taking the time to do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "taking the time to do" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when emphasizing the importance of dedicating time to complete a task or activity thoughtfully. Example: "I appreciate you taking the time to do this research; it really shows your commitment to the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

However, physicians have been resistant to taking the time to do the documentation.

The New Yorker

Hi, thanks very much for taking the time to do an IAMA.

The New York Times

QUESTION FROM JOE NY: Dexter, thank you for taking the time to do this.

The New Yorker

"They're actually taking the time to do comparative shopping," Mr. Shannon said.

The New York Times

And now, the man, the legend, Scott Adams: Cartoon Lounge: Scott, thanks for taking the time to do this interview.

The New Yorker

Question: JasonP 28 February 2012 3 35PM Hi Michael, thanks for taking the time to do this.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

He also took the time to do a thorough physical exam.

The New York Times

"I never took the time to do it, and other things came up," he said.

The New Yorker

"You don't have to take the time to do the tying," he said.

The New York Times - Style

But the teacher admitted to me that she couldn't take the time to do that.

The New York Times

I just reread it and hope you'll take the time to do the same.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "taking the time to do", ensure it's followed by a verb that benefits from careful attention, such as "taking the time to do research" or "taking the time to do it right".

Common error

While "taking the time to do" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in very casual conversations. Simpler phrases like "making an effort" might sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking the time to do" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered grammatically sound. It highlights the action of allocating sufficient time to perform a task thoroughly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

22%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "taking the time to do" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase that emphasizes the significance of dedicating sufficient time and attention to a task. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's best used to highlight the value of thoroughness and careful execution. Alternatives like ""dedicating time to"" or "making an effort to" can be used for slight variations in meaning. Remember to use it judiciously in very informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dedicating time to do

Focuses on the allocation of time for a specific purpose.

making an effort to do

Highlights the exertion of effort to accomplish something.

investing the time to do

Emphasizes the value and potential return of spending time on an activity.

spending the time to do

Simply denotes the act of using time for a particular action.

finding the time to do

Highlights the challenge of locating available time.

setting aside time to do

Implies a deliberate scheduling of time for an activity.

creating the opportunity to do

Focuses on generating the right circumstances or conditions.

making space to do

Highlights creating availability or room in a schedule or plan.

prioritizing time to do

Focuses on giving something precedence in one's schedule.

carving out time to do

Emphasizes the difficulty and determination in finding time for something.

FAQs

How can I use "taking the time to do" in a sentence?

You can use "taking the time to do" to emphasize the importance of dedicating time to a task, such as "I appreciate you "dedicating time to" this research; it shows your commitment".

What's a good alternative to "taking the time to do"?

Alternatives include "making the effort to", ""dedicating time to"", or "investing the time to", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "take the time to do" or "taking the time to do"?

"Take the time to do" is an imperative or an infinitive, used for giving commands or expressing general intentions. "Taking the time to do" is a gerund phrase, often used as a subject or part of a larger sentence to describe the action itself.

When is it appropriate to use "taking the time to do" in formal writing?

It's appropriate when emphasizing the value of careful and thorough execution. For instance, "Dedicating time to data analysis is crucial for accurate reporting", which is more emphatic than "analyzing data carefully".