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alexlearner

Sep 4th, 2016 02:14 am

in a few days vs for a few days

I am going to make up two similar sentences.

(1) I will stop writing my essay in the next few days.

(2) I will stop writing my essay for the next few days.

How do these prepositions change the meaning of the sentence?

Please explain it. Thanks.

susan53

Sep 5th, 2016 01:08 am

Re: in a few days vs for a few days

Sentence 1 is strange. The meaning is "I will finish the essay" so it would be more natural to use that verb: I will finish writing the essay in the next few days. i.e. you're near the end with only a bit more work to do and some time today, tomorrow or the next day will be able to hand it in.

Sentence 2 is fine. The meaning is : I'm going to take a break from writing the essay today, tomorrow and the next day and will start working on it again the day after.

Giv9	Aug 18th, 2017 02:03 am

Re: in a few days vs for a few days

Sentence 1: It means you'll either complete your essay or give up writing it.

Sentence 2: It means you'll be taking a short break from writing and will resume later.

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