"for quite a while" vs "for quite awhile"

Question

"for quite a while" vs "for quite awhile"

Both "for quite a while" and "for quite awhile" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "For quite a while" is the more common and standard phrase, while "for quite awhile" is less common but still acceptable.

Last Updated: March 25, 2024

This phrase is used to indicate a long period of time. It is a standard and widely accepted expression.

Examples:

I've been waiting for quite a while.
They have been friends for quite a while now.
She has been studying for quite a while.
The project took quite a while to complete.
We have known each other for quite a while.

Alternatives:

for a long time
for a considerable period
for an extended period
for a good while
for a lengthy period

This phrase is also used to indicate a long period of time, but it is less commonly used than "for quite a while."

Examples:

I've been waiting for quite awhile.
They have been friends for quite awhile now.
She has been studying for quite awhile.
The project took quite awhile to complete.
We have known each other for quite awhile.

Alternatives:

for quite a while
for a long time
for a considerable period
for an extended period
for a good while

Answer 1

for quite a while

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

for quite awhile

This phrase is correct but less common than "for quite a while."

"for quite a while" vs "for quite awhile"

for quite a while

for quite awhile

Related Comparisons