it took work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it took work" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that effort or labor was required to achieve a certain outcome or result. Example: "Completing the project on time was challenging, but it took work and dedication from the entire team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

But it took work.

The New Yorker

It took work and forethought.

The New York Times - Magazine

But most of all, it took work.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It was very difficult, because it took work and money away from them," Yogo says.

The Guardian

It took work, which might sound ridiculous, given their lavish roster.

The New York Times - Sports

"This place had great bones, but it took work," said Mrs. Gambino, who met her husband, an Italian doctor who specializes in hair transplants, while they were both living in New York.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

But it takes work.

Harvard University

It takes work regardless.

The Guardian - Opinion

Achieving it takes work.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Like any marriage, it takes work.

The New York Times - Sports

Losing yourself in it takes work.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it took work" to emphasize that an achievement wasn't accidental or effortless, but the result of deliberate effort and dedication.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "it took work" without elaborating on the specific efforts involved. Instead, follow up with details about the actions, strategies, or resources that were necessary to achieve the desired outcome. This adds depth and credibility to your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it took work" functions as a declarative statement indicating that effort or labor was required to achieve something. As confirmed by Ludwig, the expression is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples show it applied to diverse scenarios.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

21%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Science & Research

14%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it took work" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's used to emphasize that a specific achievement required considerable effort and dedication. Its register is generally neutral, making it appropriate for various contexts, including news, academic writing, and general communication. While the phrase is clear, it's best practice to provide specific details about the work involved, and as confirmed by Ludwig AI is usable in written English, offering a straightforward way to acknowledge the effort behind a particular outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it required effort

Replaces "work" with the more general term "effort", maintaining a similar emphasis on exertion.

it demanded hard work

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the task, highlighting the intensity of the effort required.

it necessitated dedication

Focuses on the commitment and perseverance that were essential to success.

it involved a lot of effort

Highlights the significant amount of effort that was necessary.

it wasn't easy

A more informal way of saying that something required significant effort and was challenging.

it called for exertion

Uses a more formal term, "exertion", to emphasize the physical or mental effort involved.

it took considerable time and energy

Specifies the resources – time and energy – that were expended.

it involved significant labor

Emphasizes the labor aspect, suggesting a more hands-on or intensive effort.

it required perseverance

Highlights the need for persistence and determination in the face of challenges.

it was an uphill battle

A metaphorical expression indicating that the task was difficult and required sustained effort to overcome obstacles.

FAQs

What does "it took work" mean?

The phrase "it took work" means that a particular outcome or achievement required effort, dedication, and sustained activity. It emphasizes that the result was not easily obtained but was the product of deliberate and often challenging labor.

What can I say instead of "it took work"?

You can use alternatives like "it required effort", "it demanded hard work", or "it necessitated dedication" depending on the context.

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

Use "it took work" to highlight that a specific achievement or change was the result of deliberate effort and dedication. For instance, "Transforming the company's culture it took work and commitment from all employees."

Is it better to say "it took effort" or "it took work"?

Both "it took effort" and "it took work" are correct and similar in meaning. "Effort" is a more general term, while "work" can sometimes imply more structured or physical labor. The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.