as it takes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as it takes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the amount of time, effort, or resources required to achieve something. Example: "I will work on this project as it takes to ensure the best results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

For as long as it takes".

The Economist

"As long as it takes," she said.

The New York Times

"As long as it takes," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

I'll wait as long as it takes.

The New York Times

NEIL GAIMAN: As much time as it takes.

The New Yorker

"As long as it takes to finish," Mendes said.

The New York Times - Sports

But it will take as long as it takes.

The New York Times - Sports

"And that will continue for as long as it takes.

The Guardian

So save up, for as long as it takes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The fancy is snatched away even as it takes flight.

The Guardian - Books

"We will stay out as long as it takes".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as it takes" to indicate an open-ended commitment to time or resources, emphasizing the priority of completion over a fixed schedule. For example, "We will continue to develop the product as it takes to ensure it meets our quality standards."

Common error

Don't use "as it takes" when a project or task has a strict deadline. Instead, specify a concrete timeframe or use phrases like "by the deadline" or "within the allotted time". Using "as it takes" implies flexibility, which contradicts a firm deadline.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as it takes" functions as a conjunction, often used to introduce a clause that specifies the duration or amount of effort required for something. As the Ludwig AI points out, it indicates the time, effort, or resources needed to achieve a desired outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

31%

Wiki

21%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as it takes" is a versatile and commonly used conjunction that indicates a willingness to continue a process or activity for however long is necessary to achieve the desired result. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and applicable across various contexts, including news, academia, and informal communication. While it implies a flexible approach, it's crucial to avoid using it when strict deadlines are involved. Instead, consider alternatives like "however long it requires" or "as much time as needed" to suit different situations. The high frequency and authoritative sources, such as The New York Times and The Guardian, reinforce its acceptability and widespread usage in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however long it requires

Emphasizes the duration needed, focusing on the requirement.

for the duration needed

Highlights the period necessary to complete a task.

as much time as needed

Focuses specifically on the time component required.

for as long as necessary

Stresses the necessity of continuing until completion.

until it's completed

Shifts the focus to the endpoint of completion.

however much effort is needed

Highlights the amount of effort expended.

for all required time

Emphasizes all the time needed for the task.

until the job is done

Focuses on the completion of the job as the primary goal.

as long as required

Highlights the mandatory nature of the duration.

for the time being

Suggests a temporary solution or action.

FAQs

How can I use "as it takes" in a sentence?

You can use "as it takes" to indicate that you will continue working on something for the amount of time that is needed to complete it. For example: "I'll be patient, I'll wait "as long as it takes"".

What is a good alternative to "as it takes"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "however long it requires", "as much time as needed", or "for as long as necessary".

Is it grammatically correct to say "as it takes"?

Yes, the phrase "as it takes" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to express the duration or effort required to complete a task or achieve a goal.

What does "as long as it takes" mean?

The phrase "as long as it takes" means continuing until something is finished, regardless of the time or effort required. It emphasizes commitment and persistence until completion.