it required a good while

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it required a good while" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something took a significant amount of time to complete or achieve. Example: "The project was more complex than we anticipated, and it required a good while to finish."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

It required a good amount of strength and focus.

The New York Times

Understanding it requires a good head for numbers.

BBC

Some of the images were fairly simple to create - such as the torso with a sky added behind it - while others required a good deal of digital work.

Independent

It took him a good while to stop.

The New Yorker

Hopefully it will last for a good while yet.

BBC

"What I learned from this whole thing is that while it will still require a good deal of human intervention, this kind of thing is not only possible but going to get a lot better," Sosa said.

Huffington Post

But it will also require a good suit.

MIT Technology Review

But it could be dead money for a good while.

Forbes

For a good while it worked.

Huffington Post

Nofence requires a good mobile network to function, while the collar has GPS tracking.

Forbes

For RID smaller fragments with good tissue penetration and a fast clearance are needed, while RIT requires a good therapeutic index without too much collateral damage.

EJNMMI Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it required a good while" when you want to subtly emphasize that something took longer than initially expected, or when the duration was a notable factor. It's more conversational than purely formal alternatives.

Common error

While "it required a good while" is generally acceptable, avoid it in highly formal writing. Opt for more professional alternatives like "it necessitated a significant duration" to maintain a consistent tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it required a good while" functions as a statement indicating the duration of an action or process. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable. It indicates that something took a notable amount of time.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it required a good while" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express that something took a significant amount of time. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, it's relatively informal and may not be suitable for all contexts. Consider more formal alternatives like "it took a considerable time" in professional settings. Remember to balance informality with clarity depending on your audience and purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it took a considerable time

Replaces "good while" with "considerable time", emphasizing the length of time involved.

it took a fair amount of time

Similar in meaning but uses "fair amount" instead of "good while".

it necessitated a lengthy period

More formal, replacing simple terms with more complex synonyms.

it demanded a significant duration

Uses stronger verbs and nouns to highlight the time investment.

it involved an extended timeframe

Focuses on the "timeframe" rather than the action, slightly shifting the emphasis.

it involved a drawn-out process

Highlights that the time consumption was due to a long process.

it stretched out for quite some time

Emphasizes the feeling of the time passing slowly.

it spanned a long duration

More formal, emphasizing the total time covered.

it required a long spell

Uses "spell" to mean a period of time, making the phrase slightly more idiomatic.

it played out over an age

Emphasizes the slowness and tediousness of the activity.

FAQs

What does "it required a good while" mean?

It means that something took a significant amount of time to complete.

Is "it required a good while" formal or informal?

It is considered relatively informal. In more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "it took a considerable time".

What are some alternatives to "it required a good while"?

Alternatives include "it took a fair amount of time", "it demanded a significant duration", and "it necessitated a lengthy period".

When is it appropriate to use "it required a good while"?

It's appropriate in casual conversation, informal writing, or when the speaker wants to downplay the length of time involved. For professional or academic settings, more formal options are usually better.