took a while

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "took a while" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something required a significant amount of time to complete or achieve. Example: "It took a while for the team to finalize the project, but the results were worth the wait."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

This took a while.

The New York Times

It still took a while.

Independent

It took a while, obviously.

The New York Times - Sports

That actually took a while.

The New York Times - Sports

It took a while.

University of California, Berkeley

It took a while, but it happened.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

It has taken a while.

The Economist

It had taken a while.

The New Yorker

"It would take a while".

The New Yorker

These things take a while".

Independent

So it takes a while.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "took a while", consider the context. Is it important to emphasize the duration, the difficulty, or something else? Choose synonyms that reflect that specific nuance.

Common error

While "took a while" is common, avoid using it repeatedly in the same piece of writing. Vary your language with alternatives like "required some time" or "was a lengthy process" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took a while" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that a certain action, event, or process required a noticeable amount of time. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "took a while" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express that something required a significant amount of time. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread applicability. While the phrase is appropriate in various contexts, it's beneficial to consider synonyms like "required some time" or "was a lengthy process" for nuanced communication or to avoid repetition. It's mostly used in News & Media and Academic sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was a time-consuming activity

Directly describes the activity as one that consumes a lot of time.

required some time

Emphasizes the necessity of time for a task, shifting focus from the action to the requirement.

was not a quick task

Directly states the task was not fast, focusing on the opposite of quickness.

was a lengthy process

Highlights the duration of the process itself, rather than just the passing of time.

lasted for some time

Focuses on the duration, without necessarily implying difficulty or effort.

demanded considerable time

Highlights the significant amount of time needed, framing it as a demand.

was a drawn-out affair

Implies the event was unnecessarily long, often with negative connotations.

progressed slowly

Indicates a lack of speed in the development or completion of something.

happened gradually

Focuses on the incremental nature of the process, rather than the overall time taken.

unfolded over time

Suggests a natural development over a period, implying a more passive process.

FAQs

How can I use "took a while" in a sentence?

You can use "took a while" to describe an action or process that required a significant amount of time to complete. For example, "It "took a while" to understand the instructions, but eventually, I figured it out."

What are some alternatives to "took a while"?

Alternatives to "took a while" include phrases like "required some time", "was a lengthy process", or "lasted for some time". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "took a while" or "required more time"?

Generally, "required more time" is considered more formal than "took a while". "Took a while" is perfectly acceptable in most everyday contexts, but "required more time" may be preferable in formal or professional writing.

What's the difference between "took a while" and "took some time"?

The phrases "took a while" and "took some time" are very similar in meaning and are often interchangeable. "Took some time" might sound slightly more formal, but the difference is minimal.