takes too long

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "takes too long" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something requires an excessive amount of time to complete or achieve. Example: "The process of getting a visa often takes too long, causing frustration for many applicants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Toasting takes too long.

The New York Times

It takes too long.

The New Yorker

But it takes too long.

The Economist

Walking takes too long.

The New York Times

… Because it takes too long.

Harvard University

The 11 a.m. service takes too long.

The New York Times

Boarding is chaotic and takes too long.

The Economist

It takes too long to play.

The New York Times - Sports

"Instant gratification takes too long".

The New Yorker

It simply takes too long".

The New York Times - Travel

It's too hard, it takes too long".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "takes too long", consider whether specifying the actual time frame would add clarity and impact. For instance, instead of saying "the meeting takes too long", try "the meeting takes over two hours", if the number of hours is relevant and accurate.

Common error

In technical or formal writing, avoid using "takes too long" without providing quantifiable data or specific context. Instead of simply stating that a process "takes too long", provide metrics such as "the process requires 3 hours to complete, exceeding the acceptable threshold of 1 hour" to enhance clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "takes too long" primarily functions as a predicate within a sentence. It typically expresses that a specific action, process, or event requires an excessive or unacceptable amount of time, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

23%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "takes too long" is a common and generally acceptable way to express that something requires an excessive amount of time. Ludwig AI confirms it's correct and usable in a wide range of contexts. While it's suitable for neutral and informal communication, more precise language might be preferred in academic or formal settings. Consider alternatives like ""is excessively time-consuming"" or specifying the actual time frame to enhance clarity. While generally well understood, providing concrete numbers always make the communication better and more professional.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is excessively time-consuming

This alternative uses more formal language to emphasize the prolonged duration of an activity.

requires an unreasonable amount of time

This alternative focuses on the perceived lack of justification for the duration.

consumes too much time

This alternative uses a more active verb to highlight the time being used up.

is unduly lengthy

This is a formal alternative that stresses the excessive length of something.

spends an inordinate amount of time

This suggests that time spent could be spent better elsewhere.

drags on

This alternative is more informal and suggests boredom or frustration with the length of time.

is a drawn-out process

This alternative emphasizes the prolonged nature of the task or procedure.

extends for an excessive period

This alternative is formal and emphasizes the length of the period.

lasts longer than necessary

This alternative directly compares duration against necessity.

is excessively prolonged

This alternative emphasizes the extended duration using a stronger adjective.

FAQs

How can I rephrase the sentence "This process takes too long"?

You can use alternatives like "This process "is excessively time-consuming"", "This process "requires an unreasonable amount of time"", or "This process "consumes too much time"" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "takes too long" in formal writing?

While "takes too long" is generally understood, it can sound informal. In formal writing, consider using more precise and quantifiable language. For example, instead of saying "the review process takes too long", specify "the review process requires more than three weeks".

What's the difference between "takes too long" and "is time-consuming"?

"Takes too long" implies a subjective judgment that something exceeds an acceptable timeframe, while "is time-consuming" is a more neutral description of the amount of time required. The first one it's clearly an opinion, the second one is just a fact.

When should I avoid using the phrase "takes too long"?

Avoid using "takes too long" when you can provide specific details about the time involved. Providing concrete numbers makes your communication more effective. For example: The response "The shipment takes too long" would be better if reformulated as "The shipment takes 7-10 business days".