it takes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it takes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate the length of time or effort needed to accomplish something. For example: "It takes patience and dedication to master a new skill."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It takes its time.

Wikipedia

It takes specialized parenting".

The New York Times

"Today it takes days.

The New York Times

"Now it takes three".

The New York Times

And it takes excellence.

The New York Times

That's what it takes".

The New York Times - Sports

Finally, it takes shape".

The New York Times

It takes risks.

The New Yorker

See if it takes.

The New York Times

(Yes, it takes forever).

The New Yorker

It takes some time".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it takes" to clearly indicate the necessary resources, time, or effort for achieving a particular outcome. This helps set realistic expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "it takes" repetitively in close proximity. Vary your language by using alternatives like "requires", "needs", or "demands" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it takes" functions as an impersonal construction, introducing a description of what is necessary or required for something to happen. It is frequently used to highlight the effort, resources, or qualities needed for a particular outcome. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

22%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it takes" is a common and versatile expression used to indicate what is necessary to achieve a specific outcome. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It functions to emphasize the need for certain conditions or qualities. While it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, it is also prevalent in wiki articles and scientific writing. When using "it takes", ensure clarity regarding what is being referred to, and avoid overuse by incorporating alternatives such as "is required" or "requires" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requires

Emphasizes the demand or prerequisite.

is required

Focuses on the necessity of something.

is needed

Highlights the need for something.

demands

Stresses a strong requirement or expectation.

calls for

Indicates a need or request for something specific.

is essential for

Highlights the importance of something for a specific purpose.

necessitates

Formal term indicating something is essential.

relies on

Points out the dependence on something for success or function.

depends on

Highlights the reliance on certain factors.

hinges on

Emphasizes that the outcome significantly relies on something.

FAQs

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

You can use "it takes" to describe what is needed to achieve something. For example, "It takes dedication and hard work to succeed".

What can I say instead of "it takes"?

Alternatives include "is required", "requires", or "demands", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it take" instead of "it takes"?

No, "it takes" is the correct form. The verb "take" must agree with the singular subject "it".

What's the difference between "it takes time" and "it requires time"?

"It takes time" is a more common and informal way of saying something needs time. "It requires time" is more formal, but they both mean the same thing.