it took decades

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it took decades" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a lengthy process or the time required to achieve something significant. Example: "The development of the new technology was challenging, and it took decades to perfect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Etzkowitz notes that "it took decades to successfully create a science park, undiluted by general industrial ventures".

Triple Helix

That's about equal to its share of physical book sales, a position it took decades to establish.

The New York Times

It took decades for the wrongs to be acknowledged.

The New York Times - Sports

It took decades of conservative attacks on the Clintons.

The Guardian

It took decades for governments to deal with HIV/AIDS.

MIT Technology Review

It took decades to fill institutional voids in the West.

Harvard Business Review

It took decades for that to be fully recognized.

The New York Times

It took decades for the agricultural industry to establish itself.

The New York Times - Magazine

It took decades for me to process that.

The New York Times

Above all, it took decades, not months or years.

The New York Times

It took decades for the old opinions to fade.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "it took decades", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to, providing clarity for the reader. For example, instead of saying "It took decades to clean up the trains", specify what the "it" is: "The removal of graffiti from the subway trains took decades".

Common error

Avoid using "it took decades" when the actual timeframe is shorter. This phrase implies a period spanning multiple decades, not just a few years. Be precise about the length of time involved to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it took decades" functions as an introductory clause that sets the stage for describing a lengthy process or the significant amount of time required to achieve a particular outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a grammatically sound expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

19%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science & Research

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it took decades" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize the extended duration of a process or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and widely applicable across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as academic writing, this phrase underscores the significant amount of time—spanning multiple decades—required to achieve a particular outcome. When using "it took decades", ensure the context is clear and the timeframe accurate to maintain credibility. For variety, consider using alternatives such as "it required many years" or "it spanned several decades".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it required many years

Replaces "took decades" with a more general term for a long duration.

it spanned several decades

Emphasizes the duration as covering multiple decades.

it was a long-term process

Focuses on the extended nature of the process rather than the specific timeframe.

it unfolded over many years

Highlights the gradual development over a considerable period.

it materialized gradually over time

Suggests a slow and steady progression towards realization.

it evolved slowly through the years

Focuses on the evolutionary aspect and the gradual change.

it developed over a lengthy period

Emphasizes the considerable duration of the development phase.

it progressed incrementally across decades

Highlights the step-by-step advancement over several decades.

it needed a long time to come to fruition

Focuses on the time needed to reach completion or success.

it was a matter of years and years

Emphasizes the vast amount of time involved using repetition.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it took decades" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "it required many years", "it spanned several decades", or "the process unfolded over an extended period". These alternatives offer a similar meaning while maintaining a more professional tone.

Is "it took decades" an overused phrase?

While "it took decades" is a common phrase, its effectiveness depends on the context. If you find yourself using it frequently, explore alternatives such as "it required many years" or "it spanned several decades" to add variety to your writing.

What's the difference between "it took decades" and "it took years"?

"It took decades" implies a much longer timeframe than "it took years". "Decades" refers to multiple periods of ten years, whereas "years" could be a shorter, less specific duration. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the time involved.

How to use "it took decades" in a sentence?

Make sure to use "it took decades" followed by an infinitive phrase to describe the action or process that required a long time. For example, "It took decades to fully understand the long-term effects of the policy."