it took a long time

USAGE SUMMARY

It is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you wish to discuss how long something took. For example: "The painting project took a long time to complete."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It took a long time.

The New York Times

"It took a long time," she said.

The New York Times

So it took a long time.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Harry Garland: It took a long time.

Stanford University

And it took a long time.

The New York Times - Food

For starters, it took a long time.

The New York Times - Health

"It took a long time," he says.

The Guardian - Books

"It took a long time," Kittles said.

The New York Times - Sports

It took a long time for Mme.

The New Yorker

It took a long time to stop".

The New York Times

It took a long time, and it's ridiculous.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it took a long time", consider adding context about what specifically took a long time and why. This provides more information and makes your writing clearer.

Common error

Avoid using "it took a long time" without specifying what "it" refers to. Ensure the subject is clear to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it took a long time" functions as a statement expressing the duration required for an action or event. It emphasizes that the subject in question needed extended period before completion. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

29%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it took a long time" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that something required a significant duration. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for written English. Predominantly found in news and academic contexts, this phrase serves to inform about the length of an event or process. When using this phrase, it's best practice to provide clarifying context to prevent vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was a lengthy process

Focuses on the extended duration of the process.

it required a considerable period

Emphasizes the substantial amount of time needed.

the endeavor was time-consuming

Highlights that the attempt consumed time.

it wasn't an overnight success

Indicates the process was not immediate or quick.

it stretched on for ages

Implies a very long and possibly tedious duration.

it was a protracted affair

Highlights the extended and often complex nature of the process.

it spanned many years

Highlights the involvement of years in the duration.

it unfolded gradually over time

Stresses the gradual development across a long period.

it demanded much patience

Highlights the need for patience due to the duration.

it progressed at a snail's pace

Emphasizes the slow progress of something.

FAQs

How can I use "it took a long time" in a sentence?

You can use "it took a long time" to indicate that a process, task, or event required a significant duration to complete. For example, "It took a long time to learn the new software."

What are some alternatives to saying "it took a long time"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it required a considerable period", "it was a lengthy process", or "it demanded much patience", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it took a long time"?

Yes, "it took a long time" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both spoken and written English.

What is the difference between "it took a long time" and "it took a short time"?

"It took a long time" indicates that something required a considerable duration, while "it took a short time" implies that something was completed quickly.