it takes us

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it takes us" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the amount of time, effort, or resources required for a task or activity involving a group. Example: "It takes us about two hours to complete the project when we work together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It takes us forever to open them".

The New York Times

"We will see where it takes us".

The New York Times - Sports

Let's see where it takes us".

The New York Times

It takes us three days.

The Guardian - Travel

It takes us away from teaching.

The New York Times

It takes us over a bridge.

The Guardian

It takes us out of ourselves.

The Guardian

And we'll see where it takes us".

The New York Times

That's why it takes us so long.

The Guardian - Music

It takes us inside the cockpit.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

We've still got to offer him a deal and we'll see where it takes us.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it takes us" to describe time, be specific about the duration and what activities are included within that timeframe. For instance, instead of saying "it takes us a long time", specify "it takes us three hours to prepare the presentation".

Common error

Avoid using "it takes us" when the subject performing the action is not 'us'. For example, instead of saying "it takes us to understand", specify who needs to understand: "it takes the team to understand the requirements".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it takes us" primarily functions as a verb phrase that indicates the duration, effort, or resources needed for a particular task or process. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples from Ludwig, such as "It takes us three days" and "It takes us forever to open them", illustrate its use in specifying the amount of time required.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it takes us" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to denote the time, effort, or resources consumed in performing a task. Ludwig confirms the correctness and commonality of the phrase, supported by numerous examples primarily from news and media sources. While versatile, it is important to ensure that "us" accurately reflects the subject involved and to provide specific details about the duration or effort when possible. Alternatives like "it requires us" or "we need" can be considered to fine-tune the meaning. Ultimately, "it takes us" serves as a practical and direct way to communicate how much is needed to accomplish something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it requires us

Emphasizes necessity or obligation rather than just the action of taking.

we need

Focuses on the need for something (time, resources, etc.) to complete a task.

we spend

Highlights the expenditure of time or resources, with a subtle shift in focus.

it demands of us

Suggests a stronger imposition or requirement than a simple taking.

we devote

Implies dedication and commitment of time or resources.

it consumes

Emphasizes the amount of time or resources that are used up.

it necessitates us

Stresses that something is indispensable or unavoidable.

we utilise

Focuses on the action of using available resources.

it occupies us

Highlights how time or resources are used to keep a person or group occupied.

we employ

Implies a strategic use of time or resources to achieve a specific goal.

FAQs

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

You can use "it takes us" to express the time, effort, or resources required for a task. For example, "It takes us three days to complete the report" or "It takes us a lot of effort to maintain the garden".

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

You can use alternatives like "it requires us", "we need", or "we spend", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it take us" instead of "it takes us"?

No, "it take us" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "it takes us", as the subject "it" is singular and requires the singular verb form "takes".

What is the difference between "it takes us" and "we take"?

"It takes us" emphasizes the action performed by something (often time or a task) on "us", indicating the resources or time consumed. "We take" emphasizes our active choice or action to take something. For instance, "It takes us three hours to finish" versus "We take the bus to work".