more time than anticipated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more time than anticipated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation where the duration of an activity or task exceeds what was originally expected or planned. Example: "The project took more time than anticipated due to unforeseen challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

But European officials also acknowledged that they needed more time than anticipated to put together a coordinated plan.

The New York Times

The brand was supposed to open its Bleecker Street store a year ago, but a landlord took more time than anticipated to get the store ready to let.

The Guardian

Two years ago, Metro said it needed more time than anticipated to plan and build the station, pushing a 2018 opening to 2020.

The Washington Post

Alexandria officials said the latest delay came when transit officials determined more time than anticipated would be needed to award a contract.

The Washington Post

Design of the voluntary incentive auctions has taken the FCC more time than anticipated, however, adding to the pressure to get it right.

The Washington Post

That resolution could take more time than anticipated, however: The partial government shutdown is expected to close the FCC's doors on Thursday, forcing the agency to send home all but its most critical support personnel.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

It's taken more time than I anticipated".

The New York Times

"Despite a lot of management experience I found that managing people is one of the biggest challenges, taking much more time than I anticipated," he says.

The Guardian

As well, they often take on projects that consume more time than they anticipated and their hourly wage thus falls far below what they might have earned for the same project as a traditional employee.

Forbes

I started a new project, but half way into it, realized that it would cost me an arm and a leg, and would take much more time than I anticipated, which made me question myself and my approach to business.

Huffington Post

"Electronic textbooks will eventually be the norm, but it's going to be quite a bit more time than folks anticipate," said Charlotte P. Lee, a professor at the University of Washington.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "more time than anticipated", ensure the context clearly indicates what was originally expected. For example, "The project took "more time than anticipated" due to unforeseen complications."

Common error

Avoid using "more time than anticipated" without clearly specifying what the initial anticipation or estimation was. Always provide context to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more time than anticipated" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by indicating that an action or process required a greater duration than initially expected. Ludwig examples confirm its function in expressing unexpected delays or extended durations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "more time than anticipated" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that something took longer than expected. Ludwig AI affirms its usability in various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings, it effectively conveys unexpected delays. To enhance clarity, it's best practice to specify the original expectation. Related phrases include "longer than expected" and "delayed beyond expectations". This phrase is a useful tool for clearly communicating deviations from planned timelines.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

longer than expected

This alternative is more concise and neutral in tone.

taking more time than foreseen

A synonym of the QUERY.

later than expected

This alternative focuses on the delay in reaching a specific point in time.

taking longer than planned

This alternative highlights the deviation from the original plan.

delayed beyond expectations

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the extent of the delay.

exceeding the initial timeline

This alternative is formal and emphasizes the violation of the original schedule.

overrunning the schedule

This alternative specifically refers to a project or task exceeding its allotted time.

consuming more time than initially thought

This alternative highlights the consumption of time and the initial underestimation.

protracted beyond original estimates

This alternative is highly formal and emphasizes the length of the delay.

requiring additional time

This alternative is a more neutral and straightforward way of expressing the need for more time.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "more time than anticipated" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives like "longer than expected", "delayed beyond expectations", or "taking longer than planned" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "more time than anticipated"?

Yes, the phrase "more time than anticipated" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. It's a standard way to express that something took longer than initially expected.

What's the difference between "more time than anticipated" and "longer than expected"?

While both phrases are similar, "more time than anticipated" explicitly refers to a prior expectation or estimation, while "longer than expected" is a more general statement about duration.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "more time than anticipated"?

Use "more time than anticipated" when discussing project timelines, task durations, or any situation where an initial time estimate was made and subsequently exceeded. It's suitable for both formal and informal communication.