Can awhile be used after a preposition?: Usage Guide
Although considered a solecism by many commentators, awhile, like several other adverbs of time and place, is often used as the object of a preposition.
… would be generous enough to let me explore their world for awhile.
—
David Yeadon
David Yeadon
Examples of awhile in a Sentence
I'm going to sit and rest awhile.
The rumor had been around awhile.
Recent Examples on the Web
The Padres took awhile to make sure the good pitching would lead to a good result.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025
Republicans’ slim margins have been clear for quite awhile, but a state Senate upset by Democrats in Pennsylvania this week is adding to GOP fretting.
—Cate Martel, The Hill, 28 Mar. 2025
Golden now aims to stick around the Bay Area awhile.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2025
So far Harris is not a formal candidate, content for awhile to let others talk about her chances.
—Thomas Elias, The Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for awhile
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Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025
Republicans’ slim margins have been clear for quite awhile, but a state Senate upset by Democrats in Pennsylvania this week is adding to GOP fretting.
—Cate Martel, The Hill, 28 Mar. 2025
Golden now aims to stick around the Bay Area awhile.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2025
So far Harris is not a formal candidate, content for awhile to let others talk about her chances.
—Thomas Elias, The Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for awhile
Cite this Entry
“Awhile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/awhile. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
awhile
adverb
ə-ˈhwī(ə)l 
ə-ˈwī(ə)l
: for a while : for a short time
sit and rest awhile
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