takes their time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "takes their time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is not rushing and is taking the necessary time to complete a task or make a decision. Example: "She always takes their time when preparing for a presentation to ensure everything is perfect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Here, everyone takes their time".

The New York Times - Travel

In any city, they would be full of people barking out their orders and twitching their way to work, but here just about everyone takes their time.

The Guardian

"The purchase of a new outlet is under 50 cents, and the installation of that outlet, even for a novice once the electricity is turned off is, tops, a half hour for a person who takes their time.

The New York Times

This takes their time and investment, so they offer what everyone always offers first: advice.

Forbes

"Incentives really work, so a lot of studies will use a really modest incentive with an incentive for both the subject and the caregiver, acknowledging that it takes their time and gas to bring their kid in, so we give something to both parties".

Clinical and Translational Medicine

A system that takes their time, their craft, their history, and their voice.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

They take their time.

The New York Times

"Taking their time," he said.

The New Yorker

The men took their time.

The New York Times

They can take their time.

The Economist

In India parents take their time.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "takes their time" to convey a sense of thoroughness, care, or lack of urgency. This can be particularly effective when contrasting it with situations where speed is prioritized.

Common error

Avoid using "takes their time" when you want to emphasize efficiency or speed. It implies a deliberate pace, which may not always be a positive attribute depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "takes their time" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a deliberate and unhurried approach. Ludwig shows its versatility in describing actions ranging from preparing presentations to exploring artistic spaces. The phrase often implies thoroughness or a lack of urgency.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

19%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "takes their time" describes a deliberate, unhurried approach. Grammatically correct and frequently used, as confirmed by Ludwig, it appears commonly in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts. The phrase conveys thoroughness and care. To avoid misinterpretations, ensure the context aligns with a deliberate pace, not efficiency. Alternatives like "doesn't rush" or "proceeds deliberately" offer similar meanings. Ludwig's examples showcase the phrase's broad applicability, reinforcing its place as a useful expression in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doesn't rush

Emphasizes the absence of haste, focusing on avoiding rushing.

proceeds deliberately

Highlights the intentional and thoughtful nature of the action.

acts without haste

Focuses on the lack of hurriedness in their actions.

moves at a leisurely pace

Stresses the relaxed and unhurried tempo of the activity.

avoids rushing

Similar to 'doesn't rush' but with a stronger emphasis on actively preventing haste.

is unhurried

Directly states the absence of a feeling or need to hurry.

operates at a relaxed tempo

Highlights the easygoing and unpressured rhythm of their work.

undertakes with consideration

Emphasizes careful thought and attention during the process.

approaches methodically

Focuses on the systematic and orderly nature of their approach.

eases into the task

Suggests a gentle and gradual start to the activity, avoiding any sudden or forceful action.

FAQs

How can I use "takes their time" in a sentence?

You can use "takes their time" to describe someone who is not rushing and is taking the necessary time to complete a task. For example: "She always "takes their time" when preparing a presentation to ensure everything is perfect."

What are some alternatives to saying someone "takes their time"?

Alternatives include "doesn't rush", "proceeds deliberately", or "acts without haste", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "take their time" or "takes their time"?

"Take their time" is used with plural subjects or in the imperative mood, while "takes their time" is used with singular subjects in the third person. Example: "They should take their time." versus "She takes their time."

When is it appropriate to say someone "takes their time"?

It is appropriate when you want to emphasize that someone is proceeding at a leisurely or unhurried pace, often implying thoroughness or carefulness. However, it can also be used negatively if the pace is perceived as too slow.