taking the time to talk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "taking the time to talk" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing appreciation for someone making an effort to engage in conversation or discussion. Example: "I really appreciate you taking the time to talk with me about the project; your insights are invaluable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thank you for taking the time to talk with us.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Dan, thanks for taking the time to talk to us.

Harvard Business Review

I thanked Rami for taking the time to talk to me and hung up.

The New York Times

Intro: Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with us!

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

CC: Well, thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me today.

Princeton University

Jill Cowan: Hi Jesse, thanks for taking the time to talk.

The New York Times

The lesson, he said, lay in taking the time to talk and listen.

The New York Times

Thanks for taking the time to talk to us Greg Pleasure, Small Talk.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Gerber had a reputation for friendliness, and for taking the time to talk to employees at every job level.

The New York Times

Drop a sandwich, because then he has a decision to make! Thanks for taking the time to talk, Anton.

The Guardian - Sport

It doesn't take much: just taking the time to talk with kids is important (often what kids need most is a good listener).

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates the benefit or positive outcome of engaging in conversation. This helps reinforce the importance of dedicating time to communication.

Common error

While "taking the time to talk" is a valid expression, avoid using it excessively in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Vary your language by using alternatives like "making an effort to converse" or "spending time in conversation."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking the time to talk" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It often serves as the subject or object of a sentence, emphasizing the action of dedicating time to conversation. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples where this phrase introduces the benefit of communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

21%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Wiki

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "taking the time to talk" is a grammatically correct and frequently used gerund phrase that emphasizes the importance of dedicating effort to communication. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. While versatile, it’s important to avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "making an effort to converse" or "dedicating time to speak" for variety. Remember that effective communication often involves "taking the time to talk", but also listening and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

making an effort to converse

Focuses on the effort involved in having a conversation.

dedicating time to speak

Highlights the commitment of time to speaking.

spending time in conversation

Emphasizes the duration spent talking.

making space for dialogue

Suggests creating an opportunity for discussion.

investing time in communication

Implies that communication is a valuable use of time.

setting aside time to chat

Highlights scheduling time for a casual conversation.

giving attention to discussion

Focuses on providing full attention during a discussion.

allocating time for discourse

Suggests a more formal setting for a discussion.

pausing to have a conversation

Implies interrupting other activities to converse.

finding the opportunity to speak

Highlights the act of seeking a moment to communicate.

FAQs

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

You can use "taking the time to talk" to emphasize the importance of communication, as in: "Taking the time to talk to your colleagues can improve teamwork".

What are some alternatives to "taking the time to talk"?

Alternatives include "making an effort to converse", "dedicating time to speak", or "spending time in conversation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"Taking the time to talk" emphasizes the ongoing process or effort, while "take time to talk" is more of an imperative or suggestion. The best choice depends on the intended meaning and context.

What's the difference between "taking the time to talk" and "making time to talk"?

"Taking the time to talk" implies using existing time for conversation, while "making time to talk" suggests creating or finding time specifically for that purpose. The former highlights the act of using available time, while the latter focuses on prioritizing conversation.