Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[learner1]

Hello,

I would like to know if 'for long' and 'for a long time' are the same meaning in these pairs?

A:
1.Have you been waiting for long?
2.Have you been waiting for a long time?

B:
1.Have you known him for long?
2.Have you known him for a long time?

C:
1.Have you worked here for long?
2.Have you worked here for a long time?

D:
1.I haven't been waiting for long?
2.I haven't been waiting for a long time?

E:
1.I haven't seen her for long.
2.I haven't seen her for a long time.

F:
1.I haven't watched TV for long.
2.I haven't watched TV for a long time.

Thank you very much.

[Mister Micawber]

.
Yes, they all mean the same.
.
_________________
"I really do not know that anything has ever been more exciting than diagramming sentences." � Gertrude Stein
...............
Canadian-American who teaches English for a living at Mr Micawber's

[learner1]

Hello,

Mister, thank you very much for your answer.
I was taught that 'for long' and 'for a long time' are different meanings when they are used in negatives. e.g.

[I haven't worked for long.]
[I haven't worked for a long time.]

I was taught that the two sentences above are different meanings. Why do those examples in negatives I gave in my earlier post have the same meaning?
I am really coufused about that.

Thank you very much.

[Lorikeet]

[learner1]

Hello,

Thank you so much, Lorikeet. That is a good explanation!