taking your time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "taking your time" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to mean that someone is doing something slowly or carefully. For example, "I'm taking my time to finish my project so that I can do a good job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Talk about taking your time.

The New York Times

"It was just rushing, not taking your time," Anderson said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's just about working hard, taking your time, and being patient in what you do".

The New York Times

Your mileage may vary, but I suggest taking your time and enjoying the meta puzzle.

The New York Times

And real life in Turkey, as I was to find out, means taking your time.

Independent

There are no waiters glowering at you for taking your time.

The New York Times - Food

The problem with taking your time is that time runs out.

The New Yorker

Limit the risks by taking your time when choosing your builder.

The Guardian - Money

"It's associated with all the good things" patients want, Ms. Badillo said, "intimate moments, taking your time, being stress-free".

The New York Times

Cairney recommends taking your time to ensure that any work you showcase is the best it can be.

The Guardian

"The pleasure of caravanning is taking your time," he said in an interview with The Daily Mail in 1999.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving advice, use "taking your time" to encourage careful consideration, like "When choosing a financial advisor, consider taking your time to research their credentials carefully."

Common error

Avoid using "taking your time" as an excuse for delaying necessary actions. "Taking your time" implies thoughtful progress, not complete inaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking your time" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. It describes the act of proceeding deliberately and without haste. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

24%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "taking your time" is a grammatically correct and very common gerund phrase used to advocate for a deliberate and unhurried approach. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and applicable across various contexts, especially in News & Media. While encouraging thoughtfulness, it's important to distinguish it from procrastination. Remember to "go at your own pace" but avoid unnecessary delays.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

don't rush

A direct instruction to avoid haste.

go at your own pace

Highlights individual speed and comfort level.

be patient

Highlights the virtue of enduring delay without complaint.

proceed deliberately

Emphasizes a calculated and intentional approach.

act without haste

Implies thoughtful action free from pressure.

savor the moment

Focuses on appreciating the present experience.

work methodically

Focuses on a systematic and orderly approach.

linger over

Suggests a prolonged and enjoyable experience.

handle with care

Implies cautious and gentle management.

hold your horses

An idiomatic expression to pause or wait.

FAQs

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

You can use "taking your time" to emphasize the importance of not rushing, such as, "When learning a new skill, "taking your time" ensures better understanding and retention."

What's a similar phrase to "taking your time"?

Similar phrases include "go at your own pace", which emphasizes individual comfort, and "don't rush", a direct instruction to avoid haste.

Is it always good to "take your time"?

While "taking your time" is often beneficial for quality and thoroughness, there are situations where speed and efficiency are more important. Consider the context to determine the best approach.

What's the difference between "taking your time" and procrastinating?

"Taking your time" implies deliberate progress and thoughtful action, while procrastination involves unnecessary delay and avoidance of tasks. The key difference is intentionality and movement toward a goal.