taking their time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'taking their time' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who is working or doing something at a slow pace. For example, "The construction workers are taking their time fixing the road."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Taking their time," he said.

The New Yorker

He added: "Everybody is taking their time.

The New York Times

They keep sort of taking their time.

Yale University

The Swiss are taking their time, too.

The Guardian

Her parents are taking their time.

The New York Times

They are taking their time aren't they?

The Guardian - Sport

Institutions, meanwhile, are taking their time setting strategy.

The New York Times

They're just taking their time counting the ballots.

The Economist

The riders were taking their time getting to Paris.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

They take their time.

The New York Times

The men took their time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "taking their time" when you want to emphasize a deliberate or unhurried approach, especially when patience or careful consideration is involved.

Common error

Avoid using "taking their time" when the situation demands urgency or efficiency. In contexts where prompt action is needed, this phrase can imply a lack of seriousness or commitment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking their time" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the manner in which an action is performed. Ludwig shows its usage in describing a deliberate or unhurried pace. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase generally denotes that someone is progressing slowly and intentionally.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Sports

8%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "taking their time" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a deliberate or unhurried approach to something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely used across various contexts, primarily in news and media, to convey patience, caution, or sometimes even a hint of delay. While versatile, it's important to consider the context to avoid implying a lack of urgency when prompt action is required. Consider alternatives such as "proceeding deliberately" or "not rushing things" for more precise connotations. Ludwig’s examples showcase the phrase’s adaptability and frequent use in reputable sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not rushing things

Implies a conscious effort to avoid being hasty or impulsive.

not hurrying

Indicates a lack of pressure or incentive to speed up.

proceeding deliberately

Emphasizes the intentional and careful manner in which someone is moving forward.

doing things at their own speed

Emphasizes the personal preference or autonomy in determining the pace of action.

acting without haste

Highlights the absence of rushing or urgency in their actions.

advancing cautiously

Implies a measured and careful progression, often due to potential risks or uncertainties.

moving at a leisurely pace

Focuses on the relaxed and unhurried nature of their movement or progress.

going slowly

A simple and direct way to describe a lack of speed or urgency.

deliberating at length

Suggests a thorough and careful consideration before making a decision.

giving it due consideration

Highlights the thoughtfulness and attention being given to a particular matter.

FAQs

How can I use "taking their time" in a sentence?

You can use "taking their time" to describe someone or something progressing at a slow or deliberate pace. For example, "The investigators are "taking their time" to ensure they gather all the necessary evidence."

What does "taking their time" imply?

"Taking their time" suggests that someone is not rushing and may be being careful or thorough. It can also imply that someone is delaying or procrastinating.

Which is a better alternative to "taking their time": "delaying" or "being thorough"?

The better alternative depends on the specific context. "Delaying" implies a negative connotation of postponing something, while "being thorough" suggests a careful and detailed approach.

Is "taking their time" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "taking their time" is generally appropriate for formal writing, but consider whether a more precise or nuanced phrase might be more suitable depending on the specific context and desired tone. Alternatives include "proceeding deliberately" or "advancing cautiously".