quite a while

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite a while" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a significant amount of time that has passed or will pass. Example: "I haven't seen you in quite a while; we should catch up soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Quite a while went by.

The New Yorker

She answered: "Oh, quite a while ago".

Independent

She had been for quite a while.

The New Yorker

But it took quite a while.

Independent

I've known him quite a while.

The New Yorker

This goes back quite a while.

The Economist

He may be out quite a while".

The New York Times

"That may take quite a while.

Independent

Well, that's taken quite a while".

The New York Times - Arts

"Quite a while ago," Grant said.

The New Yorker

"I hid for quite a while.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite a while" to indicate a notable duration, especially when the exact length is not critical but the perceived length is significant. It works well in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While acceptable, consider more precise alternatives like "for an extended period" or "a considerable duration" in formal documents to enhance clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite a while" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate duration. Ludwig shows it's used to specify the length of an action or state. The Ludwig AI confirms that is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite a while" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adverbial phrase to denote a notable duration of time. According to Ludwig, the expression is deemed correct and usable in written English. As Ludwig's examples show, it's frequently found in news and media, academia, and various general contexts. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, consider using more precise alternatives in highly formal settings for enhanced clarity. When choosing related expressions, focus on the specific aspect of duration you want to emphasize, whether it's length, significance, or continuation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for quite some time

Slightly emphasizes the duration.

a considerable time

Emphasizes the length of the period.

a long period

Highlights the duration involved.

a substantial duration

Focuses on the significant length of time.

for an extended time

Indicates continuation over a notable duration.

a significant stretch of time

Highlights the importance of the time duration.

a good while

Similar in meaning but slightly more informal.

for some time

A general way of indicating a certain duration.

a protracted period

Suggests a longer and perhaps tedious duration.

over a long haul

Implies a lengthy and continuous effort or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "quite a while" in a sentence?

You can use "quite a while" to indicate a significant amount of time. For example, "I haven't seen you in "quite a while"; we should catch up soon."

What are some alternatives to saying "quite a while"?

Alternatives include "a long time", "a considerable time", or "an extended period", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "quite a while"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in both spoken and written English.

What's the difference between "quite a while" and "a while"?

"Quite a while" implies a longer duration than simply "a while". The addition of "quite" emphasizes the length of the time period.