Quick answer: You should almost always use “a while” (two words) to indicate an indefinite period of time. The phrase “some while” is considered archaic, overly formal, or redundant in modern English and should be replaced with “a while” or “some time.”
Choosing between “a while” and “some while” is a common stumbling block for writers attempting to indicate an indefinite period of time. The confusion stems from the fact that both phrases contain the noun “while” and attempt to quantify it with a determiner. However, only one of these options is considered standard, natural, and grammatically sound in contemporary English.
| Term | Meaning / When to use | Example sentence |
|---|---|---|
| A while | A standard noun phrase (indefinite article “a” + noun “while”) meaning “a period of time.” Use this in all modern contexts, especially after prepositions like “for” or “in.” | “I need to rest for a while before we continue the meeting.” |
| Some while | An archaic or overly formal determiner-noun pairing. Avoid this in modern writing. If you mean an indefinite duration, use “a while” or “some time” instead. | Archaic: “He waited for some while before the door opened.” (Modern fix: “…for a while” or “…for some time.”) |
When to use “a while”
The Rule: Use “a while” as a standard noun phrase whenever you need to indicate an indefinite but standard period of time. It is the universally accepted choice in modern English, particularly when following a preposition such as “for,” “in,” or “after.”
- Professional Email:
- The Error: “I will be reviewing the Q3 financial reports for some while, so expect a slight delay in my response.”
- The Fix: “I will be reviewing the Q3 financial reports for a while, so expect a slight delay in my response.”
- Why It Matters: In a modern corporate environment, clarity and natural phrasing are paramount. “Some while” sounds stilted, overly formal, and slightly unnatural. Using “a while” sets a clear, professional expectation of a temporary delay without distracting the reader with awkward syntax.
- Resume or Cover Letter:
- The Error: “I worked as a freelance marketing consultant for some while before joining your firm.”
- The Fix: “I worked as a freelance marketing consultant for a while before joining your firm.” (Editor’s upgrade: “I worked as a freelance marketing consultant for two years before joining your firm.”)
- Why It Matters: Vague timeframes weaken the impact of a resume. While “a while” is grammatically sound, replacing it with a specific duration is the ultimate editor-level upgrade. If you must use an indefinite phrase, “a while” is the only acceptable choice; “some while” reads as a fundamental misunderstanding of modern business English conventions.
- Casual Text Message:
- The Error: “Haven’t talked to you in some while! Let’s grab coffee next week.”
- The Fix: “Haven’t talked to you in a while! Let’s grab coffee next week.”
- Why It Matters: Text messages thrive on natural, conversational flow. “Some while” reads like a clumsy translation from a 19th-century novel, creating an unintended comedic distance between you and your friend. Stick to the standard, friendly phrasing.
When to use “some while”
The Rule: Avoid using “some while” in contemporary writing. Grammatically, “some” acts as a determiner modifying the noun “while,” but in modern English, this pairing is widely considered archaic, overly formal, or regionally dialectal. As the Wikipedia article on “While” explains, the noun while inherently means “an amount of time” or “some duration,” making the addition of “some” largely redundant. You should only encounter or use this phrase in highly specific, stylized contexts.
- Historical Fiction or Period Literature:
- The Usage: “The knight stood guard at the castle gate for some while before the king finally arrived.”
- Why It Works: In literary contexts specifically aiming for an archaic, formal, or historical tone, “some while” can effectively evoke a bygone era. It signals to the reader that the narrative voice is intentionally detached from modern colloquialisms.
- Modern Business Report (The Error):
- The Error: “The regional supply chain disruption lasted for some while, impacting Q4 deliverables.”
- The Fix: “The regional supply chain disruption lasted for a while, impacting Q4 deliverables.” (Better: “…lasted for an extended period…”)
- Why It Matters: Business writing demands absolute clarity and modern professionalism. “Some while” introduces unnecessary friction for the reader, making the author sound unsure or out of touch with standard corporate communication norms.
- Academic Writing (The Error):
- The Error: “This sociological trend has been observed by researchers for some while.”
- The Fix: “This sociological trend has been observed by researchers for some time.”
- Why It Matters: Academic style guides universally prefer “some time” (two words) when indicating an indefinite duration in formal research. They reserve “while” almost exclusively for the standard “a while” construction or as a conjunction. Using “some while” in a peer-reviewed journal will immediately flag your writing as non-standard.
