it was time consuming

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was time consuming" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means that something took a significant amount of time to complete or accomplish. Example: "I spent hours trying to complete the project alone, and it was very time consuming."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

But it was time consuming.

The New York Times - Sports

It was time consuming because he was a small puppy.

Independent

But it was expensive — the treatment — and it was time consuming.

The Washington Post

It was time consuming to make the damn things, and mixtape makers tend to be proud of their track selections.

The New Yorker

Montana Sheriff Jay Printz and Arizona Sheriff Richard Mack had challenged the background check, saying it was time consuming and distracted their deputies from enforcing local laws.

The Washington Post

"It was time consuming but we're really happy with the outcome and going forward it's given us a great assessment on how we can improve our work as well".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

"Yes, easy access to records because they're all computerized… I literally went into the records of 120 people…it was time consuming, to do a really valuable audit… (8)" Significant event audits and review of complaints – There were established organisational systems of clinical governance in custodial environments.

BMC Family Practice

It was time-consuming and costly.

The New York Times - Science

It was time-consuming, but I had nothing else to do".

The Guardian - Sport

It was time-consuming to travel to the up-and-coming Willamette Valley in Oregon.

The New York Times

"It was difficult to remember, it was depressing and it was time-consuming".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was time consuming", specify what "it" refers to clearly to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "It was time consuming", write "The data analysis process was time consuming."

Common error

Avoid using "it was time consuming" excessively in passive constructions. Instead, consider active voice to make your writing more direct and engaging. For example, replace "The report preparation was time consuming" with "Preparing the report took a lot of time."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was time consuming" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating that a particular task, process, or activity required a significant amount of time. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which showcase its use across various contexts to express the duration of different endeavors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was time consuming" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to describe tasks or activities that require a significant amount of time. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. While it's suitable for various contexts, from news reports to everyday conversations, writers should consider more specific alternatives for formal or scientific writing. To enhance clarity, always specify what "it" refers to. Remember, the best writing is both clear and precise. This analysis offers practical insights for improving your writing skills and avoiding common pitfalls when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it required a lot of time

Replaces "consuming" with "required a lot of".

it demanded considerable time

Substitutes "time consuming" with a more formal alternative.

it involved a lengthy process

Focuses on the process being long rather than the time spent.

it took up a great deal of time

Emphasizes the amount of time something occupied.

it was a lengthy undertaking

Replaces "time consuming" with a noun phrase describing the task.

it was a protracted affair

Uses "protracted affair" to indicate a drawn-out activity.

it ate up a lot of my time

Emphasizes personal impact and consumption of time.

it stretched on for hours

Highlights the duration and continuation over time.

it proved to be a drawn-out task

Rephrases to focus on the task's protracted nature.

it prolonged the activity

Shifts focus to the act of prolonging an activity.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was time consuming" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "it required considerable time" or "it demanded significant effort" depending on the context.

What does "it was time consuming" mean?

The phrase "it was time consuming" means that a particular task or activity took a significant amount of time to complete. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Are there simpler ways to say "it was time consuming"?

Yes, you can use simpler alternatives like "it took long" or "it was lengthy" to convey the same meaning.

Is "it was time consuming" grammatically correct?

Yes, according to Ludwig AI, "it was time consuming" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English.