Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
time expensive
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"time expensive" is not correct and usable in written English.
You might be thinking of the phrase "time-consuming" which means taking a long time, or uses a lot of effort. For example, you could say: "Building this treehouse was a time-consuming project."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
News & Media
Academia
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
28 human-written examples
It is not possible to implement a manual data collection because it is error prone and very time expensive.
Complex computer codes are often too time expensive to be directly used to perform uncertainty propagation studies, global sensitivity analysis or to solve optimization problems.
However, the implementation of these techniques at POC application is limited due to longer analysis time, expensive instruments and expertise needed for operation.
While this can be easily performed on synchrotron beam lines, it becomes time expensive (and components consuming) on low-power laboratory plasma sources.
They talk about the way bulky gadgets get smaller over time, expensive ones become commodities — and how recording tape always gives way to digital storage.
News & Media
They can achieve these economies in large part because they do not carry the fixed costs of unstaffed time, expensive downtown real estate, recruiting, and training.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
32 human-written examples
When every scrap of recorded sound is owned by someone, and it may not be copied to another medium without the owner's permission, just tracking down the rights owners is a full-time expensive job.
News & Media
Their scheme was in the amortized model [13], in which the client invests a one-time expensive computation phase when storing a large matrix with the server, which was used to make the verification of matrix multiplication fast.
Science
For some, an exhausting, frustrating, and often times expensive experience.
News & Media
Los Angeles Times Expensive fires: It's getting more expensive to fight wildfires like the Rocky Fire in Northern California.
News & Media
The complex flow field which they produce has previously been the subject of time-expensive numerical modelling.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use the term "time-consuming" instead of "time expensive" for better clarity and grammatical correctness. For instance, instead of saying "The process is time expensive", say "The process is time-consuming."
Common error
Avoid using the phrase "time expensive" in formal writing. Although it may be understood, it's not grammatically correct. Replace it with "time-consuming" or other appropriate alternatives like "time-intensive".
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "time expensive" functions as a compound adjective intended to describe something that requires a significant amount of time, implying that time is a valuable resource being 'spent'. However, as Ludwig AI highlights, this construction is not grammatically correct.
Frequent in
Science
33%
News & Media
33%
Academia
19%
Less common in
Formal & Business
8%
Wiki
4%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "time expensive" is used to describe something that takes a lot of time, but as Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically incorrect. Instead, "time-consuming" is the preferred and correct term. While "time expensive" appears across various sources, it's important to use "time consuming" or other suitable alternatives like ""time intensive"" in formal writing. Using grammatically sound phrases enhances clarity and credibility. Although "time expensive" is relatively common, sticking to established language conventions is advisable.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
time-consuming
This is the more commonly accepted and grammatically correct way to express that something takes a lot of time.
time intensive
Emphasizes the concentration of time needed.
time-draining
Highlights that something depletes your available time.
lengthy process
Focuses on the duration of the activity.
protracted duration
Highlights the extended nature of the time involved.
laborious
Stresses the effort and time involved.
demanding timeline
Focuses on the rigorous schedule required.
tedious
Implies the activity is boring and takes a long time.
long-winded
Indicates the task takes much longer than expected.
all-day affair
Suggests the task takes the majority of the day to finish.
FAQs
What is the correct way to say something takes a lot of time and is costly?
The correct phrase is "time-consuming". While "time expensive" might seem logical, it's not standard English. "Time-consuming" accurately conveys that an activity requires a significant investment of time. Other options include "time intensive" or "lengthy process".
Is "time expensive" grammatically correct?
No, "time expensive" is not grammatically correct in standard English. The commonly accepted and correct term is "time-consuming". Using "time expensive" may confuse readers or be perceived as a mistake.
What are some alternatives to saying something is "time expensive"?
Instead of "time expensive", use "time consuming", ""time intensive"", or ""lengthy process"". The best choice depends on the specific context and what aspect of the time investment you want to emphasize.
When is it appropriate to use the phrase "time expensive"?
It is generally not appropriate to use the phrase "time expensive" in formal or academic writing. While it might be understood in informal conversation, it's best to stick to the grammatically correct and widely accepted alternative, "time consuming".
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested