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
Next summer’s free agents list also includes one Kyrie Irving, whom Pat Riley has privately had on his radar for awhile.
Herro, having a great season, and Adebayo remain players to build around.
—Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2025
The Tracy Morgan project, which has been heating up for awhile and is currently casting, marks the first pilot order for NBC this season.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 4 Mar. 2025
Francis likely approved the bishop appointments awhile back and the new norms for the fundraising entity were approved Feb. 11, before he was hospitalized.
—Trisha Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025
It’s been awhile since any KU player put the team on his back — even for a stretch, let alone a game.
—Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for awhile
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Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2025
The Tracy Morgan project, which has been heating up for awhile and is currently casting, marks the first pilot order for NBC this season.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 4 Mar. 2025
Francis likely approved the bishop appointments awhile back and the new norms for the fundraising entity were approved Feb. 11, before he was hospitalized.
—Trisha Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025
It’s been awhile since any KU player put the team on his back — even for a stretch, let alone a game.
—Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for awhile
Articles Related to awhile
Cite this Entry
“Awhile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/awhile. Accessed 20 Mar. 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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