takes a long time

USAGE SUMMARY

"takes a long time" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that an activity or process requires a lot of time. For example: "Preparing for the exam took a long time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That process takes a long time.

The New York Times

It takes a long time to master.

The New York Times - Sports

"It takes a long time to recover".

The Economist

That takes a long time to work".

The New York Times - Science

Everything takes a long time".

The Guardian

Changing culture takes a long time, though.

The Guardian - Business

And it takes a long time.

The New York Times

But it takes a long time.

The Guardian

Writing comedy usually takes a long time.

The Guardian

It takes a long time to research.

The Guardian - Opinion

It takes a long time to heal.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "takes a long time", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific activity or process requires the extended duration. Provide specifics for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "takes a long time" without specifying what exactly is taking a long time. Instead of saying "The process takes a long time", specify "The process of learning a new language takes a long time".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "takes a long time" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating the duration required for a particular activity or process. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "takes a long time" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that an activity or process requires a significant duration. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources spanning news, science, and general knowledge domains. While appropriate for diverse contexts, more formal settings might benefit from more precise synonyms. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what activity requires an extended duration to avoid overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a lengthy process

Focuses on the process aspect, highlighting its duration.

requires considerable time

Emphasizes the amount of time needed, implying a significant portion.

is a time-consuming activity

Highlights the activity's characteristic of using up a lot of time.

demands a significant duration

Stresses the necessity of a long period for completion.

involves an extended period

Focuses on the involvement of a period longer than usual.

is a protracted endeavor

Implies a drawn-out and often challenging effort.

needs a substantial timeframe

Highlights the necessity of a notable period to finish.

progresses at a snail's pace

Uses a metaphor to convey the slowness of progress.

is not a quick fix

Indicates that the solution or resolution will not be immediate.

is a marathon, not a sprint

Emphasizes endurance and long-term commitment over short-term intensity.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "takes a long time"?

Alternatives include "is a lengthy process", "requires considerable time", or "is a time-consuming activity" depending on the context.

What does it mean when something "takes a long time"?

It means that the activity or process requires a significant duration to complete. The specific duration is relative to the context.

Is it appropriate to use "takes a long time" in formal writing?

Yes, "takes a long time" is appropriate in formal writing, but consider using more precise language like "requires a significant duration" for added specificity.

How to use "takes a long time" in a sentence?

You can use it as follows: "Mastering a musical instrument "takes a long time" and dedication."