Hey everyone,

What’s the difference between:

- it’s been awhile since we spoke
- it’s been a while since we spoke

Question

Hey everyone,

What’s the difference between:

- it’s been awhile since we spoke
- it’s been a while since we spoke

Answer

The first one means that it has been a short time since you last spoke 
Th second one means that it has been a period of  time since you last spoke

Answer

. 
 This is  what a book written by Mary Embree says in her 2013 book  ABUSED, CONFUSED, AND MISUSED WORDS. I was able to read it at Google "Books."

A While (two words) = a period of time. So we should write "He had to wait a while for the bus" and "It has been a while since they've seen each other."

Awhile (one word) = for a short time. So we should say "Please stay awhile."

P.S. Many native writers do NOT agree on the use of those words.

Answer

Thanks Dorothy, I did understand it.

Answer

Sorry, Dorothy. I still don’t get the difference 😅 but thanks for trying to help!