a use of "a long time"

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

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 !

2

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.
.

3

Hi, Amy

Thank you ! Now I get it. :slight_smile: