takes three

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "takes three" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a requirement or a quantity needed for a task or situation, often implying that three of something is necessary. Example: "To complete the project, it takes three key components: time, effort, and collaboration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The argument takes three forms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Culling the résumés takes three days.

The New York Times

Usually it takes three or four sittings.

The New York Times

Today's systemic failure takes three forms.

The New York Times

It takes three to make a trend.

The New Yorker

It takes three weeks to graduate".

The New Yorker

It takes three and half hours.

The Economist

Their business takes three forms.

The New York Times - Arts

Now it takes three weeks.

The New York Times

The pageant takes three hours.

The New York Times - Travel

It takes three weeks to do it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "takes three" to describe a process or requirement, ensure that the three elements are clearly defined and relevant to the context. For example, "Success in this venture takes three: dedication, innovation, and perseverance."

Common error

Avoid using "takes three" when the number is not literally three. For example, don't say "The solution takes three, more or less" as it undermines the specific nature of the number.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "takes three" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a requirement or necessity of three units or elements. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

19%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "takes three" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote that three elements, steps, or units are required for a particular process or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to scientific and encyclopedic content. The phrase maintains a neutral register and is best employed when the number three is precise and relevant. Consider alternatives like "requires three" or "needs three" for subtle variations in emphasis. Remember that "takes three" should only be used when referring to a specific quantity of three and avoid misusing it in contexts where the number is approximate. With a wealth of examples available, understanding its proper usage is straightforward.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requires three

Substitutes "takes" with "requires", emphasizing necessity.

needs three

Replaces "takes" with "needs", focusing on the necessity of having three.

necessitates three

A more formal way of saying "requires three".

demands three

Similar to necessitates, but with a stronger emphasis.

involves three

Highlights that the process or situation has three components.

comprises three

Emphasizes that something is made up of three parts.

consists of three

Similar to "comprises three", focusing on the components.

calls for three

Indicates that three items or actions are needed.

hinges on three

Highlights that the outcome depends on three key elements.

is a trio of

Highlights the triplet nature of components/elements.

FAQs

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

You can use "takes three" to indicate that something requires three elements, steps, or participants. For example, "The project "takes three" months to complete" or "It "takes three" people to operate the machine".

What are some alternatives to "takes three"?

Some alternatives include "requires three", "needs three", or "involves three" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "takes three"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "takes three" is a common and acceptable way to express that something requires a specific quantity of three.

In what contexts is "takes three" commonly used?

"Takes three" is often used in contexts where a specific number of elements or steps are essential for a process or task. This can range from project management to describing the composition of something, as illustrated by the examples Ludwig provides.