takes forever

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression "takes forever" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to convey that something takes a very long time. For example, "It seems like it takes forever to get through rush hour traffic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

(Yes, it takes forever).

The New Yorker

Budget approval takes forever.

The New York Times

It takes forever.

The New Yorker

Escaping Delhi takes forever.

The Guardian - Travel

Animation takes forever.

The New York Times

It takes forever and delivers poor results.

The Guardian

"It takes forever to find the track.

The New York Times - Arts

"It takes forever here," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Pulci, which I'm reading now, that takes forever.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Instead it takes forever and costs a lot".

The New York Times

Keep putting coats on so it takes forever to dry.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "takes forever" to add emphasis and express frustration or impatience with a lengthy process. It's more impactful than simply saying something "takes a long time."

Common error

While effective, avoid using "takes forever" excessively in formal writing. Opt for more precise language to describe the duration of the process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "takes forever" functions as a verb phrase indicating the duration of an action or process. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It suggests that an activity requires a significant amount of time, often with an implication of impatience or frustration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

14%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "takes forever" is a common and correct expression used to indicate that something requires a significant amount of time. Ludwig AI confirms its general usability, although it leans toward informal contexts. While predominantly found in News & Media and Academia, be mindful of overuse and consider more precise language in formal settings. When using this phrase, remember it can convey frustration or impatience, so ensure the tone aligns with your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

takes ages

This alternative is more informal, but shares the same meaning regarding the prolonged duration of an activity.

takes a long time

This alternative is a more literal and less idiomatic way of expressing that something requires considerable time.

consumes a lot of time

This alternative highlights how much time the process requires, emphasizing the time wasted.

is very time-consuming

This alternative focuses on the amount of time required for a task, emphasizing its demanding nature.

is a lengthy process

This alternative emphasizes the extended nature of a specific procedure or set of actions.

drags on

This alternative emphasizes the tedious and prolonged nature of a process or event.

is a drawn-out affair

This alternative characterizes the activity as prolonged and often wearisome.

never ends

This alternative hyperbolically suggests that something is taking an excessively long time.

lasts an eternity

This alternative is a hyperbole, emphasizing the perceived endlessness of a duration.

extends indefinitely

This alternative suggests that the activity has no determined end in sight, giving a sense of continuity.

FAQs

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

You can use "takes forever" to express that something requires a considerable amount of time. For example, "The traffic /s/takes+forever during rush hour" or "Learning a new language /s/takes+forever if you don't practice regularly".

What are some alternatives to "takes forever"?

You can use alternatives like "takes ages", "takes a long time", or "is very time-consuming depending on the context".

Is it appropriate to use "takes forever" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "takes forever" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "is a lengthy process" or "consumes a lot of time" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "takes forever" and "lasts an eternity"?

"Takes forever" indicates a significant amount of time, while "lasts an eternity" is a hyperbole, implying an exaggeratedly long or seemingly endless duration.