that may take

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that may take" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a possibility or likelihood regarding the duration or effort required for a task or process. Example: "The project is complex, and that may take longer than we initially anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That's a designation that may take some getting used to.

The New York Times - Sports

As for championship rings, that may take a while.

The New York Times - Sports

But ironically it is Sun's competitors that may take advantage.

The Economist

Attending AI seminars that may take place over the course of the semester.

Cornell University

But there are always unintended consequences of military activity some that may take years to unravel.

The New Yorker

But moments of contact do occur, the beginnings of change that may take years to ripen.

The New York Times

But Coast Guard officials acknowledge that it has large gaps that may take years to fill.

The New York Times

Chronic describes a relatively slow-growing cancer that may take years to progress.

The New York Times - Sports

Explore plans that may take you in different directions," he said.

Duke University

It's got ongoing sales and distribution problems that may take several more quarters to work out.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Implementation of computerized order entry is a resource- and time-intensive process that may take years.

Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that may take" to realistically set expectations about project timelines or resource allocation. This helps avoid misunderstandings and keeps stakeholders informed.

Common error

Avoid using "that may take" to downplay potential challenges. Always provide a balanced assessment, even if it means acknowledging a longer or more complex process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that may take" functions as a modal phrase expressing possibility or likelihood concerning the time, effort, or resources needed for something. Ludwig shows examples of its use in diverse sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that may take" is a versatile phrase used to express the potential duration, effort, or resources required for a task or process. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific domains. While the phrase is generally neutral, it serves to set realistic expectations and manage anticipated outcomes. When choosing alternatives, consider nuances in probability and implication to best fit the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that could require

Focuses on the potential need for something, shifting from duration to necessity.

that might involve

Highlights the elements or actions that could be included or affected.

that could entail

Similar to "that might involve" but suggests a more significant or complex consequence.

which may necessitate

Emphasizes the potential requirement or unavoidable need for something.

that might demand

Stresses the potential for needing specific resources or qualities.

it is likely to need

Changes the sentence structure, focusing on the likelihood of requiring something.

it could potentially consume

Highlights the consumption of resources like time or effort.

which stands to use

Focuses on the act of using resources or time in the process.

it is liable to consume

Similar to "it could potentially consume" but suggests a higher degree of probability.

that figures to use

Indicates an estimation of the resources that might be used.

FAQs

How can I use "that may take" in a sentence?

You can use "that may take" to indicate the potential duration or effort required for a task or process. For instance, "Implementing the new system is complex, and "that may take" several months".

What are some alternatives to "that may take"?

Alternatives include phrases like "that could require", "that might involve", or "which may necessitate", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "that may take time" or "that will take time"?

"That may take time" suggests a possibility, while "that will take time" indicates a certainty. The choice depends on whether the duration is definite or still uncertain.

What's the difference between "that may take" and "that could take"?

While similar, "that may take" implies a slightly higher probability than "that could take". "May" suggests a realistic possibility, whereas "could" indicates a more conditional or uncertain possibility.