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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
it didn't take long
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesTable of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
It didn't take long.
News & Media
Linda: It didn't take long.
News & Media
It didn't take long to book gigs.
News & Media
"It didn't take long," Mr. Julia said.
News & Media
It didn't take long at all".
News & Media
It didn't take long to fathom why.
News & Media
It didn't take long for her to make an impression.
News & Media
But it didn't take long for the clouds to return.
News & Media
It didn't take long to find the answer.
News & Media
It didn't take long to figure that one out.
News & Media
It didn't take long for the optimism to subside.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "it didn't take long" to emphasize the swiftness of an action or the quick realization of something. This phrase works effectively when you want to highlight efficiency or ease.
Common error
Avoid using "it didn't take long" when describing processes or events that inherently require a significant amount of time. This phrase is best reserved for situations where brevity is notable or surprising.
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The primary grammatical function of "it didn't take long" is as an adverbial phrase indicating the quickness or brevity of an action or event. This is supported by Ludwig, where the phrase modifies a verb phrase to describe how rapidly something occurred.
Frequent in
News & Media
98%
Science
1%
Formal & Business
1%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "it didn't take long" is a very common phrase used to indicate that something occurred quickly or efficiently. According to Ludwig, it functions as an adverbial phrase, often emphasizing the brevity of an action or event. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register, making it versatile for various writing styles. The related phrases offer alternative ways to express similar ideas, while the writing guidance emphasizes its best use in highlighting speed and avoiding misuse in contexts requiring extended durations.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
it happened quickly
Emphasizes the rapidity of the event itself.
it was a quick process
Focuses on the speed of the entire process, rather than the elapsed time.
it was a matter of moments
Highlights the extremely short duration involved.
it didn't last long
Focuses on the duration of something rather than the time it took for something to occur.
it was over in a flash
Uses a figurative expression to emphasize the speed and suddenness.
it transpired rapidly
A more formal way of saying something happened quickly.
it came about swiftly
Similar to 'transpired rapidly' but may imply a sense of ease or efficiency.
it was a brief period
Emphasizes the short duration of a phase or interval.
it was just a moment
Highlights the concise nature of an event
it occurred in short order
Emphasizes the promptness or efficiency with which something happened.
FAQs
How can I rephrase "it didn't take long" to sound more formal?
Consider using phrases such as "the process was expedited", "the endeavor was swiftly completed", or "the outcome was quickly realized". These alternatives offer a more professional tone than "it didn't take long".
What's a more descriptive alternative to "it didn't take long"?
Instead of saying "it didn't take long", you could say "it was a "quick process"", "it happened "quickly"", or "it was a "matter of moments"", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
In what contexts is "it didn't take long" most appropriate?
"It didn't take long" is suitable in informal to neutral contexts, particularly when describing actions or processes that are surprisingly fast or efficient. It is often found in personal anecdotes, news reports, and general narratives.
How does "it didn't take long" compare to "it took no time at all"?
While both phrases convey a sense of speed, "it took no time at all" often emphasizes the effortlessness or ease with which something was accomplished. "It didn't take long", on the other hand, simply highlights the brevity of the duration.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested