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Peaceblinkfriend Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

"...So how long are you staying for?"

A: "You must be having a great time down under! Look at your skin!"
B: "Yeah.Can't see myself coming backing actually."
A: "It's great to see you here.So how long are you staying for?"
So how long are you staying for?
So how long will you be staying for?
So how long are you staying here for?
So how long will you be staying here for?

How do these four variations differ? And which one sounds natural?

Thank you

PBF
  

Top answer

They're all natural, correct, and mean the same thing - once you eliminate the "for" !

— Avangi

  • They're all natural, correct, and mean the same thing - once you eliminate the "for" !
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7 Answers
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They're all natural, correct, and mean the same thing - once you eliminate the "for" !
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Thanks for your reply Avangi.
Just to make sure I got you correctly, did you mean all 'for'?

Thank you again

PBF
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Yes, all of them. You'll hear it said that way, but I believe it's considered very low register. I don't know if it's considered incorrect or ungrammatical, but I believe it is.

It would be fine in the reply, however. "For two weeks." "I'll be staying for two weeks."
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Thanks for the follow-up, Avangi.

When you said 'low register', did you mean informal?

Thanks again

PBF
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Peaceblinkfriend When you said 'low register', did you mean informal?
I'm not sure of the official definition. I picked up the expression from our members. I understand it to mean informal / casual / colloquial / not suitable for "polite society."
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Or you can change the place of for by moving it in front and say like that "for how long are you staying"?
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