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Ansonguy Posted 8 years ago
Grammar

In a while

(ex) Usually, all the coupons issued by ABC Store expire in a while.

I mean, the coupons are good for a short time. Can I use "in a while"? Thanks.

  

Top answer

No, "in a while" means "a short time from NOW". It doesn't work in a general statement about "usually". The correct phrase here would be "after a while".

— RPinPA

  • No, "in a while" means "a short time from NOW".
  • It doesn't work in a general statement about "usually".
  • The correct phrase here would be "after a while".
  • Also, "usually" (meaning most of the time) and "all" (meaning all of the time) seem to be contradictory.
  • You should leave out the word "all".
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2 Answers
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No, "in a while" means "a short time from NOW". It doesn't work in a general statement about "usually".

The correct phrase here would be "after a while".

Also, "usually" (meaning most of the time) and "all" (meaning all of the time) seem to be contradictory. You should leave out the word "all".

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Adding to RPinPA's answer: In a while can also used when talking about something that hasn't occurred recently.
I haven't seen her in a while.
There is also the phrase once in a while, which means sometimes, but not often.
He still rides his motorcycle once in a while, but not every day like he used to.

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