take up time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take up time" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe actions or activities that require a significant amount of time. For example, "Studying for final exams can really take up time".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

"I need something to take up time this summer.

The New York Times

Not activities that take up time while you wait for death.

The New York Times

People read books for enjoyment, to find deeper meaning to life and to take up time.

The New York Times

Less persuasive is its argument that these tournaments take up time that athletes should be spending in class.

The New York Times - Sports

He said he never married because family responsibilities might take up time he could otherwise spend surfing.

The New York Times - Sports

Creativity is another major issue: will rote learning be good for my child, or will it take up time better spent on exploring and "blue-sky thinking"?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

So that takes up time too".

The Guardian - Film

But every day presents a new obstacle, taking up time, eating up momentum.

The New York Times

Staff appreciated being freed of a responsibility that takes up time better spent teaching.

The Guardian - Opinion

And it takes up time that you wish had been devoted to the main attraction, Tops in Blue.

The New York Times

Being a political activist takes up time and energy that you may find is no longer easily channelled.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing how long an activity lasts, use "take up time" to clearly communicate that the activity requires a notable amount of time.

Common error

Avoid using "take up time" when you mean a brief or insignificant duration. It's best suited for activities that noticeably impact one's schedule.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take up time" functions as a verb phrase that describes the action of occupying or consuming a portion of time. As Ludwig AI describes, it is appropriate for describing activities requiring a certain amount of time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

28%

Wiki

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "take up time" is a common and correct expression used to describe activities that require a significant portion of time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is versatile across News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts, making it appropriate for various communication needs. While it can be used in various settings, it's most effective when emphasizing a notable time commitment. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "occupy time", "consume time", or "fill time" to better suit your specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

occupy time

Replaces "take up" with "occupy", maintaining the core meaning of filling time.

fill time

A more straightforward way of saying "take up time", focusing on the act of making time full.

use up time

Highlights the complete exhaustion of available time.

eat up time

Similar to 'consume time', suggesting time is used rapidly.

consume time

Emphasizes the depletion of time, instead of simply filling it.

absorb time

Suggests that something captures or holds time, often without one realizing it.

require time

Focuses on the necessity of time for a given activity.

demand time

Stresses that something needs or asks for time, often urgently.

devour time

Implies that something uses time quickly and completely.

spend time

Focuses on the act of investing time in a specific activity.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "take up time" in a sentence?

You can replace "take up time" with alternatives such as "occupy time", "consume time", or "fill time" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "take up time" and "spend time"?

"Take up time" emphasizes that an activity requires or occupies a certain amount of time, whereas "spend time" focuses on how one chooses to allocate their time for an activity. For example, "The meeting will take up time this afternoon" versus "I want to spend time with my family tonight".

Is it correct to say "takes up time" instead of "take up time"?

Yes, "takes up time" is correct when the subject is singular and third-person. For example, "This task takes up time" while "These tasks take up time."

When should I use "take up time" in my writing?

Use "take up time" when you want to emphasize that a specific activity or task will require or consume a portion of someone's schedule or available time. It's useful when planning or discussing time management.