take time out

USAGE SUMMARY

"take time out" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used when you want to indicate that someone should take a break from their daily activities in order to relax and rest. For example, "With such a busy schedule, it's important to take time out now and then to relax and unwind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They take time out to really listen".

Independent

Take time out, no matter what.

Harvard Business Review

Then they take time out to play and act silly.

The New York Times

He would take time out to be with me".

The Guardian - Arts

I could just really take time out from that".

The Guardian - Film

The entire nation seemed to take time out to watch.

The New York Times - Books

The boys take time out to wave to them with infectiously beaming smiles.

The New York Times

HOLLYWOOD film directors do not ordinarily take time out to plug books by distinguished Oxford historians.

The Economist

Of course, Mr. Weill also has to take time out to be feted.

The New York Times

He didn't take time out to be pregnant with two kids!

Independent

No space to rest and take time out for self-care.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take time out" when you want to emphasize the importance of pausing or stepping away from your routine for rest, reflection, or personal care. It's particularly effective when advising someone who is overworked or stressed.

Common error

While "take time out" is a useful phrase, avoid using it excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by incorporating synonyms like "take a break", "pause", or "step away" to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take time out" functions as an idiomatic expression that typically serves as a verb phrase, often used to suggest pausing or interrupting one's regular activities. Ludwig's examples confirm this function, showcasing its use across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

37%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take time out" is a common and grammatically sound idiomatic expression used to advise or encourage rest and relaxation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions primarily as a verb phrase. Although versatile, its neutral-to-informal register makes it most suitable for general communication, particularly in news, media and wiki contexts. Remember to use this expression to emphasize the value of pausing from routine activities and consider using alternatives to avoid repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a break

This alternative is shorter and more direct, implying a temporary cessation of activity.

take a breather

This suggests a short rest to recover from exertion or stress.

pause for a moment

This emphasizes a brief interruption in an activity.

step away

This implies physically moving away from a situation to gain perspective or rest.

recess

This suggests a formal break, often used in the context of school or legal proceedings.

take a sabbatical

This implies a longer, more extended break from work or studies.

unwind

This suggests a period of relaxation and stress relief.

decompress

Similar to unwind, but often used in a more technical or psychological context.

kick back

This is an informal term for relaxing and doing nothing.

rest and recharge

This emphasizes the restorative aspect of taking a break.

FAQs

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

You can use "take time out" to suggest pausing from regular activities for rest. For instance, "It's important to "take time out" from work to avoid burnout" or "The team decided to "take time out" after the project's completion".

What are some alternatives to "take time out"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "take a break", "pause", or "step away" instead of "take time out".

Is it grammatically correct to say "taking time out"?

Yes, "taking time out" is grammatically correct. It's often used as a gerund or present participle, for example, "Taking time out is essential for mental health".

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

While similar, "take time out" often implies a more deliberate and intentional pause, whereas ""take a break"" can refer to a shorter, more spontaneous interruption. The best choice depends on the specific context.