are time-consuming

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are time-consuming" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe tasks or activities that require a significant amount of time to complete. Example: "The new software updates are time-consuming, making it difficult to meet our deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

"These conversations are time-consuming and difficult.

The New York Times

They are time-consuming – you have to peel them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But infrastructure projects are time-consuming and long-lasting.

The Guardian

Caucuses by nature are time-consuming and complicated.

The Guardian

Both systems are time-consuming, frustrating and expensive.

The New York Times

Shooting and snaring are time-consuming and inefficient.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Though the oxtails are time consuming, they cook mostly unattended.

The New York Times

Both are time consuming.

TechCrunch

These cycles are time consuming.

Procedia Engineering

Too many samplings are time consuming.

Journal of Cheminformatics

In addition they are time consuming and expensive.

International Journal of Geo-Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing tasks or processes, use "are time-consuming" to clearly communicate that they demand significant time investment. This sets expectations and helps in planning and resource allocation.

Common error

Avoid using passive constructions that obscure who or what is performing the action. Instead of saying "Resources are time-consumed by this process", clarify with "This process consumes time and valuable resources".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are time-consuming" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject of a sentence. It modifies nouns or noun phrases, indicating that they require a significant amount of time. Ludwig provides several examples demonstrating its use in describing various processes and tasks.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

58%

News & Media

29%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are time-consuming" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjective phrase that describes tasks or processes requiring significant time. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, including science, news media, and formal business settings. While alternatives like "take a long time" exist, "are time-consuming" offers a clear and direct way to communicate the time investment required. When using this phrase, be mindful of passive voice and strive for clarity to effectively convey your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a long time

Focuses on the duration required rather than the inherent nature of being demanding of time.

require considerable time

Emphasizes the amount of time needed, suggesting it's more than average.

demand a lot of time

Highlights the demanding aspect of the activity, stressing that it needs attention and investment of time.

involve a lengthy process

Focuses on the process itself being long, rather than the time it consumes.

are lengthy

A shorter, more direct way of saying something takes a long time.

consume significant time

Emphasizes the act of using up a large portion of time.

entail a drawn-out procedure

Highlights the extended and possibly tedious nature of the activity.

necessitate extensive time

Indicates that a large amount of time is essential and unavoidable.

are protracted

Implies the activity is unnecessarily long, possibly beyond what's reasonable.

require a substantial investment of time

Highlights the resource aspect of time, indicating it's a significant commitment.

FAQs

How can I use "are time-consuming" in a sentence?

You can use "are time-consuming" to describe tasks, activities, or processes that require a significant amount of time to complete. For example, "These reports "are time-consuming" and require careful attention to detail".

What are some alternatives to saying "are time-consuming"?

Alternatives include "take a long time", "require considerable time", or "demand a lot of time", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "are time-consuming" or "is time-consuming"?

"Are time-consuming" is used when referring to plural nouns or pronouns, while "is time-consuming" is used with singular nouns or pronouns. For example, "The tasks are time-consuming", but "The task is time-consuming".

What is the difference between "are time-consuming" and "are inefficient"?

"Are time-consuming" specifically refers to the duration an activity takes, while "are inefficient" refers to the process not making the best use of resources, including time. An activity can be time-consuming but efficient if it achieves a lot in that time, or it can be inefficient and still not take a long time.