takes a while

USAGE SUMMARY

"takes a while" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express that something requires more time than expected. For example, "Learning how to play this new game takes a while."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So it takes a while.

The New Yorker

But it takes a while".

The Guardian - Sport

"It just takes a while," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

To explain it takes a while.

The New York Times - Health

She says O.K., but takes a while.

The New York Times

It takes a while to unpack.

The New Yorker

Its sophistication takes a while to dawn.

The Guardian - Arts

"It takes a while, man," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Each call takes a while.

The Guardian

It takes a while until it's clear.

The New Yorker

Takes a while to accept it.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "takes a while" to set realistic expectations, especially when explaining complex processes or new skills. It helps manage people's understanding of the time commitment involved.

Common error

While "takes a while" is acceptable, try to provide a more specific timeframe if possible. Instead of just saying "the project takes a while", estimate "the project takes approximately three months" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "takes a while" functions as a predicate in sentences, indicating the time required for an action or process. According to Ludwig AI, this expression is grammatically sound and suitable for written English. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

17%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "takes a while" is a common and correct phrase used to express that something requires a significant amount of time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples across various contexts. While primarily used in neutral to informal settings such as news and media, caution should be exercised when employing it in formal or academic writing. Consider more precise alternatives such as "requires significant time" for increased clarity and professionalism. The phrase functions to manage expectations, explain potential delays, and encourage patience, making it a valuable expression in everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requires some time

This alternative emphasizes the necessity of allocating a certain amount of time.

needs time

A more concise way of saying something needs a duration to be completed.

is time-consuming

This phrase highlights the activity as being lengthy and requiring a lot of time.

demands patience

Focuses on the need for patience due to the length of time involved.

is a lengthy process

Emphasizes that the activity is extended and not quick.

requires a period

Highlights the necessity of having enough time to complete a task.

is a slow process

Focuses on the unhurried, gradual nature of the task.

will be some time

Expresses the expectation that something will require a certain amount of time.

is not a quick fix

Emphasizes that the solution or process is not immediate.

is a long haul

This phrase suggests a prolonged effort or commitment.

FAQs

How can I use "takes a while" in a sentence?

You can use "takes a while" to indicate that something requires a significant amount of time to complete, such as "Learning a new language "takes a while"" or "Building a strong relationship "takes a while"".

What are some alternatives to "takes a while"?

Some alternatives to "takes a while" include "requires some time", "is time-consuming", or "demands patience" depending on the specific context you want to emphasize.

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

While "takes a while" is generally acceptable, it's better suited for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise and professional alternatives like "requires significant time" or "is a lengthy process".

What does "takes a while" imply about the duration of something?

"Takes a while" implies that the duration is longer than expected or desired, suggesting that patience and persistence may be needed. It doesn't specify an exact time, but rather conveys a sense of extended duration.