it takes years

USAGE SUMMARY

It is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe how long something takes to accomplish. For example: "Getting a college degree takes years of hard work and dedication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Business

Sports

Arts

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"For some, it takes years.

The New York Times - Sports

It takes years of practice".

The New York Times

It takes years and years.

The New York Times

It takes years.

The Washington Post

It takes years to build these relationships.

The New York Times

It takes years to get justice.

The New York Times

But it takes years to build credibility.

The New Yorker

"It takes years to change.

The Guardian

It takes years off you".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It takes years to learn.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It takes years to achieve this.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it takes years" to realistically set expectations when discussing skill development, project timelines, or any process requiring sustained effort.

Common error

Avoid using "it takes years" when immediacy is expected or possible; instead, focus on achievable short-term goals to maintain momentum and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it takes years" functions as a statement of duration, indicating the length of time required to achieve a certain outcome or master a particular skill. Ludwig examples confirm its use in various contexts to emphasize the prolonged effort involved.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Lifestyle

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Sports

8%

Arts

7%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it takes years" is a common expression used to convey that achieving a particular goal or mastering a skill requires a significant investment of time, specifically measured in years. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, lifestyle, and business. This makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication, though it's essential to use it appropriately to avoid missetting expectations. When communicating long-term commitments, consider using "it takes years" to emphasize the time and effort needed for success.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

takes a long time

A more general way of expressing that something requires a significant amount of time.

is a matter of years

Indicates that the timeframe is measured in years.

is a lengthy process

Highlights the extended duration of the activity.

spans several years

Indicates that something extends over a number of years.

needs years of development

Specifically points out the necessity for a multi-year development period.

requires a considerable amount of time

Emphasizes the significant time investment needed.

necessitates a long-term approach

Focuses on the need for a sustained strategy.

demands long-term commitment

Focuses on the dedication required over an extended period.

is not an overnight process

Emphasizes that immediate results are not possible.

calls for patience and perseverance

Highlights the importance of enduring qualities for success.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it takes years" to sound more encouraging?

Try using phrases like "requires long-term commitment", "is a lengthy process, but worthwhile", or "demands patience and dedication" to maintain a positive outlook while still acknowledging the time investment.

Is it better to say "it takes years" or "it takes a long time"?

The choice depends on the context. "It takes years" implies a duration measured in multiple years, whereas "it takes a long time" is more general and can refer to any extended period.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "it takes years"?

Avoid using "it takes years" when discussing tasks or goals that should reasonably be achievable in a shorter timeframe. This could be demotivating or misleading.

What kind of activities typically require "it takes years" to master?

Activities that often require years to master include learning a musical instrument, becoming proficient in a foreign language, building a successful business, or achieving expertise in a specialized field. See also: "demands long-term commitment".