it was time-consuming

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was time-consuming" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a task or activity that requires a significant amount of time to complete. Example: "The project was challenging, and it was time-consuming to gather all the necessary data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

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

Wall Street firms had pushed for a merger to eliminate the overlap of NASD and NYSE Regulation, saying it was time-consuming and costly to answer to both.

The New York Times

It was time-consuming, as delegates might be called upon to vote on many issues a day for a two-week meeting.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

"It is time-consuming work".

The New York Times

It is time-consuming.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is time-consuming, intellectual and hard.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's time-consuming, upsetting and exhausting.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's time-consuming and it's courtship.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing project delays, use "it was time-consuming" to explain unexpected increases in task duration. This provides a clearer understanding of the challenges faced.

Common error

Avoid using "it was time-consuming" for tasks that are inherently known to take time. Instead, reserve it for situations where the duration significantly exceeded expectations or norms.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was time-consuming" functions as a subject complement, providing additional information about the subject (it). According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is usable in written English to describe something requiring a significant amount of time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

38%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was time-consuming" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate that a task required a significant amount of time. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, suggesting a neutral register. While generally versatile, more formal synonyms like "it required significant time" might be preferable in academic or professional settings. When using this phrase, ensure the described task's duration genuinely exceeded expectations to avoid redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it took a long time

Simple and direct alternative emphasizing the duration.

it required significant time

Highlights the substantial amount of time needed.

it was a lengthy process

Focuses on the extended nature of the procedure.

it demanded considerable time

Emphasizes the demand for time the task imposed.

it ate up a lot of time

Informal expression indicating time was used rapidly.

it was a drawn-out affair

Implies the task lasted longer than expected.

it stretched out over a long period

Highlights the prolonged duration of the activity.

it involved a time commitment

Focuses on the obligation of time dedicated to the task.

it necessitated ample time

Emphasizes the necessity of having sufficient time.

it consumed a great deal of time

Similar to 'ate up', suggesting time was heavily used.

FAQs

How can I use "it was time-consuming" in a sentence?

You can use "it was time-consuming" to describe an activity or task that took a significant amount of time to complete. For example: "The data analysis "it was time-consuming", but crucial for the project's success."

What are some alternatives to "it was time-consuming"?

Alternatives include "it took a long time", "it required significant time", or "it was a lengthy process". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "it was time-consuming" formal or informal?

"It was time-consuming" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives might be preferable in academic or professional writing.

What makes a task described as "it was time-consuming"?

A task is described as "it was time-consuming" when it requires a disproportionately large amount of time relative to its complexity or expected duration. This can be due to unforeseen obstacles, intricate details, or the need for meticulous attention.