it takes ages

USAGE SUMMARY

"it takes ages" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something taking a very long time to complete, or the passage of a very long time. For example, "It takes ages to fill out all these forms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

In a review of the DS version of My Spanish Coach, Nintendo World Report lamented that many of the minigames "exhibit the same type of unimaginative boringness" and that "it takes ages to unlock new lessons and mini-games"; however, it noted that the minigames were "extremely effective" and "constructed extremely well" in terms of teaching the language.

Wikipedia

If it takes ages, then the forager concludes that its patch is nothing special, and that most of the other forager bees must have had successful runs, too.

The Economist

It takes ages.

The Guardian - Film

It takes ages and is really fiddly.

The Guardian

It takes ages to find her.

The Guardian - Books

It takes ages just to grow one, though.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

It takes age and experience to glower as impressively as that.

The Guardian - Film

It took ages to complete an over.

The Guardian - Sport

It took ages to get through.

The Guardian - Books

"It took ages to sort everything into different types.

The Guardian

It took ages to get the carpet up as we had to move all the furniture.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a task that is time-consuming due to inefficiency or complexity, "it takes ages" is appropriate. For example, "It takes ages to get through airport security these days."

Common error

While "it takes ages" is widely understood, it's generally best to avoid it in formal or professional writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "it requires a significant amount of time" or "the process is time-consuming" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it takes ages" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate that a task, process, or activity requires a significant and often unexpectedly long duration. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is common and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

17%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it takes ages" is a common and correct English phrase used to express that something requires a significant amount of time. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical soundness and widespread use. While versatile, it's best suited for informal contexts. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "it requires a significant amount of time". Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use across various domains, including news, wikis and science, with the phrase appearing most frequently in news and media sources. It is generally used to indicate more time is needed than expected to complete a task.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it takes a long time

Replaces "ages" with a more common synonym, "long time", maintaining the same meaning.

it requires considerable time

Substitutes "takes" with "requires" and "ages" with "considerable time", adding a slightly more formal tone.

it's time-consuming

Replaces the entire phrase with a single adjective, "time-consuming", for a more concise expression.

it's a lengthy process

Changes the structure to focus on the process being lengthy, rather than the time it takes.

it stretches on forever

Emphasizes the seemingly endless nature of the time involved, adding a touch of hyperbole.

it goes on and on

Simple and direct, emphasizing the continuous and seemingly never-ending nature of the duration.

it's a drawn-out affair

Uses "drawn-out affair" to describe the process, suggesting it's longer and perhaps more tedious than expected.

it lasts an eternity

Replaces "ages" with "eternity", exaggerating the duration to an extreme degree.

it's a slow burner

Implies a gradual and prolonged unfolding, typically used for processes or events that develop slowly over time.

it's a marathon, not a sprint

Uses a metaphor to convey that the task requires endurance and a long-term commitment.

FAQs

What does "it takes ages" mean?

The phrase "it takes ages" means that something requires a considerable amount of time, often longer than expected. It's a common way to express that a task or process is time-consuming.

What can I say instead of "it takes ages"?

You can use alternatives like "it takes a long time", "it requires considerable time", or "it's time-consuming" depending on the context.

Is "it takes ages" formal or informal?

The phrase "it takes ages" is generally considered informal. While widely understood, it is better to use more formal language in professional or academic settings.

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

You can use "it takes ages" to describe how long something takes to do. For example, "It takes ages to drive across the city during rush hour" or "It takes ages to learn a new language".