Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[nawee]

Hello,

In which contexts do we use "for long"? What is the difference between "for long" and "for ages" and "for a long time"? Do we tend to use "for long" when we refer to future times? Can you give me sentences where "for long" is used?

Thank you,

Nawee

[CP]

"For long" is not a short version of "for a long time," so it is a little tricky.

I can say that I have done something for ages / forever / for a long time / for as long as I can remember. All those are ways to say that I've done it for a long time, without being specific. Compare for a day / for a week / for seven years.

But usually "for long" seems to be used in a more negative sense. Examples:

"He won't be on the job for long before he discovers how mean the boss is."

"I haven't been here for long / for very long, but I can see that the weather is not to my liking."

"She won't put up with his drinking for long. She'll leave him."
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You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb

[nawee]

Thank you for your explanation, CP.

What about questions? Which adverbial should be used?

"Have you been waiting [long/for a long time/for long]?

Thank you,

Nawee

[CP]

I would say that any of the three could be used in conversation, though "for long" is the least likely and not one I'd choose. But I'm not sure it's actually wrong. Most people would just say "long" and then get back to drinking.
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You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb