quite some time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite some time" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
The phrase is used to indicate a significant length of time. Example sentence: I haven't seen my Aunt Sally in quite some time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's been quite some time.

The New York Times - Sports

That was quite some time ago.

The New York Times

They did it for quite some time.

The New Yorker

It was written quite some time back.

Independent

"Actually, quite some time ago.

The Guardian

We've known that for quite some time.

The New York Times

We stood there for quite some time.

The Guardian - Travel

Been over for quite some time.

The New Yorker

"I've been doing this quite some time.

The New York Times - Sports

I've been getting criticism for quite some time.

The New York Times - Arts

We've been so impressed with Kim for quite some time.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite some time" to emphasize a duration without specifying an exact measurement. It adds a touch of understatement and can soften the impact of a long wait or period.

Common error

While "quite some time" is acceptable in many contexts, overuse in formal or scientific writing can make your tone seem less precise. Opt for more specific durations when accuracy is paramount.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite some time" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It indicates the duration of an action or state. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite some time" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to indicate a significant duration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is perfectly acceptable in written English. While its register is neutral, making it suitable for various contexts, it's most frequently found in news and media. When aiming for precision in formal writing, consider using more specific durations. For alternative expressions, "a long time" or "a considerable period" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Remember, "quite some time" is your go-to phrase for implying duration without pinning it down!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite a while

Similar to the original phrase but replaces "some" with "a".

a long time

A more direct and simple way of expressing a considerable duration.

a considerable period

Replaces "quite some" with "a considerable", emphasizing the length of the duration.

a substantial duration

Uses "substantial duration" to highlight the significant length of the time period.

a good while

Offers a more informal alternative, suitable for casual conversation.

a lengthy period

Focuses on the extended nature of the time in question.

an extended duration

Similar to "lengthy period", but may suggest a more continuous stretch of time.

for ages

A colloquial expression indicating a long duration.

a long spell

Suggests a continuous period, often associated with a particular activity or condition.

for a long stretch

Emphasizes the continuous nature and length of the time period.

FAQs

How can I use "quite some time" in a sentence?

You can use "quite some time" to indicate that something has lasted or will last for a significant duration, without being specific. For example, "I haven't seen her in "quite some time"".

What are some alternatives to saying "quite some time"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a long time", "a considerable period", or "for ages" as alternatives to "quite some time".

Is it more appropriate to say "quite a while" or "quite some time"?

"Quite a while" and "quite some time" are largely interchangeable. The choice often comes down to personal preference or the specific rhythm of the sentence. "Quite a while" may sound slightly more informal.

What's the difference between "a short time" and "quite some time"?

"A short time" indicates a brief duration, whereas "quite some time" indicates a significant duration. They are antonyms, representing opposite ends of the temporal spectrum.