Which preposition is correct and what is the difference in meaning if any?
I went to the gym, something I haven't done for a long time.
I went to the gym, something I haven't done in a long time.
asked Oct 27, 2011 at 17:41
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1I think they're both valid, but for is probably much more common, and in seems to me somewhat more dialectal/informal.– FumbleFingersCommented Oct 27, 2011 at 17:48
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3 Answers
Both are grammatical. There's no difference in meaning, but, at least in the UK, in a long time could be a class marker.
answered Oct 27, 2011 at 17:48
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This chart showing done in/for a while suggests the in version may be the upcoming "new kid on the block". Commented Oct 27, 2011 at 17:52
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5I don't think anyone in the US would even notice the difference, let alone make a judgment based on it.– user13141Commented Oct 27, 2011 at 17:59
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As always, we must treat nGram charts with caution, since they are based only on the written language. Commented Oct 27, 2011 at 18:11
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2Could you elaborate on the class marker? Which class, for instance?– SamCommented Oct 27, 2011 at 18:32
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2I have no evidence, and am prepared to be told I'm wrong, but I think it likely that in the UK 'in a long time' would be less likely to be found in working class speech than in middle class speech. Commented Oct 27, 2011 at 18:50
Barrie's answer is correct for the case you used as an example. However, when referring to the future, only "for" is correct.
"I won't be going to the gym again for a long time" ← valid
"I won't be going to the gym again in a long time" ← incorrect
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4I don't agree with your example, I think they are both OK. My example where they are not the same: I have been living here for a long time. not in a long time.– GEdgarCommented Oct 27, 2011 at 19:21
We have been living here for a long time. (present perfect continuous) - It began in the past, and still lasts.
They lived in New York for a long time. (past simple) - The action began and finished in the past.
They will do it in a long time. (future simple) - It will begin and be finished a long time from now, in the future.
for a long time (present perfect (continuous)) - past - present - future
for a long time (past simple) - past
in a long time - future