it takes three

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it takes three" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the idea that a certain number of people or elements are needed to accomplish a task or achieve a goal. Example: "To successfully complete this project, remember that it takes three: a planner, a doer, and a reviewer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It takes three semesters.

Columbia University

It takes three doses.

The New York Times - Science

Usually it takes three or four sittings.

The New York Times

It takes three weeks to graduate".

The New Yorker

It takes three and half hours.

The Economist

It takes three to make a trend.

The New Yorker

Now it takes three weeks.

The New York Times

It takes three weeks to do it.

The New York Times

It takes three or four days".

The New Yorker

"IN THIS case, it takes three to tango".

The Economist

It takes three months' salary to buy a bicycle.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "it takes three", ensure the context clearly identifies the three entities or steps required for the action to be successful.

Common error

Avoid vagueness. The phrase "it takes three" becomes confusing if the "three" aren't clearly defined or easily understood within the sentence or surrounding context. Always ensure clarity on what the three elements are.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it takes three" primarily functions as a statement of requirement or necessity. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in specifying the number of elements, steps, or individuals needed for a particular outcome or process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it takes three" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that three specific elements, individuals, or steps are required for a particular outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is perfectly acceptable in written English. It is used across various contexts, including news, academia, and even in more informal settings. While versatile, clarity is key: ensure the "three" are well-defined. Alternatives like "it requires three" or "a trio is needed" can offer subtle variations in tone and emphasis. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it requires three

Replaces "takes" with "requires", emphasizing necessity.

three are necessary

Emphasizes the necessity of three elements using a passive construction.

a trio is needed

Uses "trio" to specifically indicate three elements, changing the sentence structure.

three components are essential

Highlights the essential nature of three components, increasing formality.

it necessitates three

Replaces "takes" with "necessitates", indicating a strong requirement.

three things are indispensable

Emphasizes indispensability, increasing the formality of the statement.

it calls for three

Uses "calls for" instead of "takes", which suggests a demand or need.

three are sufficient

Focuses on sufficiency, implying that no more than three are needed.

a set of three is vital

Emphasizes the importance of a set of three, suggesting a specific grouping.

three units will suffice

Uses "units" and "suffice" to suggest a more formal and specific arrangement.

FAQs

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

You can use "it takes three" to express that three elements, people, or steps are necessary to achieve a specific outcome. For example, "It takes three to make a trend" or "It takes three years to build a program".

What phrases are similar to "it takes three"?

Alternatives include "it requires three", "three are necessary", or "a trio is needed". The best choice depends on the specific context and level of formality.

Is it correct to say "it takes three"?

Yes, "it takes three" is a correct and commonly used phrase. According to Ludwig, the phrase is perfectly acceptable in written English. It indicates that three elements are needed for something.

What does "it takes three to tango" mean?

The expression "it takes three to tango" is a variation of "it takes two to tango", meaning that a situation or conflict involves more than two parties, adding complexity. A good example can be: "In this case, "it takes three to tango"".