taking ages

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "taking ages" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express that something is taking a long time to happen or be completed. Example: "I've been waiting for the bus, and it's taking ages to arrive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Replays are taking ages.

The Guardian - Sport

Pretending he cant hear taking ages to answer awkward questions.

The New York Times

"It's just taking ages for them to cut the bush back," one onlooker told reporters.

The Guardian - Books

There are flower species that are disappearing after taking ages to take hold.

The Guardian

Now she's back in an office, the state's Access to Work scheme is taking ages to provide the necessary help.

The Guardian - Opinion

I read the first few pages before he snatched it and he's taking ages to finish it.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Taking age into account, however, this correlation could be reversed.

Environmental Sciences Europe

This takes ages - hurrah.

Independent

Getting planning approval takes ages.

The Economist

It takes ages.

The Guardian - Film

Labour takes ages.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "taking ages" to describe processes or actions that are noticeably prolonged or delayed. It is suitable for informal and semi-formal contexts where a direct expression of duration is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "taking ages" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "requiring a significant amount of time" or "experiencing considerable delays".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking ages" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used to describe a situation where something is requiring a significant amount of time. This is supported by Ludwig, which identifies the phrase as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "taking ages" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe something that is requiring a significant amount of time. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, it's more appropriate for neutral to informal contexts and may not be suitable for highly formal or academic writing. Alternatives like "taking a long time" or "requiring considerable time" may be more appropriate in professional settings. The phrase is frequently found in news and media sources, reflecting its widespread use in describing everyday situations and events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taking a long time

A more literal and straightforward way of expressing the same concept, focusing on the duration.

taking forever

Informal synonym that emphasizes the speaker's impatience or frustration.

requiring considerable time

Emphasizes the amount of time needed, adding a slightly more formal tone.

being held up

Indicates that something is being prevented from progressing at a normal pace.

dragging on

Implies that something is taking longer than expected or desired and might be tedious.

going on forever

Exaggerates the duration, suggesting an indefinite or seemingly endless period.

lasting an eternity

Uses hyperbole to stress the perceived length of time, conveying impatience or frustration.

proceeding slowly

Focuses on the pace of progress, indicating a lack of speed or efficiency.

delayed indefinitely

Highlights the uncertainty of the timeline, implying that completion is not guaranteed.

protracted

Suggests an unnecessarily long duration, often associated with complex or bureaucratic processes.

FAQs

What does "taking ages" mean?

"Taking ages" means that something is taking a very long time to happen or be completed. It's an informal way to describe a process as lengthy or delayed.

What can I say instead of "taking ages"?

You can use alternatives like "taking a long time", "taking forever", or "requiring considerable time" depending on the context.

Is "taking ages" grammatically correct?

Yes, "taking ages" is grammatically correct and commonly used in spoken and written English, although it is more suited to informal contexts.

How to use "taking ages" in a sentence?

You might say, "The bus is late; it's taking ages to arrive" or "The project is taking ages to complete because of unforeseen complications."