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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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it didn't take long

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It didn't take long.

News & Media

The New York Times

Linda: It didn't take long.

News & Media

The New York Times

It didn't take long to book gigs.

News & Media

The New York Times

"It didn't take long," Mr. Julia said.

News & Media

The New York Times

It didn't take long at all".

It didn't take long to fathom why.

It didn't take long for her to make an impression.

News & Media

Independent

But it didn't take long for the clouds to return.

News & Media

Independent

It didn't take long to find the answer.

News & Media

The New York Times

It didn't take long to figure that one out.

News & Media

The New Yorker

It didn't take long for the optimism to subside.

News & Media

The Economist
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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.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

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.

Expression frequency: Very common

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.

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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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

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Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: