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for a long time vs for so long

Both "for a long time" and "for so long" are correct phrases in English, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "For a long time" is a more general expression used to indicate a lengthy duration, while "for so long" emphasizes the feeling of waiting or enduring something for an extended period.

Last updated: July 20, 2024 • 1326 views

for a long time

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate a lengthy duration.

This phrase is used to express that something has been happening or existing for an extended period of time.

Examples:

  • I have known her for a long time.
  • They have been waiting for a long time.
  • The project took a long time to complete.
  • Apr 3, 2024 ... for a long time usually comes after a positive like has, will, or did. Probably true, but this is not the grammatical difference, as it can be ...
  • Oct 31, 2019 ... "for long" means the duration of the act, while"for a long time" means the interval between the acts.
  • Chatflow does not load for a long time, then appears to work fine. I am attempting to use the Chatflow widget on my site. To the best of my knowledge, this ...
  • May 27, 2022 ... Hi I really need help with my laptop. I'm a college student. I've been using this laptop for a long time now. One time during vacation, ...
  • Mar 11, 2018 ... I have played soccer for a long time. I have played soccer in a long time. What is the difference between the two sentences above in meaning?
  • Jan 27, 2020 ... Message today is databases have not been updated for a long time and last update was 5 days ago. No. Reset? Maybe. Installed a new activation ...
  • Nov 29, 2023 ... alexandernate on November 29, 2023: "Long Day, for a Long Time ✨ a close one to my heart.. seeing what it's meant to people, ...
  • Oct 4, 2024 ... Email deliver problem on Sophos XG v20 MR2 - Hosts have been failing for a long time..... ... for a long time (and retry time not reached).
  • Jul 6, 2021 ... Experience with forms open for a long time ... Has anyone had experience with opening a form and capturing information over a long period (8 hrs) ...
  • Aug 26, 2024 ... Remember, we are not here for a long time, but a good time. We've got work to do! Take care friends! Your DEI Homegirl. Follow Ellise A ...

Alternatives:

  • for an extended period
  • for a considerable amount of time
  • for a prolonged period
  • for quite a while

for so long

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to emphasize the feeling of waiting or enduring something for an extended period.

This phrase is used to emphasize the duration of waiting or enduring something, often with a sense of impatience or frustration.

Examples:

  • I have been waiting for you for so long.
  • She has been studying for so long without a break.
  • Why did it take you so long to finish the task?
  • Dec 1, 2013 ... For So Long By Andy Gibb Feat. The Bee GeesFor so longYou and me been finding each other for so longAnd the feeling that i feel for you is ...
  • 3 days ago ... Capture of Mafia boss Matteo Messina Denaro raises questions over how he stayed free for so long. By Barbie Latza Nadeau and Sharon ...
  • Why so low for so long? A long-term view of real interest rates. BIS Working Papers | No 685 |. 19 December 2017. by Claudio Borio, Piti Disyatat, ...
  • 1 day ago ... Why is the surname Farmer so uncommon when there were large numbers of farmers for so long? Is it because most of them were tenant farmers, ...
  • Principal Translations. Inglés, Español. for so long expr, (finite amount of time), por un tiempo loc adv. The boss will only wait for so long; hurry up!
  • How can whales hold their breath for so long? Rather than keeping oxygen in their lungs like humans do, whales' bodies are specially adapted to store oxygen ...

Alternatives:

  • for such a long time
  • for an extended period of time
  • for an interminable length
  • for an eternity

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