formal.

it's been a long time since

Emphasizes the duration more strongly with "long time".

it's been quite a while since

Adds the qualifier "quite" to intensify the duration.

it's been ages since

Uses "ages" for a more emphatic and informal expression of time.

it's been a minute since

More contemporary and informal, using "minute" figuratively.

it's been a hot minute since

An intensified version of 'it's been a minute' with the adjective 'hot'.

it's been some years since

Specifies "years" instead of a vague "while", more precise.

it's been a good while since

Adds "good" to emphasize the length of the time passed.

it's been too long since

Expresses regret or concern about the extended duration.

it feels like a lifetime since

Uses hyperbole to dramatically emphasize the length of time.

FAQs

What does "it's been a while since" mean?

The phrase "it's been a while since" means that a noticeable amount of time has passed since something happened. It's a common way to express that an event occurred some time ago.

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

You can use "it's been a while since" to introduce a past event or activity. For example, "It's been a while since I've traveled, I should plan a trip soon."

What are some alternatives to "it's been a while since"?

Some alternatives include "it has been some time since", "it's been a long time since", or "it's been ages since", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "it's been a while since" formal or informal?

"It's been a while since" is generally considered neutral to informal. It's suitable for most everyday conversations and writing, but might not be appropriate for highly formal or academic contexts.