Sentence1.Mr. Li worked another three hours after dinner.
Sentence2. We walked for another three hours before we got to the top .
I wonder if I can say "worked for another three hours" in Sentence1. If not,why not?

Question

Sentence1.Mr. Li worked another three hours after dinner.
Sentence2. We walked for another three hours before we got to the top .
I wonder if I can say "worked for another  three hours" in Sentence1. If not,why not?

Answer

"In an informal style, 'for' is often left out in expressions that say how long something lasts."

I've been here (for) three weeks now.

-- Michael Swan in PRACTICAL ENGLISH USAGE

*****

Since you are a learner, I suggest that you always use the preposition.

After you become fluent in English, it will often sound more natural to native speakers if you leave out the preposition in that kind of sentence,

Answer

Mr. Li worked another three hours after dinner. <- important "worked"
Mr. Li worked for another three hours after dinner.

Answers · 4

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