it needed some time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it needed some time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a situation or process that requires a certain duration to develop or improve. Example: "After the initial setbacks, I realized that it needed some time to fully come together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Describing Britain an "exceptionally important partner", he acknowledged it needed "some time to bring its own ranks into line" and that a suitable time to begin the exit process would be in the autumn.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Michigan definitely is a worth asset to IndyCar (like Road America), the track gave us several great races in its previous tenure, but it needs some time to promote before IndyCar can return there.

Huffington Post

The textile is about to have a life-changing experience, and it needs some time to prepare.

The New York Times

On prioritising career over romantic relationships: "I mean, does a balance sheet ever come crying and saying that it needs some time to think about things?

Independent

"The economic wheel has not turned at enough of a speed to absorb this number of unemployed people, and it needs some time, maybe two years or a year and a half," Mr. Shekh said.

The New York Times

Furthermore, when the unit is operating in the heat boiler mode, it needs some time until it can switch back to the CHP mode.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

It is well known that it needs some time to clean the computer viruses in the infected computers that are breaking out and in the infected computers that are quarantined for the anti-virus softwares.

Advances in Difference Equations

The purpose of conditioner is to moisturize hair, and it needs some time to do that.

WikiHow

It's just that I needed some time to get over that little hump.

Independent

I thought about it and realised that I needed some time - I didn't want my family to see me the way I was.

BBC

Maybe it's that she needed some time on her clock, some life under her belt, to be the actress she couldn't have been before.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "it needed some time" with a more specific phrase if the context allows, such as "the project needed more development time" for greater clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "it needed some time" when a more active construction would make your writing more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "the report needed some time to be completed", try "completing the report took some time".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it needed some time" functions as a clause element, typically following a subject. Based on Ludwig AI, the phrase suggests a necessity for duration in a past context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it needed some time" is a grammatically correct and understandable expression indicating that something required a certain duration in the past to develop or improve. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's generally acceptable for use in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and general writing. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by clearly defining what 'it' refers to and consider more specific alternatives for enhanced precision. Keep in mind that while neutral, replacing it with more direct alternatives can make your writing more active and engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it required a period

Replaces "time" with "period", emphasizing a specific duration was necessary.

it took a while

Uses a more informal expression to convey that something needed an extended duration.

it necessitated a delay

Highlights the need for postponement or deferment.

it demanded a span

Emphasizes the imperative nature of needing a certain duration.

it benefited from patience

Shifts the focus to the positive impact of allowing time to pass.

it was contingent on a timeframe

Highlights the dependency on a specific duration or timeframe for the event to happen.

it was subject to a duration

Similar to 'contingent', but places more emphasis on external control.

it relied on a temporal gap

Highlights the importance of an interval or break for something to develop.

it presupposed an interval

Suggests a prior condition that a certain time frame must pass.

a gestation period was essential

Implies an organic process needed time to develop, like pregnancy.

FAQs

How can I use "it needed some time" in a sentence?

You can use "it needed some time" to indicate that something required a period to develop or improve. For example, "The solution "it needed some time" to fully come together after the initial setbacks".

What can I say instead of "it needed some time"?

You can use alternatives like "it took a while", "it required a period", or "it benefited from patience depending on the context.

Is "it needed some time" formal or informal?

"It needed some time" is generally considered neutral and acceptable in both formal and informal contexts, though more specific alternatives might be preferable in formal writing. Always think about if you can be more specific.

How does "it needed some time" differ from "it needs some time"?

"It needed some time" refers to a past requirement, while "it needs some time" refers to a current requirement. For example, "The plant needed some time to grow, and now it's flourishing" versus "The plant needs some time to grow; be patient".