takes time

USAGE SUMMARY

'takes time' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to convey the idea that something requires a significant amount of time, energy, or effort. For example: "Learning a new language takes time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Well, mellowing takes time.

The New Yorker

Democracy takes time.

The New York Times

It takes time".Perhaps.Perhaps

The Economist

And it takes time".

The New York Times - Sports

Change takes time.

The New York Times

This takes time.

The New York Times

It also takes time.

The New York Times - Arts

But democracy takes time.

The New York Times

Still, change takes time.

The New Yorker

But that takes time.

The Economist

But trust takes time.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "takes time" when you want to manage expectations or emphasize that a process requires dedication and shouldn't be rushed. For example: "Building a strong relationship with your customers "takes time" and consistent effort."

Common error

Avoid using "takes time" as a filler phrase. Always ensure it's relevant and adds value to your sentence. Instead of just stating that something "takes time", explain why or what aspects contribute to the duration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "takes time" functions as a verbal phrase indicating that a particular activity, process, or development requires a certain amount of time to be completed or to reach a desired state. Ludwig's examples confirm its usage across diverse contexts, underscoring its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "takes time" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that something requires a certain duration to complete or achieve. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to manage expectations and emphasize patience. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it also appears in Wiki and Science contexts. While simple, it is valuable for setting realistic timelines and highlighting the effort needed. Remember to provide context to maximize its impact and avoid overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a lengthy process

Focuses on the extended nature of the activity.

requires patience

Emphasizes the need for patience rather than just the duration.

demands a long duration

Stresses the requirement of a considerable time period.

needs dedication

Highlights the dedication required, shifting focus from time to effort.

calls for perseverance

Emphasizes the necessity of persistent effort over time.

involves a drawn-out procedure

Highlights the step-by-step and lengthy nature of the process.

is a prolonged endeavor

Highlights the sustained effort involved.

is not a quick fix

Indicates that a solution or result will not be immediate.

necessitates considerable effort

Shifts the focus to the significant effort that is needed.

isn't an overnight success

Highlights the lack of immediate results.

FAQs

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

Use "takes time" to emphasize that an activity or process requires a significant duration to complete or achieve the desired outcome. For instance, "Mastering a musical instrument "takes time" and consistent practice".

What are some alternatives to "takes time"?

Alternatives include phrases like "requires patience", "is a lengthy process", or "needs dedication", depending on whether you want to emphasize the duration or the effort involved.

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

"Take time" is used with plural subjects or "I/you/we/they", while "takes time" is used with singular subjects like "it", "he", or "she". For example, "They take time to complete the project" versus "It "takes time" to learn a new skill".

What's the difference between "takes time" and "requires effort"?

"Takes time" emphasizes the duration needed for something, while "requires effort" emphasizes the amount of work or energy needed. Something can "takes time" but not necessarily require a lot of effort, and vice versa. For example, "Waiting in line "takes time"" versus "Learning to code "requires effort"".