“It takes + time + to + verb” is a very useful sentence pattern in English. We use it to talk about how much time is needed to do something. You can use it in daily conversations like travel, work, study, or home life. For example, you can say, “It takes 10 minutes to cook rice” or “It takes 2 hours to reach the office.” This structure helps you sound natural and clear while speaking English. It is simple and very common in real-life situations. Once you learn it, you can easily describe time in your everyday conversations.
◎ Important Points
- Always start with “It takes”
- Use a time expression (minutes, hours, days, etc.)
- Add “to” before the action (verb)
- Use base form of the verb (eat, go, finish, learn)
- Do not use “-ing” form after “to”
- You can change time based on the situation
- It is used for general facts or routines
➤Key Concept
✅ Sentence Structure: It takes + time + to + verb
Example: It takes 30 minutes to finish this work.
This structure shows how much time is needed to complete an action. It is easy and commonly used in spoken English.
Tip: Practice with your daily routine to improve fluency.
➤ Common Mistakes To Avoid
| Common Mistake | Wrong Example | Correct Example |
|---|---|---|
| Missing “to” | It takes 1 hour finish work | It takes 1 hour to finish work |
| Using verb + ing | It takes 20 minutes to cooking | It takes 20 minutes to cook |
| Wrong word order | Takes it 2 hours to travel | It takes 2 hours to travel |
| Using subject instead of “It” | I takes 1 hour to reach | It takes 1 hour to reach |
| Missing time | It takes to complete task | It takes 2 hours to complete task |
➤ Examples
- It takes 15 minutes to get ready in the morning.
- It takes 2 hours to travel to Delhi.
- It takes 10 minutes to cook noodles.
- It takes a long time to learn English.
- It takes 5 minutes to charge my phone.
- It takes 3 days to finish this project.
- It takes 1 hour to clean the house.
- It takes 20 minutes to reach my school.
- It takes effort to become successful.
- It takes patience to learn new skills.
➤ Practice Examples
A. Fill in the blanks
- It takes 30 minutes ___ finish this work.
- It takes 2 hours ___ reach the station.
- It takes 10 minutes ___ make tea.
- It takes 1 day ___ complete the task.
- It takes 5 minutes ___ start the machine.
B. Change incorrect sentence to correct one
- It takes 1 hour finish homework
- It takes 20 minutes to cooking food
- Takes it 2 hours to reach office
- I takes 10 minutes to get ready
- It takes to complete the project
C. Speak this sentence aloud
- It takes 15 minutes to walk to the market.
- It takes 2 hours to watch this movie.
- It takes 5 minutes to boil water.
- It takes 1 hour to study this chapter.
- It takes time to improve your English.
