it will probably be a while

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "it will probably be a while" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to indicate that something will take a long period of time. For example, "We haven't seen any results yet, but I'm sure it will probably be a while until we do."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It will probably be a while before Brackman can be the sixth.

The New York Times - Sports

It will probably be a while before he gets much of either.

The New York Times

It will probably be a while before specialty coffee shops are as prevalent in the city as wine stores.

The New York Times

"It will probably be a while to determine the cause of death and how long it had been dead," said the Fisheries and Oceans Department's Paul Cottrell.

Independent

The Brooklyn rapper Mos Def hasn't flooded the hip-hop market with product; it's been three years since his solo debut, and now that he's starring on Broadway in "Topdog/Underdog," it will probably be a while longer.

The New York Times

On the back is a microUSB port (it will probably be a while before the $50 goes C) for power and an audio jack, should you want to connect the device to a speaker.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

(Laura loves the boots, by the way!) So it'll probably be a while for you.

Huffington Post

Whatever the reason, it will probably be a good long while before midnight strikes.

Huffington Post

"It'll probably be a little while before those come to North America".

The New York Times

So it'll probably be a little while.

TechCrunch

It will probably be still and quiet for a little while.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it will probably be a while" when you want to soften the news that something will take longer than expected, or when you're unsure exactly how long it will take but want to convey that it won't be soon. For example, "The repairs are underway, but "it will probably be a while" before the road is fully open again."

Common error

While "it will probably be a while" is acceptable, avoid overusing "probably" in formal writing. Opt for stronger, more definitive language when possible to convey confidence. In a business report, for instance, consider: "We anticipate a significant delay" instead of "It will probably be a while before we see results".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it will probably be a while" functions as an adverbial phrase of time, modifying the implied verb of a sentence. Ludwig indicates it expresses an expectation of a delayed event. It sets a temporal boundary, suggesting an indefinite but extended duration before something occurs.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it will probably be a while" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that something is expected to take a considerable amount of time. Ludwig's AI confirms its proper usage, and example sentences highlight its versatility across various contexts. While most frequently found in news and media, it is versatile enough to be used in formal contexts, especially to soften the potential bad news of an event being delayed. Remember to avoid overusing "probably" in formal writing where more assertive language might be needed. Consider "alternatives like "it will likely take some time"" for similar, yet slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it'll likely take some time

This alternative uses "likely" instead of "probably", indicating a slightly different level of certainty and replaces "be a while" with the equivalent "take some time".

it's going to be a long time

This phrase emphasizes the length of the time period using "going to be a long time" instead of "probably be a while".

it will be some time before

This alternative uses a different structure, focusing on the period before something happens.

it'll be a good while

Uses "good while" which is more casual and conversational, implying a significant but indefinite period.

it's not happening anytime soon

This phrase uses a negative construction to convey that the event is distant in the future.

don't expect it soon

A direct and concise way to express the delay.

it's still a ways off

A more informal idiom indicating something is distant in time.

it's a long ways off

Similar to "it's still a ways off", but slightly more emphatic.

the wait will be lengthy

More formal and emphasizes the duration of waiting.

we have a long wait ahead

Focuses on the act of waiting and implies difficulty or anticipation.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it will probably be a while"?

The phrase "it will probably be a while" is suitable when you anticipate a delay or a longer duration than expected for something to occur or be completed. It is appropriate in informal and neutral contexts.

Are there more formal alternatives to "it will probably be a while"?

Yes, in formal settings, you might prefer phrases like "a considerable delay is expected", "the process will take some time", or "it will be some time before".

What does "it will probably be a while" imply about the speaker's certainty?

The use of "probably" indicates that the speaker is not entirely certain about the exact duration but anticipates a significant delay. Without "probably", "it will be a while" can imply a stronger sense of certainty.

Can "it will probably be a while" be used sarcastically?

Yes, depending on the tone, "it will probably be a while" can be used sarcastically to imply that something will never happen or that the speaker is extremely skeptical about it occurring. The context and delivery are key.