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tanguatlay
Member
Posts: 421
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Does 'a while' mean 'a short while' or could it be longer than a short period?

Many thanks.
Marius Hancu
Member
Posts: 8500
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No, it's not only short:

That took quite a while - this means it took a quite long time

It's any period or interval of time
Rachel, Moderator
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Posts: 15236
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I disagree.

"A while" can refer to a short time, but, in fact, I think it more often does refer to a time that is longer.

  • Go out and get yourself some coffee. It will be a while before the doctor can see you.

  • Jack didn't go to college right after high school. He lived in Wyoming for a while and then went to Los Angeles to find himself.
    _______

    If you want to indicate a short time, you'd say, "just a little while," or "just a short while."

    RA
    		•
    tanguatlay
    Member
    Posts: 421
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    Thanks, Jerry and Rachel.
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