Hi,
Would it be always wrong to use 'for' before 'a long time' as in the following sentence?
'We've been married a long time!'
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Hi,
Would it be always wrong to use 'for' before 'a long time' as in the following sentence?
'We've been married a long time!'
No, you can add "for" if you want to. It's not obligatory.
Is this arbitrariness just for 'a long time'? How about other phrases indicating time used in a present perfect tense?
We can omit 'for' before most time expressions. The omission is rather informal.
I have lived here (for) ten years.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mehrgan
NOT A TEACHER
It is possible to leave out for (but not usualy in negative sentences):
- They've been married (for) ten years. (with or without for)
- They haven't had a holiday for ten years. (you must use for)
(English Grammar in Use - Raymond Murphy)