take your time with

USAGE SUMMARY

"take your time with" is a perfectly valid phrase to use in written English.
It is used when the speaker wants to advise someone to be slow and deliberate when taking action on something. For example: "Take your time with the assignment so that you can get it right."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Take your time with your site - make it yours and give it your personality.

WikiHow

Take your time with this.

The New York Times - Food

Therefore, take your time with research.

The Guardian

"You just want to take your time with it".

The New York Times - Sports

Take your time with your girl and your gift.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He later added, "Everybody's going to want you to take your time with it".

The New York Times - Sports

When you take your time with the paintings you see unexpected emotions.

The Guardian

In that moment it was take your time with the scene, but overall: Jeremy, take your time.

The New York Times

If you take your time with this decision, you won't get burned.

Forbes

You just have to take your time with him and he needs that little bit of dig in the ground".

BBC

Take Your Time With Tragedy.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering advice using "take your time with", clearly specify the task or situation to avoid ambiguity. For example, "Take your time with the contract review to ensure accuracy."

Common error

Avoid using "take your time with" in situations where urgency is required. For example, saying "Take your time with responding to this emergency" is inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take your time with" functions as an imperative phrase, advising or encouraging someone to proceed slowly and carefully. According to Ludwig, it is used when the speaker wants to advise someone to be slow and deliberate when taking action on something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

43%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take your time with" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to advise someone to proceed slowly and carefully. As Ludwig AI indicates, it emphasizes thoroughness over speed. It's generally appropriate in neutral to informal contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki sources. When using this phrase, ensure the context doesn't require urgency and that you specify the task to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

don't rush with

Directly advises against haste, stressing the importance of avoiding mistakes.

go slowly with

Advises to move at a reduced speed, ensuring accuracy and avoiding errors.

proceed deliberately with

Emphasizes a conscious and intentional pace, suggesting a focus on each step.

exercise caution with

Stresses the need to be wary and alert to potential dangers or problems.

approach carefully with

Highlights caution and attentiveness, implying potential risks or sensitivities.

give ample time to

Focuses on allocating sufficient time to ensure completeness and quality.

handle gently with

Suggests a need for tenderness and care, often in situations involving delicate or emotional matters.

mind your pace with

Advises to regulate and control the speed at which something is done.

be patient with

Focuses on the need for tolerance and understanding, particularly when dealing with challenges or difficulties.

act thoughtfully regarding

Encourages considering the implications and consequences of actions.

FAQs

How can I use "take your time with" in a sentence?

You can use "take your time with" to advise someone to proceed slowly and carefully, such as "Take your time with the project" or "Take your time with the decision".

What's a more formal alternative to "take your time with"?

In formal settings, you might use phrases like "proceed deliberately with", or "exercise caution with" instead of "take your time with".

Is it ever wrong to tell someone to "take your time with" something?

Yes, it would be inappropriate to tell someone to "take your time with" something that requires immediate action or a quick response. Context is key.

What are some situations where it's especially important to "take your time with" something?

Situations involving important decisions, delicate tasks, or complex projects often benefit from carefully considering each step. This can prevent errors and ensure better outcomes.