it typically took

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it typically took" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the usual duration or time required for an event or process in the past. Example: "In the early days of the project, it typically took several weeks to complete each phase."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Writing it typically took Dykstra all night.

The New Yorker

It typically took about 90 seconds to open.

The New York Times

A few years ago, it typically took virus writers a year to exploit a software vulnerability announced by a vendor.

The Economist

Colonel Cornum said it typically took two weeks for a patient to be healthy enough for combat duty.

The New York Times

Then he asked one of those coauthors, who had been involved in countless textbook projects, how long it typically took.

Harvard Business Review

Before, when the prime minister's office issued executive orders, it typically took up to a week to distribute them across the island.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

It is 90percentt occupied, Ms. Mabli said, explaining that "it typically takes several years to fill to capacity".

The New York Times

It typically takes place in three phases.

The Washington Post

It typically takes a decade to train a doctor.

The New York Times - Health

It typically takes several years to pay down the balances.

The New York Times

It typically takes 12-14 months to bring a Special Issue of PE&RS to publication.

Photogrammetric Engineering & Remote Sensing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use specific units of time (minutes, hours, days, weeks, etc.) to quantify how long "it typically took", providing a more concrete understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "it typically took" without providing any context or specific timeframe. This can leave the reader without a clear understanding of the actual duration or effort involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it typically took" functions as a descriptive element, indicating the usual duration or time required for a past event or activity. As Ludwig AI indicates, this is a common expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it typically took" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for describing the usual duration of past events or processes. As Ludwig AI confirms, its neutrality makes it versatile across varied contexts like News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business communication. When using this phrase, ensure you provide context and specific timeframes for clarity. Alternatives like "it generally required" or "on average, it lasted" can be used to add nuance or formality. By understanding its function, purpose, and common errors, you can effectively incorporate "it typically took" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it averaged around

Provides a quantitative estimate of the time or resources involved.

on average, it lasted

Focuses on the average duration of an event or process.

the average duration was

Offers a more formal way to express the typical timeframe.

it normally consumed

Specifically refers to the time or resources that were generally used.

the standard time was

Highlights the expected or normative timeframe.

it generally required

Emphasizes a common requirement rather than a specific duration.

it customarily spanned

Emphasizes the typical duration or range.

it usually involved

Focuses on the common steps or elements involved in a process.

it commonly demanded

Highlights the common necessities or demands of a situation.

it regularly necessitated

Stresses the regular need for something.

FAQs

What does "it typically took" mean?

The phrase "it typically took" indicates the usual or expected amount of time, effort, or resources required for a particular task or process in the past. It suggests a common duration or standard practice.

How can I use "it typically took" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe how long something generally lasted or required in the past. For example, "Before the upgrade, "it typically took" hours to process the data".

What are some alternatives to "it typically took"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it usually involved", "it generally required", or "on average, it lasted", depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "it typically took" and "it always took"?

"It typically took" indicates a common but not necessarily universal duration, while "it always took" suggests the duration was consistent in every instance. The former allows for occasional variations, whereas the latter implies no deviation.