take a time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take a time" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiomatic expression used to refer to a period or length of time, as in an amount of time spent doing something. For example: "I took my time to make sure the report was accurate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

The Warriors take a time out.

The Guardian - Sport

At one point, the host felt the need to ask everyone to take a "time out".

The New York Times

Also try finding a busy place with lots of movement and take a time lapse video.

Stanford University

And what if Sky send someone up the road to take a time bonus?

The Guardian - Sport

If you're heading north, it's a great place to take a time out before moving on.

The Guardian - Travel

Most obvious being that climate change doesn't take a time out for an economic crisis.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

"Let's take a time-out.

The New Yorker

Take a time-out, think and cool off".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The crises of the world do not take a time-out for a new American leader.

The New York Times

"The city can't take a time-honored public space out of circulation.

The New York Times

So take a time-out, ladies, and just don't do it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take a time", ensure clarity by specifying the context or purpose for which time is being taken, such as "take a time series course" or "take a time out".

Common error

Avoid using "take a time" in isolation without specifying what the time is for. For example, instead of just saying "I need to take a time", clarify by saying "I need to "take a break"" or "I need to "take some time off"".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a time" functions primarily as a verbal phrase indicating the action of utilizing or allocating a period. Ludwig shows that it's frequently associated with specific contexts like "take a time out" or related to academic subjects such as "take a time series course".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while grammatically sound, the phrase "take a time" is most effective when paired with clarifying context. Ludwig highlights its use in specific phrases like "take a time out" or "take a time series", showcasing its versatility across various domains from news and media to academia. Its frequency is uncommon, suggesting it benefits from added clarity to avoid ambiguity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct, but context is key to its successful application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make time

Emphasizes the effort required to find or create time amidst other commitments.

find time

Highlights the act of discovering or locating available time within a busy schedule.

set aside time

Implies reserving or keeping time available for a specific activity or task.

dedicate time

Highlights the commitment of time to a particular cause, task, or person.

devote time

Suggests dedicating oneself or one's resources (including time) to a specific activity or goal.

allocate time

Focuses on the act of dedicating or assigning a specific amount of time for a particular purpose.

schedule time

Highlights the process of planning and arranging time for activities in advance.

invest time

Suggests putting time into something with the expectation of a beneficial return or outcome.

spare time

Refers to time that is free or unused, often available for leisure or optional activities.

consider time

Focuses on thinking about the duration or timing of something.

FAQs

How can I use "take a time" in a sentence?

The phrase "take a time" is often used with additional words to create specific meanings, such as "take a time out" for a break or "take a time machine" for a hypothetical journey. Ensure context is clear.

What are some alternatives to "take a time"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "set aside time", "allocate time", or "make time". These emphasize the act of planning and using time.

Is it correct to say "take a time" on its own?

While grammatically correct, "take a time" is often improved by adding context. Saying "take a time out" or "take a time series course" provides clearer meaning.

What's the difference between "take a time out" and "take some time off"?

"Take a time out" usually implies a short break from an activity or discussion, while ""take some time off"" suggests a longer period of rest or vacation from work or other responsibilities.