takes years

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "takes years" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process or event that requires a significant amount of time to complete or achieve. Example: "Building a successful business often takes years of hard work and dedication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This takes years".

The New York Times - Science

"For some, it takes years.

The New York Times - Sports

An Italian divorce takes years.

The New York Times

It takes years of practice".

The New York Times

It takes years and years.

The New York Times

Recovery takes years.

Harvard University

It takes years.

The Washington Post

It always takes years.

The Guardian - Music

A full recovery takes years and years.

The New York Times

It takes years to build these relationships.

The New York Times

It takes years to get justice.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "takes years", ensure the context clearly indicates what process or activity requires that extended period. Providing specific details enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "takes years" without specifying what exactly is taking that long. Vague statements weaken the impact and can confuse the reader. Always provide context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "takes years" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to indicate the duration required for a certain process, development, or achievement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct and commonly employed across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "takes years" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe processes requiring extended durations. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Its usage spans various contexts, including news, science, and academia, emphasizing the time investment necessary for certain achievements. While versatile, it's important to provide specific context to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "requires a long time" or "is a lengthy process" offer similar meanings. Ensuring clarity and specificity will enhance the impact of the phrase, as it effectively communicates the dedication and patience required for long-term endeavors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a matter of years

Indicates that the timeframe is specifically measured in years.

spans several years

Emphasizes the duration extending across multiple years.

requires a long time

Emphasizes the necessity of a prolonged duration.

involves a multi-year commitment

Highlights a commitment spanning over a number of years.

unfolds over years

Suggests a gradual development or progression over an extended period.

is a lengthy process

Highlights the extended nature of a particular procedure or activity.

demands substantial time

Stresses the significant time commitment required.

needs considerable time

Similar to demands substantial time, but slightly less forceful.

is time-consuming

Focuses on the amount of time needed to complete something.

is not a short-term endeavor

Negatively defines the duration, highlighting it's not quick.

FAQs

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

Use "takes years" to describe processes that require a long duration. For example, "Building a successful business "takes years" of dedication and hard work".

What are some alternatives to "takes years"?

Alternatives include "requires a long time", "is a lengthy process", or "is time-consuming", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "takes years" or "requires years"?

Both ""takes years"" and "requires years" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably in many contexts. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when something "takes years"?

When something ""takes years"", it means that the process or activity requires a significant amount of time, specifically spanning multiple years, to complete or achieve the desired outcome.