Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Junkomama]

Hello, teachers.

"I can't concentrate on studying (for) a long time."
Is it OK to use "a lot of time" instead of "a long time"?

Thank you in advance.
Junkomama

[myprofe]

These are all correct:

I can only stay a short time.

I can only stay for a short time.

I can't stay a long time.

I can't stay for a long time.
_________________
I'm never going to learn if you don't correct my mistakes!

[Junkomama]

Thank you so much for your reply, myprofe-san!!
Do you mean "(for) a lot of time" is not correct?

Thank you in advance!
Junkomama

[myprofe]

When you think of time as an object that you can do something with then it's possible to say:

I spend, invest, gain, lose and waist a lot of time.

When this is not the case and time is not an object you say:

I stay, live, wait, study, walk etc. for a long time.
_________________
I'm never going to learn if you don't correct my mistakes!

[Junkomama]

Thank you again, myprofe-san!
I got it.

Regards,
Junkomama