Usage Dictionary

a while / awhile

The noun phrase a while versus the adverb awhile.

Use a while after a preposition (for a while, in a while, after a while). Use awhile only as an adverb meaning “for a short time,” and only when no preposition is present. When in doubt, write a while.

Examples

UseStay awhile.

UseStay for a while.

AvoidStay for awhile.

UseIt has been a while since we spoke.

After a preposition, write a while: for a while, in a while, after a while. After the or this, write while: all the while, all this while.