it takes about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it takes about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the amount of time it takes to complete an action or process. For example, "It takes about 10 minutes to drive to the grocery store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

It takes about 12 to 15 seconds".

BBC

It takes about ______ by bus.

BBC

It takes about three seconds.

The New York Times

It takes about 10 years.

Princeton University

Normally, it takes about four years.

The New Yorker

"It takes about a week," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

(It took about 11 minutes).

The New York Times

It took about three weeks.

University of California, Berkeley

It took about half an hour.

The New York Times

It took about two hours Sunday.

The New York Times

It took about a month of work.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it takes about" when you want to give an approximate value, not an exact measurement. If you have precise data, state the exact amount.

Common error

Be mindful of overusing "about" in your writing. While "it takes about" is acceptable, repeatedly using "about" in close proximity can make your writing sound vague. Vary your language with alternatives to enhance clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it takes about" functions as a descriptor of duration or quantity, providing an estimated or approximate value. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use across various contexts to indicate the time, effort, or resources needed for different activities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it takes about" is a useful and grammatically sound way to express an approximate time, quantity, or effort. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. While it's most frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Academic sources, it maintains a neutral tone suitable for general use. To enhance your writing, provide specific units after the phrase and be mindful of overuse. For greater formality, consider alternatives like "it requires approximately". By following these guidelines, you can effectively convey estimations with clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it requires approximately

Replaces "takes" with "requires" and "about" with "approximately" for a more formal tone.

it averages close to

Replaces "takes" with "averages" and "about" with "close to", indicating an estimated average.

it generally needs around

Uses "generally needs" instead of "takes" and "around" instead of "about", softening the statement.

it typically lasts roughly

Employs "typically lasts" to replace "takes" and "roughly" to replace "about", providing a similar estimate of duration.

it usually consumes nearly

Substitutes "takes" with "consumes" suggesting resources, and "about" with "nearly", giving an approximation.

it clocks in at roughly

Replaces "takes" with "clocks in at", implying a measured time, and uses "roughly" for approximation.

it spans more or less

Uses "spans" to indicate duration, and "more or less" to approximate the length of time.

it spans in the neighborhood of

Uses a more descriptive phrase to indicate an approximate range of time or quantity.

it hovers in the vicinity of

Implies an approximate amount or time, suitable for situations where precision is not crucial.

it encompasses in the region of

Suggests an estimated scope or duration, using more formal language.

FAQs

What does "it takes about" mean?

The phrase "it takes about" indicates an approximate duration, quantity, or effort required to complete a task or process. It's used when giving an estimate rather than a precise measurement.

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

You can use "it takes about" followed by a time period or quantity. For example, "It takes about 10 minutes to drive to the store", or "it takes about three weeks to complete the project.

What are some alternatives to "it takes about"?

You can use alternatives like "it requires approximately", "it generally needs around", or "it typically lasts roughly" to express a similar meaning.

Is "it takes about" formal or informal?

"It takes about" is generally considered neutral in formality. While suitable for most contexts, more formal alternatives like "it requires approximately" might be preferred in academic or professional settings.