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
Example Sentences
I'm going to sit and rest awhile. The rumor had been around awhile.
Recent Examples on the WebTravelers took their last ride on the Orange Line for awhile Friday night, expressing a mix of nostalgia and resignation as the subway line is shut down until Sept. 19 for massive repairs officials warn will upend people’s lives. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 22 Aug. 2022 Gomez has been dropping clues to her fans about new music for awhile now, hinting about it in interviews and posting cryptic TikTok videos from inside the recording booth. Glenn Rowley, Billboard, 17 Aug. 2022 Nonetheless, Sanchez will be shut down for awhile with no definite timetable for his return, leaving the Brewers without a valuable middle relief option. Andrew Wagner, Forbes, 27 June 2022 Mary Kay Cabot and Ashley Bastock talked about Rosen returning the practice squad, as well as the Browns having an eye on Mond for awhile. Ashley Bastock, cleveland, 1 Sep. 2022 Nick played with the Keys for awhile and did a lot of stuff with the Dap-Kings and The Arcs. Jonathan Cohen, SPIN, 23 Aug. 2022 The temporary police chief, who will be responsible for leading law enforcement efforts in the fifth most populous city in the U.S. and overseeing a $700 million-plus budget, could be in the post for awhile. Taylor Seely, The Arizona Republic, 19 July 2022 Summer in the South of France and eat out for every meal for awhile. Marianne Garvey, CNN, 28 July 2022 According to Agasid, large rockets take awhile to recycle whereas smaller rockets like Electron can be recycled within a matter of a week to a few weeks. Arianna Johnson, Forbes, 28 June 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
adverbial use of a while (written as one word sporadically since Middle English), going back to Middle English awhile, one while, going back to Old English āne hwīle — more at a entry 2, while entry 1
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of awhile was before the 12th century