while · n
quite a while
B1 a long time
Dictionary examples:
I spent quite a while looking for my phone, only to find it in my hand. (0.0)
After quite a while, I finally learned to cook. The fire department is relieved. (0.0)
After quite a while, I finally remembered where I put my glasses: on my head! (0.0)
I hadn’t seen Rebecca in quite a while. (13.9)
It took quite a while to clean out the garage. (21.1)
(every) once in a while
B2 sometimes but not often
Dictionary examples:
We do go to the beach once in a while. (20.5)
a while
B1 a length of time
Dictionary examples:
I waited for my slow computer to start up for a while. It felt like years! (0.0)
After a while of trying, I finally caught a fish. It was made of plastic! (0.0)
I spent a while trying to teach my cat to fetch. It wasn't very successful! (0.0)
I haven't seen him for a while. (13.9)
I'll be fine in a while. (14.1)
You were there a while, weren't you? (14.9)
I only stayed for a short while. (15.3)
After a while, Roberto came back inside. (23.8)
"When did that happen?" "Oh, it was a while ago". (28.5)