preserved for a while

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preserved for a while" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is kept in a certain state or condition for a temporary period of time. Example: "The fruits were preserved for a while to ensure they remained fresh for the upcoming event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Iowa beef would be on the menu and his own special guacamole, and "I want to know where that avocado is from .Then seven of the nine murmured that the RFS was the law and so should be enforced, or should be preserved for a while to give farmers certainty as they plant crops.

The Economist

Additional notes, which notably featured Caragiale's criticism of his father, were preserved for a while by Șerban Cioculescu, before being borrowed to Ecaterina Logadi, Ion Luca's daughter, and never recovered.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Alternatively, DNA damage can induce some cells to enter a senescent state in which they are permanently withdrawn from the cell cycle, preventing possible further mutation to cancer in that cell but preserving, for a while, some level of differentiated function (Campisi 2005).

Environmental Health Perspectives

Land to the west of Lake Street near the water's edge is preserved for public use, while development is permitted east of Lake Street, where the new Marriott and the Westlake condos are situated.

The New York Times

And his careful copying has preserved for us evidence that while art styles change, children 500 years ago failed much as they do today.

Independent

If anything, he wants to preserve that experience for a while.

The New York Times - Arts

It happily shines, preserved for at least a few more days, while the vinegar does all the work.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is found that the spatial spectral convergence rates are preserved for all considered distortion types, while the total error increases with the degree of distortion.

Journal of Computational Physics

Seeing those artfully preserved faces is fun for a while, but all three actors seem needlessly limited to the most narrow interpretations of their old roles.

The New York Times

Thus he preserved for himself the role of leader, while assigning a managerial role to Mbeki.

Independent

Heroic measures may preserve a few historic suits for a while, but these new heirlooms will eventually fall victim to their "modern" components and vanish from museums, they said.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "preserved for a while", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the temporary preservation and the expected duration. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "preserved for a while" when the preservation is intended to be indefinite or very long-term. This phrase implies a limited duration, so using it in contexts where the preservation is expected to last for many years can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preserved for a while" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the duration for which something is kept in a particular state. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. It modifies the verb, specifying the temporary nature of the preservation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "preserved for a while" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that something is kept in a certain state or condition for a temporary period. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While not overly common, it appears in a variety of contexts, including news, science and wiki articles. It is best used when specifying a limited time frame. Alternatives like "kept temporarily" or "maintained briefly" can be used to achieve similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

held for a limited time

Emphasizes the constraint on the duration for which something is held.

kept for a short period

Emphasizes the brevity of the duration for which something is retained.

retained briefly

Highlights the act of holding onto something for a short duration.

safeguarded briefly

Highlights the act of protecting something for a short duration.

maintained temporarily

Focuses on the act of keeping something in good condition for a limited time.

protected temporarily

Emphasizes the act of safeguarding something for a limited period.

stored temporarily

Focuses on the act of placing something in safekeeping for a limited period.

sustained for a while

Highlights the act of supporting or maintaining something for a certain duration.

conserved for a time

Focuses on the act of protecting and maintaining something for a certain duration.

shelved for the moment

Suggests a temporary postponement or storage until a later time.

FAQs

How can I use "preserved for a while" in a sentence?

You can use "preserved for a while" to describe something kept in a certain state for a temporary period. For example, "The artwork was "preserved for a while" until the new exhibit opened".

What are some alternatives to "preserved for a while"?

Alternatives include "kept temporarily", "maintained briefly", or "retained for a short time", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "preserved for a long while"?

While grammatically correct, "preserved for a long while" can sound slightly awkward. It's often better to use phrases like "preserved for an extended period" or "preserved for many years" to clearly indicate a longer duration. Using the term "preserved for a while" implies a more temporary state.

What is the difference between "preserved for a while" and "archived"?

"Preserved for a while" suggests temporary safekeeping, while "archived" typically implies a more permanent storage for historical or record-keeping purposes. Archives are often intended for long-term retention, while items "preserved for a while" are expected to be retrieved or used again relatively soon.