it can take

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it can take" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something requires a certain amount of time or effort to happen or be completed. For example: "It can take months to find the right job, so make sure to start searching early."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It can take its toll on you.

The Guardian - Music

It can take hours.

Independent

But it can take longer.

The New York Times

It can take various forms.

The New York Times

Where it can take you".

The New Yorker

It can take a second.

Independent

It can take it.

The New York Times

It can take years.

The New York Times

"It can take forever".

The New York Times

It can take half an hour.

The New York Times

It can take decisions more quickly.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it can take" to set expectations about time, resources, or effort required for a task or process.

Common error

Avoid using "it can take" repeatedly in a text. Vary your sentence structure by using active voice where possible to make your writing more engaging. For example, instead of "it can take a lot of time", try "the process can take a lot of time."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can take" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing the potential or possibility of something requiring a certain amount of time, effort, or resources. Ludwig shows various examples of its usage in context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it can take" is a versatile and frequently used expression that indicates the possibility of something requiring a certain amount of time, effort, or resources. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in English writing. It's found commonly in news, academic, and scientific contexts, highlighting its neutrality and broad applicability. While alternatives exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to be clear about what "it" refers to and avoid overuse to maintain engaging writing. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively use "it can take" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it may require

Emphasizes the possibility or likelihood of needing something.

it might necessitate

Suggests a slightly stronger need or condition.

it could demand

Highlights the potential effort or resources needed.

it has the potential to consume

Focuses on the capacity of something to use up resources.

it is capable of needing

Indicates a capacity or ability to require something.

it is liable to involve

Implies a likely consequence or element of a process.

it runs the risk of using

Highlights the potential downside of consuming resources.

it stands to ask for

Suggests an implicit request or need.

it is expected to draw on

Indicates a predicted reliance on something.

it is apt to expend

Highlights the suitability of using something.

FAQs

How can I use "it can take" in a sentence?

You can use "it can take" to indicate the duration, effort, or resources required for something. For example, "it can take years to master a new language", or "it can take a toll on your mental health".

What are some alternatives to "it can take"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it may require", "it might necessitate", or "it could demand" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

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

No, "it can takes" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "it can take". The modal verb "can" always takes the base form of the verb.

What is the difference between "it can take" and "it will take"?

"It can take" suggests a possibility or potential duration, whereas "it will take" implies a certainty about the duration or resources required. For example, "it can take hours" means it might take that long, while "it will take hours" means it definitely will.