take longer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take longer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that will require more time to complete than expected or anticipated, usually due to extenuating circumstances. For example, "The project was meant to take three weeks but it may take longer due to the complexity of the task."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It may take longer.

The Economist

It could take longer.

The Economist

"Some things take longer.

Independent

But ratification will take longer.

The New York Times

But it can take longer.

The New York Times

Some take longer than others.

Independent

Tasks take longer.

The New York Times

"Exports will take longer.

The Guardian

It would take longer".

The New York Times - Tech

A more open one may take longer.

The Economist

We should take longer to forgive ourselves.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Before using the phrase "take longer", reflect to see if the activity/item/process can be sped up.

Common error

Avoid using "take longer" without providing a reference point. Instead of saying "It will take longer", specify, "It will take longer than expected" or "It will take longer than the initial estimate".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take longer" functions as a verb phrase indicating that an activity or process will need more time than initially anticipated. As Ludwig AI explains, this is a common way to express that something will extend beyond its original timeframe.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

43%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "take longer" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase used to indicate that a task or process will require more time than initially expected. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts. It is frequently found in news and media, wiki articles and scientific publications. When using "take longer", it's best to provide context and specify the reason for the extended duration. Common alternatives include ""require more time"" and "be more time-consuming". While simple, using it properly makes your communication more precise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

require more time

This alternative directly states the need for additional time, maintaining a similar level of formality.

need additional time

A straightforward and neutral way of expressing the requirement for more time.

be more time-consuming

This alternative focuses on the activity as demanding more of one's time.

last for a greater duration

This phrase emphasizes the length of the process.

be a lengthy procedure

This focuses on the extended nature of the action or task.

extend the duration

This option is more formal, emphasizing the lengthening of a time period.

prolong the process

This phrase suggests a deliberate or unavoidable lengthening of a procedure.

run over schedule

This option implies that something has exceeded the anticipated completion time.

go beyond the deadline

This option highlights the exceeding of a specific time limit.

stretch out the timeline

This suggests an expansion or extension of the established schedule.

FAQs

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

You can use "take longer" to indicate that something will require more time than anticipated. For example, "The project may "require more time" than initially estimated due to unforeseen complications."

What are some alternatives to "take longer"?

Alternatives include phrases like ""require more time"", "be more time-consuming", or "extend the duration", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "will take longer time" instead of "take longer"?

While understandable, "take longer" is generally preferred. "Take longer time" is redundant because "longer" already implies more time.

What's the difference between "take longer" and "last longer"?

"Take longer" often refers to the duration of a specific task or process, whereas "last longer" typically refers to the lifespan or durability of an object or state. For example, "This task will take longer to complete" versus "This battery will last longer than others".