“For awhile” or “for a while”: which is correct?
for a while
The short answer
Use a while instead of awhile after the preposition for because for requires a noun, and a while acts as a noun phrase.
Spelling error
Why people get it wrong
The error occurs because awhile and a while sound similar and are often confused in writing. Awhile is an adverb that means for a short period of time, whereas a while is a noun phrase that means “a period of time.” Thus, when for precedes it, a while should be used.
Examples with for a while
- I will be staying here for a while.
- We talked for a while before leaving.
- She waited for a while at the bus stop.
- He plans to travel for a while after graduation.
Quick check
I will be staying here .
Use a while instead of awhile after the preposition for because for requires a noun, and a while acts as a noun phrase.
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