taking time out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "taking time out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of pausing or stepping away from an activity or responsibility to rest or reflect. Example: "After a long week of work, I decided to take time out to relax and recharge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Huffington Post

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But this was Özil taking time out after his match-turning performance against Olympiacos.

Independent

Gail: He's good at taking time out to be with his daughters.

The New York Times

"It just reminded me of the importance of taking time out," Ms. Nova said.

The New York Times

Production company talkback Thames said she was taking time out on the advice of a doctor.

Independent

The others, men and women taking time out from their day, ranged from twenty- to seventysomethings.

The New York Times

However, she is an advocate for couples taking time out together.

The Guardian

On bass is veteran Pino Palladino, taking time out from touring with the Who.

The Guardian - Music

In which case, thanks for taking time out from the apocalypse to read these messages.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I can well imagine him taking time out for a coffee and a sandwich on that route," Professor Jenkins said.

The New York Times

Instead of going about our daily routines, we're actually taking time out to get that perfect Instagram gym selfie.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Also taking time out is the extraordinary Esther Vergeer, the most internationally known wheelchair player.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "taking time out" when you want to emphasize the act of intentionally pausing from a routine or responsibility for rest, reflection, or personal pursuits.

Common error

Avoid using "taking time out" repeatedly in close proximity; vary your language with synonyms like "taking a break", "stepping back", or "taking a pause" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking time out" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. It describes the act of pausing or stepping away from activities, responsibilities, or routines. As Ludwig AI notes, it is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Huffington Post

10%

Less common in

The Guardian

8%

The New York Times

7%

Independent

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "taking time out" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression denoting the act of pausing from regular activities for rest, reflection, or personal pursuits. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun, and has a neutral register, making it appropriate for various contexts ranging from news articles to lifestyle blogs. While very common, it's advisable to diversify your language by employing synonyms such as "taking a break" or "stepping back" to avoid repetition. As evidenced by the examples provided, "taking time out" is a versatile phrase applicable to a wide range of scenarios, from individual relaxation to planned career breaks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taking a break

Focuses on a short, temporary pause.

taking a pause

Focuses on a brief interruption.

stepping back

Suggests creating distance from a situation or activity.

taking a breather

Emphasizes the need to relax and recover.

taking a rest

Emphasizes the need to recover from fatigue.

taking a hiatus

Implies a temporary cessation, with the expectation of resuming later.

taking a sabbatical

Refers to a longer, more formal leave of absence, usually from work or studies.

taking respite

Highlights the relief and rest gained from the pause.

taking leave

A formal term for taking time off, often for a specific reason.

taking vacation

Implies time off for leisure and enjoyment.

FAQs

How can I incorporate "taking time out" into a sentence?

You can use "taking time out" to describe setting aside time for relaxation, hobbies, or personal matters. For example, "Taking time out for myself each week helps me recharge."

What are some alternatives to "taking time out"?

Alternatives include "taking a break", "stepping back", or "taking a pause", which all convey the idea of temporarily stopping an activity. The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "take time out" or "taking time out"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but their usage differs. "Take time out" is an imperative or infinitive phrase (e.g., "You should take time out"), while "taking time out" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as a subject or object (e.g., "Taking time out is important").

What's the difference between "taking time out" and "taking time off"?

"Taking time out" generally implies a temporary pause for relaxation or personal activities, whereas "taking time off" usually suggests a more extended absence from work or other responsibilities. Consider the context to determine the most appropriate phrase.