take a bit of time

USAGE SUMMARY

"take a bit of time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you need to express that something will require more effort and time than usual. For example: "I'm sorry, I can't finish this project right away--it'll take a bit of time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It does take a bit of time.

The Guardian - Sport

But I'm going to take a bit of time off to be a dad".

Independent

Writing good rejections does take a bit of time — especially at first.

Harvard Business Review

I arrived at the one-room structure ready to take a bit of time for myself.

The Washington Post

"So I think it's going to take a bit of time to adjust [to being back].

The Guardian

As a team we wanted to take a bit of time to describe it.

The Guardian

It was then that Clint Mansell decided to take a bit of time off.

The Guardian - Film

I need to go away, take a bit of time off, and then start training hard again.

The New York Times

And when you've done it that way, it can take a bit of time to wear off".

The New York Times

"Other taxa are going to catch up," Dr. Rhyne said, "but this will take a bit of time".

The New York Times

After five years of escalating mistrust, it will take a bit of time for nerves to be unjangled.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When estimating project timelines, use "take a bit of time" to acknowledge that certain steps may require more effort than initially planned. This sets realistic expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "take a bit of time" as an excuse for consistent delays. Instead, clearly communicate the reasons for the extended duration and provide regular updates on progress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a bit of time" functions primarily as a verbal phrase indicating the duration required for a task or process. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in expressing the time needed for something to occur, aligning with the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take a bit of time" is a common and acceptable way to express that something will require a certain amount of time or effort. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, especially in News & Media. For more formal scenarios, alternatives such as "require some time" or "demand a certain timeframe" might be more appropriate. A key writing tip is to manage expectations realistically when using this phrase, avoiding the creation of excuses for delays. The phrase serves to manage expectations and offer a somewhat vague estimate of a task's duration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

require some time

Focuses on the necessity of time for completion, emphasizing the requirement aspect.

need some time

Highlights the need for time, often implying a personal or project-related need.

take some time

Omits "a bit of", making it slightly more general but retaining the core meaning.

demand a certain timeframe

More formal, emphasizing the specific timeframe required for a task.

necessitate some hours

Highlights the duration in 'hours' and conveys a stronger sense of obligation or requirement.

call for a while

Informal expression indicating a less specific duration.

involve a waiting period

Emphasizes the waiting aspect, suitable when the time is spent passively.

be a lengthy process

Highlights the extended duration and complexity of the activity.

not happen overnight

Focuses on the gradual nature of the process, contrasting with immediate results.

be a matter of time

Emphasizes the inevitability of the event, with time being the only variable.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "take a bit of time" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "require some time" or "demand a certain timeframe", which convey a similar meaning with increased professionalism.

When is it appropriate to use "take a bit of time" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "take a bit of time" when you want to convey that a task or process will necessitate more time or effort than might be initially expected, without being overly precise about the duration.

What's the difference between "take a little time" and "take a bit of time"?

While both phrases are similar, "take a bit of time" often suggests a slightly longer duration or a more significant effort required compared to "take a little time". The difference is subtle but can influence the perceived length of the task.

Can "take a bit of time" be used in a negative context?

Yes, "take a bit of time" can be used in a negative context. For example, you might say "It will "take a bit of time" to recover from this setback", indicating that the recovery process will be lengthy or challenging.