took your time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "took your time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has spent a significant amount of time on a task or activity, often implying that they were not rushed. Example: "I see you took your time with the project, and the results are impressive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"You took your time," the homunculus leered at him.

The Guardian

You took your time because you wanted to get at the hard issues and have a hard-hitting, comprehensive policy.

The New York Times

'Took your time in there, Captain.' I apologize, and decide that the PanOpticon assault hour is nigh.

The Guardian - Books

If you took your time, they'd make that investment elsewhere, and you'd have a hard time wooing them away.

Harvard Business Review

His voice offers a moment of cool composure on an album that often feels restless, littered with jazz rhythms, clanging guitars and King Krule snarling like a dog dismembering a stuffed toy on You Took Your Time ("Well look what I've become/ See these hands, these actions are done").

The Guardian - Music

"It's crazy because people are like, 'You really took your time with the record' and I'm like, 'When the hell else would I have made this thing?' I wrote and recorded this record in four months.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

You take your time".

The New Yorker

Also, take your time.

The New York Times

And take your time.

Independent

"Take your time, Philip.

The New Yorker

"Take your time, Lisette.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "took your time" when you want to gently point out that someone was slow, without necessarily being critical. It can be used in neutral or slightly teasing contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "took your time" in situations where punctuality is critical or the delay has caused a serious problem. The phrase can sound sarcastic or dismissive if not used carefully.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took your time" primarily functions as an idiomatic expression used to comment on the duration of someone's actions. As evidenced by Ludwig, it often carries a nuance of mild reproach or playful teasing, depending on context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "took your time" is a grammatically correct idiomatic expression, as confirmed by Ludwig, used to comment on someone's slowness in completing a task. While generally acceptable, its tone can range from teasing to slightly critical, making context crucial. It is most commonly found in news and media and informal writing. When writing, be mindful of the potential for misinterpretation, especially in formal settings. Alternative phrases, such as "You were slow" or "You didn't rush", can provide a more neutral or specific meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

You didn't rush

Highlights the absence of haste, suggesting a relaxed approach.

You delayed

This is a general term for postponing or putting off something until later.

You were slow

This alternative directly addresses the slowness of the action without the idiomatic nuance.

You proceeded deliberately

Indicates a conscious and careful approach, suggesting a reason for the slower pace.

You lingered

This implies a pleasant or deliberate delay, suggesting the person enjoyed the activity.

You were not quick

This focuses on the lack of speed in completing the action.

You tarried

This suggests a leisurely or reluctant delay, often in a formal context.

You dawdled

This suggests a slow and aimless way of doing something

You procrastinated

This implies a negative delay due to avoidance, often carrying a connotation of laziness.

You were late

Focuses only on the fact of being late, without implying how you spent your time.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "You took your time"?

It usually means they noticed you were slow to do something. The tone can range from playful teasing to mild annoyance, depending on the context.

Is it rude to say "You took your time"?

It depends on the relationship and situation. With friends, it might be a lighthearted jab. In a formal setting, it could be seen as unprofessional. Consider alternatives like "Thank you for completing the task" if you want to avoid potential offense.

What can I say instead of "You took your time" if I'm annoyed?

If you need to address the delay directly, try a more neutral statement like, "I was expecting this sooner" or "Is there a reason for the delay?"

How does "You "took your time"" compare to "You spent your time"?

"You spent your time" is more neutral, simply stating how someone allocated their time. "You "took your time"" implies that the duration was longer than expected or desired.