it takes long

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it takes long' is correct and usable in written English.
Generally, this phrase is used to express that something takes a significant amount of time or effort. For example, "It takes long to make clothes by hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

However, its prognosis is often unsatisfactory because nerve regeneration is slow and it takes long time to reinnervate the target organs.

BioMed Research International

It takes long time to change.

The Guardian

But major drawback of this process is that it takes long time.

Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology

For a complex part, it takes long time and effort to determine process plan.

Computers & Industrial Engineering

It takes long debates until all parties agree on one annual country strategy.

The Guardian

"Interns?" It takes long time, but eventually she is able to explain this thing to me.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

It takes long-term thinking to develop and prove out the right concept.

Forbes

It takes long-term organizing and a deep-vision future, but faith communities have to be the ones to do it.

Huffington Post

"It took long enough".

The New York Times

Few think it will take long.

The New York Times

It wouldn't take long.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it takes long" when you want to emphasize the duration of a process or activity. For clarity, specify what "it" refers to, such as "the project takes long to complete."

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "it takes long" without clear context can confuse the reader. Instead of saying "It takes long", specify what process or task requires a significant amount of time. For example, say "The learning process takes long" instead of just "It takes long".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it takes long" functions as a statement of duration, indicating that a particular activity or process requires a significant amount of time. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

48%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it takes long" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express that something requires a considerable amount of time. Ludwig AI confirms this, showcasing examples from various sources, including News & Media and Science. While the phrase is widely accepted, specifying what "it" refers to enhances clarity. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "it requires a considerable amount of time". Understanding these nuances helps you effectively communicate the duration of activities or processes in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it requires a considerable amount of time

Replaces "takes" with "requires" and adds "a considerable amount of" to emphasize the duration.

it is a lengthy process

Shifts the focus to the process itself being long rather than the act of taking time.

it demands significant time

Uses "demands" to suggest a need for a large time investment.

it involves an extended period

Highlights the involvement of a drawn-out timeframe.

it is a time-consuming endeavor

Emphasizes the consumption of time as a characteristic of the effort.

it necessitates a long duration

Uses more formal vocabulary to indicate the need for a prolonged time.

it stretches over a long period

Focuses on the spreading of something across a considerable timeframe.

it needs ample time

Uses "ample" to indicate a generous amount of time is needed.

it spans a considerable time

Highlights the duration that something occupies.

it lasts a while

Uses informal language to express that something requires a notable amount of time.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it takes long" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "it requires a considerable amount of time", "it necessitates a long duration", or "it is a time-consuming endeavor". These options add sophistication and precision to your writing.

What's a simpler way to say "it takes long"?

If you want to simplify your language, you can say "it lasts a while" or "it takes a while". These phrases are more casual and easier to understand in everyday conversation.

Is "it takes long" grammatically correct?

Yes, the phrase "it takes long" is grammatically correct. However, it's often more effective to specify what "it" refers to for clarity. For example, saying "the process takes long" is clearer than just "it takes long".

What are some common situations where I might use "it takes long"?

You can use "it takes long" to describe activities like learning a new skill, completing a complex project, or traveling a great distance. The phrase emphasizes that the activity requires a significant amount of time.