take more time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take more time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you need to suggest that an activity or process should not be rushed, but allowed to proceed at a slower pace. For example: "The problem needs to be approached carefully - it will likely take more time to get the desired outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"They need to take more time".

The New York Times

"I'll take more time off.

The New York Times

"I'll take more time off," he said.

The New York Times

We need to take more time".

The New York Times

"It's going to take more time".

The New York Times

Other issues will take more time.

The New York Times

Other things take more time and energy.

The Guardian

I'm going to take more time.

The New York Times - Sports

"If a democracy requires more time, then take more time.

The New York Times

This was going to take more time than I thought.

The New York Times - Sports

I want to take more time to explore that.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "take more time", consider specifying the reason or benefit for doing so. For example, instead of just saying "We need to take more time", say "We need to "take more time" to thoroughly review the data and avoid errors."

Common error

Avoid using "take more time" without clarifying the purpose. Simply stating that something needs more time without explaining why can be unhelpful. Always provide context or justification for needing additional time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take more time" functions as a directive or suggestion, urging or advising someone to extend the duration of an activity. As Ludwig AI shows, it's frequently used to advocate for a slower, more deliberate approach.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take more time" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to advise or suggest extending the duration of an activity or process. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. While neutral in register, it's essential to provide context or justification for needing additional time to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "allocate additional time" or "dedicate further time" may be more suitable for formal settings. This expression appears frequently in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, emphasizing the importance of thoroughness and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allocate additional time

Focuses on the action of assigning more time to a task or activity.

dedicate further time

Emphasizes a committed allocation of more time.

extend the duration

Directly refers to lengthening the period of time.

allow for a longer period

Highlights the provision of a more extended timeframe.

invest more time

Suggests a commitment of time as a resource.

spend additional time

Focuses on the action of using more time.

devote more attention

Shifts the focus from time to the level of attention given.

proceed at a slower pace

Emphasizes the reduction in speed rather than the increase in time.

exercise greater patience

Highlights the need for patience to allow sufficient time.

be more thorough

Suggests spending more time to ensure completeness.

FAQs

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

You can use "take more time" to suggest slowing down a process or allocating additional resources to ensure better results. For instance: "We should "take more time" to analyze the market data before launching the new product."

What's a more formal way to say "take more time"?

In a formal setting, consider using phrases such as "allocate additional time" or "dedicate further time" to convey a similar meaning with a higher degree of formality.

What are some alternatives to "take more time" that emphasize thoroughness?

To emphasize thoroughness, you can use phrases like "be more thorough" or "exercise greater patience", which imply a more careful and detailed approach.

When is it appropriate to use "take more time"?

It's appropriate to use "take more time" when you believe that rushing a task or process will lead to errors or suboptimal outcomes. For example: "Let's "take more time" with the design phase to ensure we meet all the client's requirements."