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a use of "a long time"



 
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a use of "a long time" #1 (permalink) Mon Nov 03, 2008 9:48 am   a use of "a long time"
 

Hi,

I came across this unusual to me use of the word "time":

She thought she would be a long time getting over this

Though, I'm familiar with this construction: She thought it would be a long time getting over this

Could you tell me, does the former sentence sound OK from a native speaker's point of view, and does it mean exactly the same as the latter sentence ?

Thanks in advance !
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a use of "a long time" #2 (permalink) Mon Nov 03, 2008 11:53 am   a use of "a long time"
 

Hi Alex

Yes, I'm familiar with that sort of construction. I'd say it places the focus more directly on her ("she") -- which is quite appropriate if "she" is the one who has to do the "getting over":

She thought she would be a long time getting over this ==> She thought it would take her a long time to get over this.

She thought it would be a long time getting over this ==> She thought it would take a long time to get over this.
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a use of "a long time" #3 (permalink) Mon Nov 03, 2008 12:08 pm   a use of "a long time"
 

Hi, Amy

Thank you ! Now I get it. :)
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What place is the best place in Taiwan? vs Where is the best place in Taiwan? | Confusing phrases: I was to go. vs I was to have gone.
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