taking time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "taking time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of spending time on something or allowing time for a particular activity or process. Example: "I believe in taking time to reflect on my decisions before making a final choice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But it is taking time".

Independent

He's taking time off.

The New York Times - Food

He was relaxed about taking time off.

The New Yorker

Thank you for taking time today.

The New Yorker

She is, however, taking time out.

Independent

"Taking time and enjoying what you're doing.

The New York Times

Getting the right position is taking time.

The New York Times

Nothing wrong with him taking time off.

The Guardian - Sport

Taking time off is not a luxury.

The Guardian

He does mind taking time to recover".

The New York Times

That is why it is taking time".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the importance of reflection or careful consideration, use "taking time" to highlight the value of not rushing. For example: "Taking time to plan can save significant resources later."

Common error

Avoid using "taking time" as a filler phrase. Ensure it adds meaningful emphasis to the sentence. For instance, instead of simply stating "the project is taking time", specify what actions or factors are influencing the duration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking time" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, often acting as a gerund phrase when used as a noun, such as in the example "Taking time off is not a luxury". As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "taking time" is a common and grammatically correct verbal phrase used to emphasize the act of allocating or spending time on something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s widely accepted and used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While "spending time" serves as a general alternative, "taking time" often highlights a deliberate choice or effort. When writing, ensure the phrase adds meaningful emphasis and avoid overuse without specific context. Alternatives like "dedicating time" or "making time" may offer more precise nuances depending on the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spending time

A general term for using time, without specific emphasis.

making time

Highlights the effort required to create time in a busy schedule.

setting aside time

Suggests reserving a specific period for a particular activity.

devoting time

Similar to dedicating, but with a stronger sense of commitment.

dedicating time

Focuses on the act of committing time to a specific purpose.

allowing time

Focuses on permitting or enabling time for something.

finding time

Implies discovering available moments in a busy schedule.

allocating time

Emphasizes the management and distribution of time.

investing time

Highlights the value and potential return of spending time on something.

giving time

Emphasizes the act of offering time to someone or something.

FAQs

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

You can use "taking time" to emphasize the importance of dedicating or allocating time for a specific purpose. For example, "Taking time to learn a new skill is always beneficial."

What is a good alternative to "taking time"?

Alternatives to "taking time" include "dedicating time", "allocating time", or "making time", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "spending time" or "taking time"?

"Spending time" is a more general term, while "taking time" often implies a deliberate choice or effort to allocate time for a specific purpose. The best choice depends on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "taking time off"?

"Taking time off" refers to taking a break or vacation from work or other responsibilities. For example, "I am taking time off to travel and recharge".