take time over

USAGE SUMMARY

"take time over" is grammatically correct in written English and can be used to express the need to be thoughtful and deliberate when doing something.
For example: "I want to make sure my essay is well-written, so I'm going to take time over it and carefully review my work before submitting it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"It's something you have to take time over.

The Guardian - Sport

Sometimes you want to take time over a bake, so I say: go all the way.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The employers' organisation, the CBI, said it was pleased the government would take time over considering the new legislation.

The Guardian - Business

That's why so many have reduced the numbers of reporters to a point where no-one dares to take time over a story, let alone leave the office.

The Guardian

It might boast seasonal British produce, but being a brasserie, this place is deeply French: bent on elegance, with attention to detail and determined to take time over pleasure.

Independent

2. Squash the tomatoes with your hands (take time over this bit and enjoy it), and place over a low to medium heat to bubble away for about an hour.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

I find the fact that she takes time over things very inspiring: she won't be rushed (2).

The Guardian

"The way people hack is changing," Mark Waghorne, the KPMG information security director said "Hackers are playing the long game, taking time over infiltrating an organisation's systems".

Independent

It highlights "needs-focused interventions", such as breaking up tasks into small and manageable chunks, taking time over your classroom seating plan and encouraging parental involvement.

The Guardian

Our trip was to be a reversion to a slower, more ruminative and reflective form of travel, the journey as a gentle seduction to be taken time over and appreciated.

Independent

Building relationships between patients and practitioners takes time, over a number of interactions.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to "take time over" a task, emphasize the specific benefits, such as improved accuracy or a better final product.

Common error

Avoid using "take time over" as an excuse for procrastination. Ensure that deliberate action doesn't turn into unnecessary delay; set realistic deadlines.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take time over" functions as a directive or suggestion to dedicate ample attention and care to a task or decision. Examples from Ludwig show it used in contexts ranging from writing essays to making important decisions, emphasizing the need for thoughtfulness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

14%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "take time over" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that advises or encourages thoughtful and deliberate action. As Ludwig confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, from personal tasks to professional decisions. While generally neutral in register, it emphasizes the importance of care and attention to detail. To use it effectively, ensure that the deliberate approach doesn't lead to unnecessary delays, and focus on the specific benefits of being thorough. Remember that alternatives like "dedicate sufficient time" or "give due consideration" can also convey a similar meaning depending on the specific nuance you want to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dedicate sufficient time

Focuses on allocating enough time.

allocate ample time

Highlights generous time allocation.

invest considerable time

Emphasizes the investment aspect of time.

devote adequate time

Stresses dedicating the right amount of time.

give due consideration

Shifts focus to the thoughtfulness involved.

proceed deliberately

Highlights acting in a careful and unhurried manner.

act with careful consideration

Focuses on acting thoughtfully.

exercise due diligence

Emphasizes thoroughness and care, often in a professional context.

be thorough in your approach

Highlights the importance of a comprehensive methodology.

pay close attention

Focuses on attentiveness and detail.

FAQs

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

You can use "take time over" to suggest dedicating sufficient attention to something, like "You should "take time over" your essay to ensure it's well-written".

What's a similar expression to "take time over"?

Alternatives to "take time over" include "dedicate sufficient time", "allocate ample time", or "give due consideration" depending on the context.

Is it better to "take time over" or "rush through" a task?

It's generally better to "take time over" a task when accuracy and quality are important. Rushing through may lead to mistakes.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "take time over"?

Use "take time over" when you want to emphasize the importance of careful and thoughtful execution, such as when making important decisions or completing complex tasks.