Grammar mistake?

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CeciliaMari

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Jan 29, 2017
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I have just finished reading this great novel, first one by S.King I have read in original language, and I was a bit shocked at the repeated use of "for awhile", throughout the whole book.
It is a bad mistake, even if maybe common. Any explanation? I can't find a way out.
 

Doc Creed

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Nov 18, 2015
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I have just finished reading this great novel, first one by S.King I have read in original language, and I was a bit shocked at the repeated use of "for awhile", throughout the whole book.
It is a bad mistake, even if maybe common. Any explanation? I can't find a way out.
Hello, I wouldn't call that a mistake. Maybe, I'm wrong.
The expressions "in a while" and "for a while" are quite common to denote a certain measure of time. I don't think I follow.
I'm curious, which book did you just finish?
Welcome!
 

skimom2

Just moseyin' through...
Oct 9, 2013
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Maybe because of 'awhile' instead of 'a while'? That's questionable in proper grammar (like 'alot' in place of 'a lot', or 'alright' in place of 'all right'). Or it could be the repetition of a phrase seemingly without reason. Repetition is effective when used deliberately to make a point; if the repetition is not used for emphasis, it could be seen as lazy writing. Not at all saying this is the OP's intent (or that Mr. King has done either--in my experience, he chooses his words very carefully and deliberately), but those are the things that jumped out at me as possibilities suggested by the OP.
 

GNTLGNT

The idiot is IN
Jun 15, 2007
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Hello, I wouldn't call that a mistake. Maybe, I'm wrong.
The expressions "in a while" and "for a while" are quite common to denote a certain measure of time. I don't think I follow.
I'm curious, which book did you just finish?
Welcome!
....since it's in the 11/22/63 Thread, I suspect that's what she is referring to-and I don't consider it a grammatical error, simply King's device of sounding like Everyman.....
 

Maddie

Even a stopped clock is right twice a day.
Jul 10, 2006
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I was quoting CeceliaMari

It is not essential though that everything be precisely grammatically correct in an authors expression, is it? It brings a reader closer to the writer when they share it right out of their heads even if its flawed and made up words too, but that's just my opinion. ; )
 

Dana Jean

Dirty Pirate Hooker, The Return
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Apr 11, 2006
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Maybe because of 'awhile' instead of 'a while'? That's questionable in proper grammar (like 'alot' in place of 'a lot', or 'alright' in place of 'all right'). Or it could be the repetition of a phrase seemingly without reason. Repetition is effective when used deliberately to make a point; if the repetition is not used for emphasis, it could be seen as lazy writing. Not at all saying this is the OP's intent (or that Mr. King has done either--in my experience, he chooses his words very carefully and deliberately), but those are the things that jumped out at me as possibilities suggested by the OP.
I use alright all the time. But it's wrong, right?
 

GNTLGNT

The idiot is IN
Jun 15, 2007
87,651
358,754
62
Cambridge, Ohio
I use alright all the time. But it's wrong, right?
giphy.gif
 

Neesy

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May 24, 2012
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I have just finished reading this great novel, first one by S.King I have read in original language, and I was a bit shocked at the repeated use of "for awhile", throughout the whole book.
It is a bad mistake, even if maybe common. Any explanation? I can't find a way out.
If I were you I'd contact The Library Policeman
:cool-new::m_phone:

Welcome CeciliaMari!

the_library_policeman_by_thehouseofideas.jpg