a while to develop

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a while to develop" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the time required for something to grow, mature, or be created. Example: "The new software took a while to develop, but the results were worth the wait."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

"New rules and codes of conduct take a while to develop and we are still in a development phase for mobile phones," he added.

Independent

That feeling took a while to develop in me.

The Guardian

It took me a while to develop a social network.

The New York Times

It may take a while to develop unanticipated stars and rivalries and traditions.

The New York Times - Sports

The dramatic impact of the play, directed by Ted Sod, takes a while to develop.

The New York Times

What this orchestra has taken a while to develop is a distinct sonic thumbprint.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

"It might take a little while to develop that [way of thinking] in the community, but there's a part of the community already on board," Falkner says.

Science Magazine

The seeds usually germinate relatively fast but depending on the soil temperature and moistness of soil it may take a little while to develop.

WikiHow

Flawless took Doroshow upstate to stay with Flawless's mother for a while, to get some TLC while they developed a plan for Doroshow to take control of her life.

Vice

Car reviewers get a chance to try out a lot of cars and after a while we tend to develop a "Goldilocks Syndrome": Some are too big, some are too small, some are just right.

Forbes

During the previous months, I'd been learning a coding language while trying to develop a project about the aesthetics of classical Arabic poetry.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a while to develop", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is undergoing development and why the time frame is significant. It is important to indicate what is gaining in complexity, such as "It will take "a while to develop" the algorithm".

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the time needed for development without providing a rationale. Be specific about the complexities involved to justify the duration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a while to develop" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. As Ludwig explains, it indicates the time needed for something to grow, mature, or be created. Examples from Ludwig show it describing the evolution of social networks, toughness, and even play's dramatic impact.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a while to develop" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that something requires time to progress and mature. As demonstrated by numerous examples analyzed by Ludwig, it’s frequently used in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts, denoting that achieving a particular outcome or mastering a skill needs a time investment. Consider alternative expressions like "time to mature" or "period to evolve" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time to mature

Emphasizes the process of reaching full development or ripeness.

period to evolve

Highlights the gradual change and development over a duration.

duration to unfold

Focuses on the time it takes for something to reveal itself or become clear.

phase to grow

Indicates a specific stage in the process of development or expansion.

interval to progress

Stresses the advancement or improvement over a specific time.

stage to emerge

Focuses on the point at which something becomes visible or known after a period of development.

season to flourish

Implies a period of thriving or vigorous growth.

bit of time to take shape

Highlights the gradual formation or structuring of something.

stretch to cultivate

Emphasizes the effort and time needed to nurture and develop something.

opportunity to establish

Highlights a possibility or chance to create and firmly set something over a certain period.

FAQs

How can I use "a while to develop" in a sentence?

You can use "a while to develop" to describe the time needed for something to progress or mature. For example, "It takes "a while to develop" a strong social network" or "New technologies take "a while to develop" and refine.

What are some alternatives to "a while to develop"?

Alternatives include "time to mature", "period to evolve", or "duration to unfold", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a while to develop"?

Use "a while to develop" when you want to emphasize that something requires a significant but unspecified amount of time to reach its full potential or intended state.

What's the difference between "a while to develop" and "some time to create"?

"A while to develop" suggests a process of gradual change and growth, while "some time to create" /s/some+time+to+create focuses more on the act of bringing something into existence. Development often implies complexity and maturation, whereas creation can be more immediate.