(for) long

Johnny   Sat Oct 11, 2008 3:34 pm GMT
I haven't waited for long.
I didn't wait for long.
I haven't been trying for long
I didn't try for long.
You slept for too long.
You slept for so long!


Is it always more idiomatic to leave "for" out, at least in American English?
I have trouble choosing between "long" and "for long". After checking on Google, it looks like "for" is rarely included. Thanks.
Uriel   Sat Oct 11, 2008 8:27 pm GMT
No, you can say it either way in American English. Usually it's the rhythm of the sentence that determines if you use it or not, plus your own personal speech habits. But I might say it one way in one instance and another later on.