take too long

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take too long" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to talk about any task or process that is taking longer than it should. For example, "Waiting in line at the DMV always takes too long."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Didn't usually take too long".

The New York Times - Sports

"Diets take too long.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They take too long.

The New Yorker

They take too long to play".

The New York Times

Rebuilding the app would take too long.

The New York Times - Tech

Infrastructure projects take too long.

The Guardian

Does medical school take too long?

Stanford University

Others say capital appeals take too long.

Columbia University

It would take too long,' " Turner said.

The Washington Post

A normal playoff would take too long".

The New York Times - Sports

"It cannot take too long," Folch says.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "take too long", ensure the context clearly indicates what is taking too long and why the duration is problematic. Providing specific details enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "take too long" without specifying what is taking too long. For example, instead of saying "It will take too long", specify what 'it' refers to: "The approval process will take too long."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take too long" functions as a verb phrase indicating that an action, process, or event requires an excessive or unacceptable amount of time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples illustrate its application in various contexts, from rebuilding an app to registering trademarks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

18%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take too long" is a versatile and common phrase used to express that something requires an excessive amount of time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and informal conversation. While suitable for various registers, ensuring clarity by specifying what is taking too long is crucial. For more formal communication, alternatives like "require an excessive duration" can be considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be too time-consuming

Highlights the burdensome aspect of the time investment.

last an unreasonable amount of time

Highlights the unreasonableness of the duration.

consume too much time

Focuses on the amount of time used, suggesting inefficiency.

be unnecessarily lengthy

Highlights that the duration is longer than necessary.

extend beyond a reasonable timeframe

More formal way of expressing that something is taking longer than expected.

require an excessive duration

Emphasizes the excessiveness of the time required, more formal.

go on for an extended period

Indicates a prolonged duration, often implying it's unwanted.

drag on for too long

Emphasizes the tedious and prolonged nature of the activity.

stretch out for an eternity

Hyperbolic way of saying something feels like it's taking a very long time.

not be worth the wait

Focuses on the value of waiting compared to the time investment.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "take too long" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "require an excessive duration" or "extend beyond a reasonable timeframe".

What are some alternatives to "take too long" that emphasize inefficiency?

To highlight inefficiency, try phrases like "consume too much time" or "be too time-consuming".

How do I use "take too long" in a sentence?

You can use "take too long" to describe any activity or process that exceeds a reasonable or desired timeframe. For example, "The meeting took too long", or "The repair will take too long to complete".

When is it appropriate to use "take too long"?

It's appropriate when you want to express that something is taking an excessive amount of time, causing inconvenience or delay. However, ensure the context is clear and specific.