'A short while ago' and 'A long while ago'

[Tom]

Hi

Could you please tell me if both the following expressions are correct?

1- He called me a long while ago.
2- He called me a short while ago.

Tom

[Conchita]

Yes, Tom, your sentences are correct. Use those expressions if you don't want to be too precise -- 'while' and 'time' are rather vague (how long is a while?).

[Alan]

Hi Tom,

A long/short while ago as Conchita has averred, are both grammatically acceptable but to my ear don't both quite click with me. I would prefer a little while ago and/or a short time ago but then I am being hideously subjective.

A
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English as a Second Language
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