so long it takes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "so long it takes" is not correct in standard written English.
You might be trying to express the duration of time something takes, but the phrase is awkward and unclear. Example: "I didn't realize how long it takes to complete the project."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If you don't do something for so long, it takes a minute to get back into form.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Certain people have been there so long, so it takes a while to get in that group.

The New York Times - Sports

Because that takes so long, it cannot be done frequently.

The Economist

"Novelists (poets, too) have so long taken it for granted," he wrote, "that they were doing all right.

The New Yorker

So it takes too long so I just call instead".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"So it takes a long time to get over that".

BBC

So why, critics ask, did it take so long if it was really so necessary?

The Economist

If so, how long will it take?

The Guardian - Sport

So, how long could it take?

TechCrunch

And if so, how long will it take?

BBC

So, how long will it take to legalise marriage equality?

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use more grammatically correct and common alternatives like "how long it takes" or "the amount of time it takes" for clarity and better communication.

Common error

Instead of using the uncommon and somewhat awkward phrase "so long it takes", opt for clearer constructions. Phrasing like "it takes so long" or asking "how long does it take?" will improve readability and avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so long it takes" is an uncommon expression used to denote the duration or amount of time required for a particular task or process. However, according to Ludwig AI, this phrase isn't grammatically correct in standard written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "so long it takes" is considered grammatically incorrect and is rarely used in standard written English. While it attempts to convey the duration of time required for something, it's better to opt for clearer and more grammatically sound alternatives like "how long it takes" or "the amount of time it takes". Ludwig AI highlights the grammatical issues, making it advisable to avoid this phrase in formal or professional communication. Sticking to common and correct alternatives will enhance clarity and avoid confusion in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the amount of time it takes

This alternative is a more descriptive and grammatically sound way of specifying the time needed.

how long it takes

This alternative focuses on the duration needed for an action, commonly used in questions or statements.

how much time is needed

This alternative asks about or states the quantity of time required for a particular purpose.

the time it requires

This expresses the amount of time necessary for a task, emphasizing the need for that duration.

the duration needed

This alternative highlights the specific length of time that is essential for completing something.

the length of time required

This specifies the extent of time that is necessary for a certain task or process.

what the time commitment is

This alternative focuses on the time investment or obligation that something demands.

the process duration

This alternative focuses specifically on the length of a particular process or procedure.

the timeline involved

This refers to the schedule or sequence of events and the time allocated to each.

the time span involved

This refers to the interval or period of time related to an activity or event.

FAQs

What's a better way to say "so long it takes"?

Instead of "so long it takes", use phrases like "how long it takes", "the amount of time it takes", or simply "it takes a long time". These are more common and grammatically correct.

Is "so long it takes" grammatically correct?

No, "so long it takes" is not grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to use alternatives such as "how long will "it take"?" or "the duration required".

How can I use "how long it takes" in a sentence?

You can use "how long it takes" in sentences like, "I underestimated how long it takes to complete this project" or "Do you know how long it takes to get there?"

What's the difference between "so long it takes" and "it takes so long"?

"So long it takes" is not a standard or grammatically sound phrase. "It takes so long" is a correct and commonly used expression to indicate that something requires a significant amount of time.