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Anonymous Posted 19 years ago
Grammar

in a while or for a while

What's the difference in definition between "for" and "in" in the following examples? Does each group have the same meaning?

Group1
I haven't done it in a while.
I haven't done it for a while.

Group2
I haven't talked to you in a while.
I haven't talked to you for a while.

Group3
I stopped doing that for a while.
I stopped doing that in a while.

Correct me if I'm wrong:

Group4
I'll see you there in a while. (indicating that I will see that person soon)
I'll see you there for a while. (indicating that I will be with the person for a long time)

THANKS!
  

Top answer

Group1-- same meaning Group2-- same meaning Group3 I stopped doing that for a while. -- 'I will stop in the near future' (Original sentence was logically impossible) Group4 I'll see you there in a while. (indicating that I will see that person soon) -- Yes I'll see you there for a while.

— Mister Micawber

  • Group1-- same meaning Group2-- same meaning Group3 I stopped doing that for a while.
  • -- 'I will stop in the near future' (Original sentence was logically impossible) Group4 I'll see you there in a while.
  • (indicating that I will see that person soon) -- Yes I'll see you there for a while.
  • (indicating that I will be with the person for a short or a long time)-- It depends on context (see correction)
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1 Answers
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Group1-- same meaning

Group2-- same meaning

Group3
I stopped doing that for a while. -- 'I stopped for a limited period'
I will stop doing that in a while.-- 'I will stop in the near future' (Original sentence was logically impossible)

Group4
I'll see you there
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