How to remember the difference
The “A” vs. “Some” Mnemonic
Think of the “A” in “a while” as standing for “Accepted” or “Amount.” You are referring to “an amount” of time, which is the standard, accepted phrasing. Conversely, think of the “Some” in “some while” as standing for “Stilted” or “Outdated.” This mental shortcut instantly flags the phrase as one to avoid in your daily writing.
The Substitution Test
A veteran copy editor’s favorite trick is the substitution test. Try replacing the phrase in your sentence with “a period of time.” If it fits perfectly, use the two-word “a while.” If you find yourself wanting to say “some period of time,” you actually mean “some time” (two words), not “some while.” This simple swap eliminates the awkwardness instantly.
The Preposition Check
If the word immediately before your phrase is a preposition (such as for, in, or after), you must use the two-word noun phrase “a while.” You would never say “for some while” in standard modern English, just as you would never say “in some while.” The preposition demands a standard noun phrase, and “a while” is the only one that fits naturally.
Common mistakes and exceptions
The “Awhile” Trap
This is the single most frequent error I see in manuscripts and cover letters. Writers constantly confuse the two-word noun phrase “a while” with the one-word adverb “awhile.” According to Merriam-Webster, awhile is an adverb meaning “for a while,” whereas a while is the article a plus the noun while, meaning “a period of time.” The golden rule is simple: if you can replace the phrase with “for a period of time,” use the two-word “a while.” Never write “for awhile,” because that grammatically translates to “for for a period of time,” which is glaringly redundant.
The “Ago” and “Back” Rule
When pairing your time phrase with “ago” or “back,” only “a while” is correct. “I saw him a while ago” is the standard, accepted phrasing. “I saw him some while ago” is incorrect and sounds deeply unnatural. Similarly, “I saw him awhile ago” is incorrect because “ago” requires a noun phrase, not an adverb.
US vs. UK Differences
Some writers mistakenly assume that “some while” is the proper British English alternative to “a while.” It is not. While British English frequently uses “whilst” as a conjunction (e.g., “Whilst I was waiting, I read a book”), the noun phrase for an indefinite duration remains “a while” or “some time” in both US and UK English. “Some while” is not a recognized standard variant in modern British style guides like Oxford or Cambridge; it is simply an archaic construction that has fallen out of favor on both sides of the Atlantic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “some while” ever correct in modern English?
Rarely. It is generally considered archaic, overly formal, or dialectal. In 99% of modern writing contexts, from business emails to academic papers, you should use “a while” or “some time” instead.
Can I use “awhile” instead of “a while”?
Only if it is modifying a verb directly without a preceding preposition. For example, “Stay awhile” is grammatically correct because “awhile” acts as an adverb modifying “stay.” However, “Stay for awhile” is incorrect; it must be “Stay for a while” because the preposition “for” requires a noun object.
Why do I see “some while” in older books?
In 18th- and 19th-century literature, “some while” was a much more common determiner-noun pairing. Language naturally evolves over time, and modern English has streamlined this to favor the more concise “a while” or the distinct phrase “some time.”
Is it “a while” or “awhile” after the word “for”?
It is always “a while.” The word “for” is a preposition, and prepositions must be followed by a noun or a noun phrase. “A while” functions as that noun phrase. “Awhile” is an adverb and cannot grammatically follow a preposition.
Thomas Anderson holds a master’s degree in Linguistics from the University of Cambridge and has over 15 years of experience exploring the intricacies of the English language. His fascination with etymology and word usage began in his teenage years, prompting him to pursue a career that combined his love for words with his analytical skills. As an expert in semantic nuances, Thomas is particularly adept at dissecting the subtle distinctions between synonyms and homonyms. His work at WordChoiceHub focuses on providing clear, concise comparisons that empower readers to choose the right word with confidence. He has an exceptional ability to make complex linguistic concepts accessible to a broad audience, whether they’re language enthusiasts, students, or professionals seeking to improve their communication skills. His content often explores the historical evolution of English vocabulary, offering insights into why certain word choices are preferred in different contexts. Thomas is passionate about fostering a deeper appreciation for the richness of the English language and delights in guiding others on their journey of discovery.