took their time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "took their time" is correct and very commonly used in written English.
You can use it when referring to when someone did something slowly, leisurely, or with care and attention. Example: The students took their time when answering the questions, making sure that their answers were correct.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The men took their time.

The New York Times

Inexperienced males, by contrast, took their time.

The New York Times - Science

They took their time.

The New York Times - Arts

Because they took their time?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They took their time at set piece.

The Guardian - Sport

But they took their time getting there.

The New York Times - Arts

Officials then took their time assessing their claims.

The Economist

But the gorillas took their time to appear.

The New York Times - Travel

England finally settled down and took their time.

The Guardian - Sport

Although novice golfers did better when they took their time, expert golfers did worse.

The New York Times

The vandals took their time, filling in some of their graffiti with different colors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. Using "took their time" can sometimes imply that someone was slow or inefficient, so make sure the context makes it clear that their slowness was intentional and beneficial.

Common error

Be careful not to use "took their time" when the situation suggests simple procrastination or laziness. The phrase implies a deliberate pace, not avoidance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took their time" functions as a verb phrase, typically part of a larger clause. It describes the manner in which an action was performed, emphasizing deliberation and lack of haste. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and very commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

25%

Arts

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "took their time" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that someone acted deliberately and carefully, without rushing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and common phrase. While versatile, it's important to consider context to ensure it doesn't imply procrastination. It's prevalent in news, sports, and arts contexts. Consider alternatives like "proceeded deliberately" for nuanced expression. Avoid confusing it with procrastination by emphasizing intention, and ensure the context makes it clear that the slowness was intentional and beneficial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proceeded deliberately

Emphasizes a conscious decision to act slowly and carefully.

acted without haste

Focuses on the absence of rushing, implying a calm and measured approach.

moved at a leisurely pace

Highlights the relaxed and unhurried nature of the action.

didn't rush things

A more informal way of saying someone avoided rushing.

approached with caution

Suggests a careful and wary approach, prioritizing safety and accuracy.

gave it sufficient attention

Implies dedication and care to task execution.

took it easy

Focuses on the relaxed and unhurried manner of doing something.

dawdled over it

Suggests a slow and possibly unproductive use of time.

lingered over the task

Emphasizes the prolonged engagement with a specific task.

measured their steps

Highlights the calculated and precise manner in which they acted.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone "takes their time"?

When someone "takes their time", it means they are doing something slowly and deliberately, without rushing. This can be a good thing, suggesting care and attention to detail.

How can I use "took their time" in a sentence?

You can use "took their time" to describe someone who is not rushing, for example: "The artist "took their time" to complete the painting, ensuring every detail was perfect."

What are some alternatives to "took their time"?

Some alternatives to "took their time" include "proceeded deliberately", "acted without haste", or "moved at a leisurely pace". These phrases all convey the idea of doing something slowly and carefully.

Is it better to "take your time" or rush?

Whether it's better to "take your time" or rush depends on the situation. Taking your time is usually better when accuracy and attention to detail are important, while rushing might be necessary when speed is crucial. Remember: "haste makes waste".