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its been a while vs it has been a while

You could either tell a friend that "it has been a while" or that "it's been a while," but "its been a while" is incorrect.

Tip: In informal English, contractions can be used to shorten certain combinations of words. "It has" can be shortened to "it's"--the apostrophe is added to show where letters are missing.

Explained by Betsy
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: November 25, 2019 • 583600 views

its been a while

This phrase is not correct. Don't use it.

Some people try to use "its" and "it's" interchangeably, but they aren't the same.

"Its" shows possession. When it has "been a while," no ownership is indicated, so "its" is not correct.

"It's" is a contraction. In English, contractions shorten certain combinations of words. In this case, "it's" is a shortened form of "it has."

"It's been a while" is only correct when the apostrophe is included. The apostrophe must be used because it shows where letters have been removed.

Some examples from our editors:

Hey, it's been a while since we've last spoken. How are you?
It's been a while since I last watched Game of Thrones. I'll need to watch it again so I can remember the plot.
It's been a while since I've had a physical. I really should call my doctor.

Show examples from the web [+]

May 17, 2008 ... The song "Its Been A While" by Staind with the lyrics on screen or below in the description if you prefer. This song has gotten me through some ...
Aug 31, 2006 ... Staind - It's Been Awhile [OFFICIAL VIDEO] BREAK THE CYCLE- Out Now: http:// bit.ly/1zupyZi Download on iTunes: http://bit.ly/10rc55t For ...
Jul 24, 2012 ... Staind - Its Been A While (Live At Mohegan Sun) ~ 1080p HD. Eagle Rock. SubscribeSubscribedUnsubscribe 421,409 ...
#time to make ben c's edits on this blog#Its been a while#bcmeme#bc fan challenge#bcedit#sherlockcastedit#benedict cumberbatch#bc*#my edit · 3,433 notes.

Some alternatives from our editors:

it has been a while
some time has passed
it's been [specific length of time]

it has been a while

This phrase is correct.

"It has been a while" is one way to indicate that time has passed since something happened.

In informal English, "it has" is sometimes shortened to "it's." The apostrophe is needed because it shows where some letters were removed.

Some examples from our editors:

It has been a while since you last visited our store. Please come back to see all of the great new things we've added.
It has been a while since my last dental cleaning. I really need to call to make an appointment.
It has been a while since our last meeting, so let's review what we discussed last time.

Show examples from the web [+]

I feel the desire to dirty myself with the earth, it has been a while since I have been clean and that I can have a shower whenever I want.
"Mexico is an unknown for us all; it has been a while since Formula 1 has been there but as engineers we are looking forward to the challenge," said Smedley.
But, I mean, it has been a while and it's a much bigger project.
It has been a while.
It has been a while.
It has been a while since anyone has offered...
It has been a while since I got my prostate checked.
It has been a while since I have had the feeling of sleeping in a tent, besides I want to try my new one, therefore I go in search of a good location.
It has been a while.
Maybe it has been a while.
I guess it has been a while.
Well, it has been a while.
I guess it has been a while since we've had a break.
I guess it has been a while since I've seen you last.
I guess it has been a while, Chris.
Amelia, it has been a while since you've received a letter from your fiancé.
I will admit it has been a while.
If it has been a while then take some time to do so.
As busy as he is, it has been a while since we've had an opportunity to ask him some questions about his work, so we're grateful that he had the time to share his thoughts about several topics.
It has been a while since dave left.

Some alternatives from our editors:

it's been a while
some time has passed

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