[Grammar] worked 3 years or worked for 3 years

[Augustine06]

Dear Teachers,

Are there any circumstances when one can say, for example: "I worked 3 years as a bartender" or "I worked as a bartender 3 years"? The person I often have arguments over English grammar with insists that it's correct and that there is a rule for that in English grammar books (such as Collins Cobuild English Usage). Only he says that this rule can be found in "non-pocket" editions (whatever it means when it comes to grammar books).
So my question is: does the rule really exist or it's simply ungrammatical to say "I worked 3/5/10 years" instead of "I worked for 3/5/10 years"?

Thank you in advance for your help

 

[bhaisahab]

I can't think of any circumstances in which it would be correct. You will hear it used, however, I would advise any student against using it in a classroom or exam situation.

 

[Augustine06]

I can't think of any circumstances in which it would be correct. You will hear it used, however, I would advise any student against using it in a classroom or exam situation.

Oh thank you so much, bhaisahab!

 

[Matthew Wai]

Augustine06, clicking on the 'Thank' button can obviate the need for a new post saying 'Thank you'; such is one of the many unwritten rules on this forum.

 

[Matthew Wai]

I write 'many unwritten rules' because last year when I asked about unwritten rules, 5jj, a former moderator, told me that there were 'hundreds' in this post.

Does 'hundreds' count as 'many'?

 

[MikeNewYork]

Dear Teachers,

Are there any circumstances when one can say, for example: "I worked 3 years as a bartender" or "I worked as a bartender 3 years"?

While I agree with Bhai, that that construction is not grammatical, it is used, at least in AmE. It could be looked at as ellipsis of the word "for".

 

[Augustine06]

While I agree with Bhai, that that construction is not grammatical, it is used, at least in AmE. It could be looked at as ellipsis of the word "for".

Thank you, MikeNewYork I know it is used. I just wanted to know whether there was a rule for that or not. Because the guy I'm having this argument with still insists that it's absolutely grammatical

 

[MikeNewYork]

Without "for", it is not grammatical in my opinion.

 

[probus]

In my experience, "I worked x years ..." is common and natural in everyday AmE. I've often used it myself. Nevertheless, I agree with bhai's original reply: ESL students should avoid it in academic contexts.

 

[Rover_KE]

Thank you, MikeNewYork. [STRIKE][/STRIKE] I know it is used. I just wanted to know whether there was a rule for that or not, because the guy I'm having this argument with still insists that it's absolutely grammatical. [STRIKE][/STRIKE]

Don't use home-made emoticons to replace standard punctuation marks. If you want to insert a smiley, click on :-D.