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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
it took longer time
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "it took longer time" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct expression would be "it took a longer time" or "it took longer." Example: "It took a longer time than expected to complete the project."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
Wiki
News & Media
Alternative expressions(3)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
7 human-written examples
However, for filters without primary filtration, it took longer time to reach complete ammonium removal than for filters receiving prefiltered water, likely due to sorption of copper to iron oxides, at plants without prefiltration.
Science
Hydrate formation reached a plateau in one hour for the experiments conducted with pure water while it took longer time (3 h or more) for the experiments conducted in the presence of 1 wt% PVP solutions.
Science
In 72% of cases correction of hyponatremia was achieved within 48 hours of onset and in 28% it took longer time (>48hours) to correct S.Na.
Turn-taking in the FFPR mode was also found to be greater than that in the asynchronous CAPR as in the latter mode of peer review, it took longer time to type the comments (Sullivan & Pratt, 1996).
The inhibitors affected also the productivity, as it took longer time to reach a given ethanol concentration.
Science
With ad-hoc modifications (see discussion section) to the standard syntax, however, we were able to fit the model despite it took longer time.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
53 human-written examples
Consequently it takes longer time and higher cost in the polishing/lapping process to obtain the final dimensions.
Science
For example, it takes longer time to complete an operation and it also presents some difficulty in matching the repaired contours.
It takes longer time to reach equilibrium when the sample has a small mesoporous volume.
If the weighted summation of Ia is small, it takes longer time to discharge Ca to GND.
Science
Interposition of vein graft is possible; however, it takes longer time than end-to-end anastomosis at the contralateral side.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Avoid using the phrase "it took longer time". Instead, use "it took a longer time" or "it took longer". Ensure correct grammar for clarity.
Common error
The incorrect phrasing "it took longer time" often stems from confusion with similar expressions. Always remember to include 'a' before 'longer' when using "it took a longer time", or omit 'time' entirely and simply say, "it took longer."
Source & Trust
78%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "it took longer time" functions as a statement indicating the duration of an event or process. Although Ludwig AI identifies this as grammatically incorrect, similar examples exist showcasing its use, albeit improperly.
Frequent in
Science
43%
Wiki
21%
News & Media
21%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while the phrase "it took longer time" appears in various sources, including scientific and news outlets, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. The correct alternatives are "it took a longer time" or simply "it took longer". Pay close attention to the grammatical structure to maintain clarity and professionalism in your writing. Use the examples in Ludwig as a guide to understand the intended meaning, but always opt for the grammatically sound alternatives.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
it took more time
A simpler, grammatically correct alternative to the original phrase.
it required more time
Focuses on the need for additional time rather than a comparison.
it took a longer period
Replaces "time" with "period" for a slightly more formal tone.
it took an extended duration
Emphasizes the length of the time involved.
it necessitated more time
Highlights the necessity of the additional time.
it demanded more time
Suggests that the task actively required additional time.
it consumed more time
Focuses on time as a resource being used up.
the process was more time-consuming
Shifts the focus to the time-consuming nature of the process itself.
it spanned a greater duration
Highlights the fact that time was expanded, "span" is the key difference.
it stretched out longer
Presents that the timing elongated.
FAQs
What is the correct way to say "it took longer time"?
The grammatically correct alternatives are "it took "a longer time"" or "it "it took longer"".
What does "it took a longer time" mean?
The phrase "it took "a longer time"" means that something required more time to complete than initially expected or compared to something else.
Can I use "it took longer time" in formal writing?
No, "it took longer time" is grammatically incorrect. Use "it took "a longer time"" or ""it took longer"" in formal writing.
What are some alternatives to "it took a longer time"?
Alternatives include "it required more time", "it took more time", or "the process was more time-consuming". These options offer similar meanings while maintaining grammatical correctness.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
78%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested