took no time

USAGE SUMMARY

"took no time" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate that something was done very quickly or without delay. Example: "She took no time to respond to the invitation." Alternative expressions include "took no time at all" and "was done in no time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It took no time, though.

The Economist

It took no time at all.

The Economist

In a sense, it took no time.

The New Yorker

"And the world took no time to react.

The Guardian

No bleeding, mercifully, and it took no time at all.

The New York Times

It took no time for Tom and me to see what he meant.

The New York Times - Travel

It took no time for the Socialists' capacity for dissension to become apparent.

The New York Times

It took no time at all, Shomari says, for things to fall into place.

The Washington Post

It took no time at all for word to leak out.

The New York Times

It took no time to see that her game had not changed much.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

And it takes no time at all.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

The phrase is versatile enough for both descriptive narratives and factual reporting.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "took no time" (meaning something happened quickly) with "took no time off" (meaning someone did not take a vacation or break). While they look similar, their meanings are entirely distinct in a professional context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took no time" functions as a verb phrase used to denote that the duration of an action or event was negligible. According to Ludwig examples, it often appears as an independent predicate or as part of a comparative clause to emphasize speed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Reference

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Legal

3%

Poetry

2%

Technical Manuals

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "took no time" is a robust and highly effective idiomatic expression used to signify that an action occurred with extreme speed or without delay. Ludwig AI data shows a strong prevalence of this phrase in top-tier media outlets, confirming its reliability and clear communicative value. While it is naturally informal due to its idiomatic structure, its widespread use in The Economist and The New York Times proves it is perfectly acceptable in professional and analytical writing. Writers should use it to add a sense of momentum to their prose or to underscore the ease of a particular task.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

took no time at all

Adds an emphatic quantifier for greater intensity

did not take long

Uses a more literal, negative construction

happened in no time

Focuses on the event occurring within a very short span

wasted no time

Implies an intentional sense of urgency or efficiency

lost no time

Highlights the immediate transition between one action and another

occurred rapidly

More formal and descriptive of the pace

was instantaneous

Suggests something happened without any measurable delay

took mere seconds

Provides a more specific, albeit figurative, time frame

happened in a flash

A more idiomatic and metaphorical way to express speed

took a heartbeat

Lyrical variation suggesting extreme brevity

FAQs

How do I use "took no time" in a sentence?

You can use it as a predicate to describe a quick event, such as: "The assembly of the furniture "took no time" at all."

What is a more formal way to say "took no time"?

In formal or academic contexts, you might prefer to use "occurred rapidly" or "was completed expeditiously".

Is it "took no time" or "takes no time"?

Both are correct depending on the tense. Use "took no time" for past events and "takes no time" for general truths or present situations.

Can I use "took no time" to describe a person's behavior?

Yes, it often describes a person's quick reaction, for example: "She "wasted no time" in accepting the offer."