for a long time vs in a long time

The correct phrase is 'for a long time.' 'For a long time' is used to indicate the duration of an action or state that has continued over an extended period. On the other hand, 'in a long time' is not a common phrase in English and does not convey the same meaning as 'for a long time.'

Last updated: July 20, 2024 • 2210 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate the duration of an action or state that has continued over an extended period.

"for a long time"

Use 'for a long time' to express the duration of an action or state that has continued over an extended period. It is often followed by a verb or a verb phrase.

Examples:

I have known her for a long time.
They have been living in that house for a long time.
He has been studying English for a long time.
She has been waiting for a long time.
We have been friends for a long time.

Show examples from the web [+]
Last updated: November 19, 2024

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 while
for ages
for a considerable amount of time
for a prolonged period

This phrase is not commonly used in English and does not convey the same meaning as 'for a long time.'

"in a long time"

Show examples from the web [+]

You haven't seen your grandma in a long time.
Rachel hasn't wanted this much intimacy in a long time.
We hadn't seen Geoffrey in a long time.
It's his best performance in a long time.
We haven't spoken in a long time.
This sword hasn't tasted blood in a long time.
Jar's made contact with the largest human group we've found in a long time.
We haven't had guests in a long time.
It is the most disgraceful outburst I have heard from a Commissioner in a long time.
I'm trying to write in a more obvious and positive manner than I've written in a long time.
Man, I haven't been to a VIP joint like this in a long time.
He probably hasn't eaten in a long time.
In fact, things feel better than they have in a long time.
Look, I haven't practiced medicine or done that kind of thing in a long time.
We are now entering the best period that Europe has had in a long time, in decades, I might say.
And there, right in front of me, was the greatest act of kindness I had seen in a long time.
I haven't broken the rules in a long time, Doctor.
And she's the best anyone's seen in a long time, just like you.
We haven't talked that much in a long time.
And I haven't laughed so hard in a long time.

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for a long time vs in a long time

"for a long time"

"in a long time"

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