that takes time

USAGE SUMMARY

"that takes time" is correct and is often used in written English.
It is typically used to imply that a certain process or task requires a significant amount of time and patience. For example, "Learning a new language takes time, so it's important to be patient and not get discouraged."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But that takes time.

The Economist

But achieving that takes time.

The New York Times

It's work that takes time".

The New York Times

But that takes time — generations".

The New York Times - Arts

All of that takes time.

The New York Times

But that takes time to see".

The New York Times

That takes time, stability and independence".

The New York Times

Just the feel of that takes time".

The New Yorker

That takes time and money.

The New York Times - Tech

And that's a process that takes time.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

That takes time and a lot of it.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that takes time", ensure the context clearly indicates what specifically requires time. For example, instead of just saying "The project takes time", specify "Completing the project to the required standards takes time".

Common error

Avoid using "that takes time" as a filler phrase without providing specific details. Always clarify the 'that' to maintain clarity and avoid vagueness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that takes time" functions as a concise statement indicating that a particular process, task, or activity requires a significant duration to complete. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is commonly used in written English. Examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

81%

Science

9%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that takes time" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express that a process or activity requires a certain amount of time to complete. Ludwig AI confirms its accuracy and common usage. The phrase is frequently found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, indicating its broad applicability. While its register is generally neutral, more formal contexts might benefit from using more specific alternatives. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context is clear and specific, avoiding overuse without providing details about what specifically requires time. Overall, "that takes time" is a versatile and valuable phrase for managing expectations and explaining the duration needed for various processes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that requires a while

Replaces "takes" with "requires" and "time" with "a while", softening the statement.

that demands patience

Focuses on the need for patience during the process, rather than explicitly stating time.

that is a lengthy process

Replaces "takes time" with a more descriptive phrase emphasizing the duration of the process.

that will not happen overnight

Emphasizes the gradual nature of the outcome, implying that it needs time to unfold.

that is a matter of time

Shifts the focus to the inevitability of the outcome given enough time.

that is a gradual process

Highlights the incremental nature of the change or development, implying time is needed.

that needs to mature

Suggests the need for a period of development, similar to aging wine or ripening fruit.

that has a long gestation period

Emphasizes the significant amount of time needed for something to develop fully.

that is not an instantaneous fix

Emphasizes that the solution requires a process and time investment.

that involves a protracted effort

Highlights the extended effort over time to achieve an outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "that takes time" in a sentence?

You can use "that takes time" to indicate that a process or task needs a certain duration to be completed, such as "Learning a new skill "that takes time" and dedication".

What are some alternatives to saying "that takes time"?

Alternatives include phrases like "that requires patience", "that is a lengthy process", or "that will not happen overnight" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "that takes time" in formal writing?

Yes, "that takes time" is appropriate for formal writing, though you might consider more sophisticated alternatives like "that demands patience" or "that is a gradual process" for added precision.

What's the difference between "that takes time" and "that took time"?

"That takes time" refers to a process that generally requires time, while "that took time" refers to a specific instance in the past where something required a duration to complete. For example, "Improving skills "that takes time"", versus "The project "that took time" to finish was finally delivered".