it had been a very long time. vs it had been very long time.

The correct phrase is "it had been a very long time." The word 'a' is necessary before 'very long time' to make the sentence grammatically correct. The absence of 'a' in the second phrase makes it incorrect.

Last updated: March 15, 2024 • 1189 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"it had been a very long time."

This phrase is used to express that a significant amount of time has passed since a particular event or situation.

Examples:

It had been a very long time since I last saw her.
It had been a very long time since we visited that place.
It had been a very long time since we had a family gathering.
It had been a very long time since I felt so happy.
It had been a very long time since we had such a good meal.

Show examples from the web [+]

Everyone told me it had been a very long time since they had laughed that loud - for that long! Thanks for the laughs and memories, [this was the] best off-site ...
Jun 8, 2015 ... It had been a very long time since he'd been responsible for another human. Never had he organized travel for himself or anybody. But it was ...
Jan 17, 2011 ... I don't think they really have different meanings, you're just saying that up until that afternoon, it had been a very long time since you had seen ...
Apr 13, 2015 ... For me, before last fall, it had been a very long time. And when I did, I noticed that acorns really are tiny time capsules for what could become ...

This phrase is incorrect in English. The article 'a' is needed before 'very long time.'

"it had been very long time."

Show examples from the web [+]

It had been very long time since i last watched a Bollywood movie. Last week while i was wandering around searching about new releases, i came across ...
It had been very long time until I am finally freed from 2-year carrier contract from Softbank. Phones in Japan are not sim-free i.e. they are tied with a carrier either ...
Apr 20, 2015 ... The story is long, click here to teleport to the guide! It had been very long time until I am finally freed from 2-year carrier contract from Softbank.
Jun 24, 2014 ... Ywing5 1 year ago. Thank you :) Yeah, It had been very long time. Next: "Thor: The Dark World trailer"- surely faster :). Read more Show less.

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

it had been a very long time. vs it had been very long time.