it technically takes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it technically takes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the precise or specific requirements or duration of a process or task. Example: "In theory, it technically takes about two hours to complete the project, but in practice, it may take longer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The fight is likely to be one of the most consequential of Mr. Obama's second term (even if it technically takes place in his first term).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

So, while it technically took nine months to reach 1m downloads, its growth has hockey-sticked in the last four months.

TechCrunch

It technically took me a decade to write my new novel, Here I Am, although the only sense in which that's accurate is that it has been a decade since I published my previous novel.

The Guardian - Books

It technically took place in 20013, but the revelation came this month that data from more than 1bn user accounts was compromised, with some dubbing it the largest such hack in history.

The Guardian - Tech

But since it technically took effect in September, that reaffirmation has been roundly ignored by nearly all of the roughly four dozen taverns and stores selling liquor that lie within the boundary of the 1.2 million-acre Yakama reservation.

The New York Times

It may technically take less time to reset your watch each time you land in a new destination, but it's nowhere near as fun, or as technically impressive.

TechCrunch

Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Maria Alyokhina, the two feminist punks currently locked up in their homeland, could be released as early as tomorrow, though it could technically take up to six months for the bill to come into effect.

Vice

The two feminist punks currently locked up in their homeland – Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Maria Alyokhina – could be released as early as tomorrow, though it could technically take up to six months for the bill to come into effect.

Vice

This is similar to the technique he calls the whisper correction – the feedback technically takes place in public, but the pitch and tone of voice is designed to be heard only by the individual receiving it.

The Guardian

Musharraf Ali Farooqi's second novel, "Between Clay and Dust," technically takes place in a town in post-partition Pakistan, but you might not realize that when reading the book — and that's what the author intended.

The New York Times

Banks claimed to be jittery about what would happen this July 21 when the rule technically takes effect, fearing that they would have to scramble to comply before a final draft spelled out the nitty-gritty of their obligations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "it technically takes", follow it with a specific and quantifiable unit of measurement to add clarity and precision to your statement. For example: "It technically takes 24 hours for the delivery to arrive".

Common error

Avoid using "it technically takes" when you simply mean 'it usually takes'. The word 'technically' implies that there's a specific, often non-obvious, reason for the duration or requirement, not just a general average.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it technically takes" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying the verb, specifying the precise condition or requirement for something to occur. Ludwig examples show this phrase is used to quantify time, steps, or resources necessary for a particular outcome.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it technically takes" is a useful construction for emphasizing the precise requirements or duration of a process, often highlighting details that might be overlooked. Ludwig AI identifies its primary function as an adverbial modifier, adding specificity to statements across various contexts, primarily in news and media. Although the phrase is deemed correct, it's important to distinguish between what is technically required versus what is generally assumed. By using "it technically takes" judiciously, writers can enhance clarity and precision in their communication. Remember to use the alternatives provided to refine your writing and avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it nominally requires

Changes the adverb to 'nominally', suggesting a requirement in name only.

it officially needs

Substitutes 'technically' with 'officially' and 'takes' with 'needs', indicating a formal requirement.

it formally involves

Replaces 'takes' with 'involves', emphasizing formal involvement rather than duration.

it specifically necessitates

Highlights the specific necessity of something, altering the verb and adverb.

it essentially entails

Focuses on the essential entailment, replacing 'technically' with 'essentially'.

it implicitly demands

Shifts the emphasis to an implicit demand, changing the verb and adverb.

it virtually assumes

Highlights assumption under virtual conditions using 'assumes' instead of 'takes'.

it purportedly comprises

Uses 'purportedly comprises' to denote something allegedly included.

it allegedly requires

Changes 'technically' to 'allegedly' to show that it's claimed and the verb to 'requires'.

it superficially calls for

Highlights the superficial call, replacing 'technically' with 'superficially' and 'takes' with 'calls for'.

FAQs

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

Use "it technically takes" to indicate the specific or precise amount of something required, often when it differs from common assumptions. For instance, "it technically takes nine months to reach 1m downloads" showcases the precise timeframe for downloads.

What does "technically" emphasize in the phrase "it technically takes"?

The word "technically" emphasizes that you are referring to the precise or specific amount, often in contrast to general perception or expectation. It highlights a detail that might not be immediately obvious.

Which is correct, "it technically takes" or "it actually takes"?

Both phrases are correct but convey slightly different meanings. "It technically takes" implies precision or a specific condition, while "it actually takes" emphasizes a surprising or unexpected reality.

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

You can use alternatives such as "it nominally requires", "it officially needs", or "it specifically necessitates" depending on the nuance you want to convey.