It takes + Infinitive
"It takes . . . "
Expressing how much is needed
The expression "it takes" is used to make estimations about "how much" is needed.
"It takes"
- indicates "in general" (for anyone doing a particular activity)
- is an estimated amount (approximation)
- is followed by an infinitive
| "IT TAKES" | "IT TAKES" + INDIRECT OBJECT |
|---|---|
In general - anyone "one needs" |
Specific - a definite person and activity |
It takes 3 minutes to boil an egg. |
It takes Jill an hour to get ready in the morning. |
It takes a lot of newspaper to house-train a puppy. |
It takes Jill 30 minutes to walk to work. |
It takes 3 yards of material to make a dress. |
It takes me two days to drive to Colorado. |
Common Mistakes
| ERROR | FIX |
|---|---|
How many eggs does it take to make this cake? |
|
*It takes me six eggs to make this cake. |
It takes [me] six eggs to make this cake. (Indir. obj. is used with time.) |
*It taking six eggs to make this cake. |
It takes six eggs to make this cake. (Verb can't be progressive.) |
*It's take a good education to succeed. |
It takes a good education to succeed. (Incorrect subj.-verb agreement) |
Practice
How Much is Needed
- Select the word from each menu that best completes the sentence.
- Compare your response to the answer by clicking the "check" button to the right.