take their time

USAGE SUMMARY

"take their time" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to not rush or hurry, but instead to go at a slower pace and be deliberate in one's actions. Here are some examples of how it can be used: 1. "The students were reminded to take their time during the exam and carefully read each question before answering." 2. "When choosing a new car, it's important to take your time and consider all of your options before making a decision." 3. "The artist took their time in creating the masterpiece, paying attention to every detail and perfecting their technique." 4. "After their argument, the couple decided to take some time apart and think about their relationship." 5. "The construction workers were instructed to take their time and follow all safety protocols in order to avoid any accidents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

They take their time.

The New York Times

They can take their time.

The Economist

In India parents take their time.

The New Yorker

Parties take their time discussing deals.

The Economist

I will take their time.

The Guardian

"So people take their time".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

"Taking their time," he said.

The New Yorker

The men took their time.

The New York Times

Inexperienced males, by contrast, took their time.

The New York Times - Science

He added: "Everybody is taking their time.

The New York Times

They took their time.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to "take their time", ensure you're also providing them with the resources and support needed to do so effectively. This means they need the time, but also the tools, knowledge, and environment to succeed.

Common error

Avoid using "take their time" as a euphemism for being slow or unproductive. The phrase should convey the importance of careful consideration and thoroughness, not inefficiency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take their time" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to advise or encourage someone to proceed without rushing. Ludwig AI shows it's widely accepted and used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "take their time" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that encourages a deliberate and unhurried approach. Ludwig AI's analysis, supported by numerous examples from reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, confirms its widespread acceptance and versatility. Whether you're advising someone on a complex task or simply reminding them not to rush, "take their time" is a clear and effective way to communicate the importance of thoroughness over speed. While generally neutral in tone, it's essential to use the phrase with genuine intention, emphasizing support rather than implying criticism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go at their own pace

Focuses on individual rhythm and speed.

not rush

Emphasizes avoiding haste.

not feel pressured

Stresses the absence of external pressure.

act without haste

Focuses on the absence of hurried action.

proceed leisurely

Highlights a relaxed and unhurried approach.

move deliberately

Highlights intentional and thoughtful action.

afford themselves ample time

Indicates providing sufficient time for a task.

work at a relaxed tempo

Emphasizes the calmness and lack of rush in their actions.

linger

Implies staying longer than necessary, in a relaxed way.

dawdle

Suggests a slow and lingering pace.

FAQs

How can I encourage someone to "take their time" without sounding condescending?

Use a supportive tone, emphasizing the value of thoroughness and careful consideration. For example, you might say, "There's no rush; please "take your time" and ensure you're comfortable with every step."

When is it appropriate to tell someone to "take their time"?

It's appropriate when accuracy and careful thought are more important than speed. Examples include complex decision-making, intricate tasks, or situations where mistakes can have serious consequences.

Is "take their time" the same as procrastinating?

No, "take their time" implies a deliberate and thoughtful approach, while procrastinating involves delaying or avoiding a task. The former is about doing something well, the latter is about not doing it at all.

What are some alternative ways to suggest that someone shouldn't rush a task?

Instead of "take their time", you could say "proceed leisurely", "go at your own pace", or "move deliberately depending on the context.