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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 • 1921 views

for a long time

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.

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.
  • 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

in a long time

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

  • 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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