it takes approximately

USAGE SUMMARY

"it takes approximately" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to give a rough estimate of how long something takes, such as a certain task or activity. For example: "It takes approximately two hours to drive from New York to Boston."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It takes approximately one day for the henna paste to release its dye.

WikiHow

It takes approximately 30 seconds to send a tweet.

The Guardian - Opinion

It takes approximately 32 bars of LaFarge's irresistible dust-bowl swing before security admits defeat.

The Guardian - Music

It takes approximately 50 minutes to run and requires no computers.

International Review of Economics Education

It takes approximately 64 hours and 18 minutes to complete an orbit.

Harvard University

It takes approximately another $11.5 million to produce the circus each year.

The New York Times

It takes approximately 6-8 weeks after your graduation date to receive your diploma.

Columbia University

It takes approximately eighty years to grow back an area after it has been cultivated.

Independent

It takes approximately 25 seconds for this 50th-anniversary production of Billy Liar to show its age.

The Guardian

New crops have been planted, but it takes approximately four years for the coffee plants to become viable.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It takes approximately one hundred leads to close one deal.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing an estimate, follow "it takes approximately" with a specific unit of time (e.g., "minutes", "hours", "days") to provide clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid giving an overly precise number after "it takes approximately". The phrase implies an estimate, so following it with a very specific number (e.g., "It takes approximately 2 hours and 37 minutes") can sound contradictory.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it takes approximately" functions as an introductory expression used to introduce an estimation of time, quantity, or resources required for a task or process. Ludwig provides numerous examples that showcase how this phrase is used to preface durations or amounts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it takes approximately" is a versatile and commonly used expression for providing estimations of time, quantity, or resources. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. Its neutral to formal register makes it suitable for a variety of contexts, from scientific reports to news articles. While interchangeable with phrases like "it takes about", "it takes approximately" adds a slightly more formal tone. When using this phrase, ensure to follow it with a clear unit of measurement and avoid overly precise numbers to maintain consistency with its estimated nature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it roughly requires

Replaces "takes approximately" with "roughly requires", changing the verb and adverb.

it's estimated at

Changes the structure to a passive form using "estimated at", which focuses on the estimate itself.

it generally needs

Substitutes "takes approximately" with "generally needs", altering both the verb and the qualifier.

the duration is around

Restructures the sentence to emphasize duration using "is around", changing the grammatical focus.

it usually demands

Replaces the original with "usually demands", modifying the verb to emphasize requirement.

the process averages

Modifies the sentence to highlight an average using "averages", altering the verb and focus.

allow roughly

Replaces "takes approximately" with "allow roughly", providing a direction for time allocation.

expect about

Uses a more direct and less formal tone with "expect about", changing the verb and qualifier.

plan for nearly

Changes the phrase to suggest planning using "plan for nearly", altering the initial action.

it's in the neighborhood of

Employs a colloquial expression to suggest a rough estimate with "in the neighborhood of".

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it takes approximately" in formal writing?

In formal contexts, you can use alternatives such as "it roughly requires", "it's estimated at", or "the duration is around" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "it takes about" or "it takes approximately"?

Both phrases are correct, but "it takes approximately" is generally considered more formal than "it takes about". The choice depends on the context and the desired level of formality.

Can I use "it takes approximately" for things other than time?

Yes, "it takes approximately" can be used for quantities or measurements other than time, such as "It takes approximately 100 leads to close one deal". However, it is most commonly used with time.

What's the difference between "approximately" and "about" when estimating time?

Both "approximately" and "about" indicate an estimation, but "approximately" tends to suggest a more careful or scientific estimation, whereas "about" is more casual. Consider using "it takes approximately" for technical writing and "it takes about" for everyday conversation.