Finding the right words to describe something as time-consuming can be tricky. Whether you’re writing a formal letter, conveying your thoughts in a casual conversation, or sharing your experiences with friends, it’s essential to use appropriate language. In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to express the concept of “time-consuming” using both formal and informal language. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “Time Consuming”
When it comes to formal communication, using sophisticated vocabulary and maintaining a professional tone is crucial. Here are some refined phrases and expressions to help you convey the idea of something being time-consuming:
- Extremely time-consuming: This phrase denotes that an activity or task requires a significant amount of time to complete. For example, “The research project was extremely time-consuming due to the extensive data collection and analysis phases.”
- Immensely time-consuming: Use this phrase to emphasize the immense amount of time needed for a particular task. For instance, “The legal process of acquiring licenses for our international subsidiaries proved to be immensely time-consuming.”
- Exceedingly time-consuming: This expression conveys that a task goes beyond what is expected in terms of time investment. For example, “Writing that report was exceedingly time-consuming as it required thorough research, intricate analysis, and careful editing.”
- Highly laborious: Although not an exact synonym, this phrase suggests that a task is both demanding and time-consuming. For instance, “The professor’s request for an extensive literature review made the assignment highly laborious.”
- Significantly time-intensive: This phrase implies that a task demands a substantial amount of time to complete. For example, “The software development process can be significantly time-intensive, requiring countless hours of coding and extensive testing.”
Informal Ways to Say “Time Consuming”
In informal conversations or casual writing, you can use more colloquial phrases to express that something is time-consuming. Here are some popular idiomatic expressions and informal ways to convey this concept:
- Eats up a lot of time: This phrase describes an activity or task that consumes a significant portion of time. For example, “Creating intricate origami designs eats up a lot of time, but it’s a rewarding hobby.”
- Takes forever: This idiomatic expression suggests that a process or activity is taking an unusually long time to complete. For instance, “Waiting in long queues at the amusement park can take forever, but the thrill of the rides is worth it!”
- Burns through time: This phrase indicates that a task is using up time rapidly. For example, “Playing video games can easily burn through time without you even realizing it.”
- A time sink: Use this informal term to convey that an activity or task consumes an excessive amount of time. For instance, “Scrolling through social media can be a huge time sink if you’re not careful.”
- Drains time like a sponge: This figurative expression suggests that something absorbs time quickly and thoroughly. For example, “Organizing the family reunion drained time like a sponge, but it was worth it to see everyone together.”
Regional Variations
Expressions related to time-consuming tasks vary across regions and cultures. While formal and informal phrases listed above are widely understood, some regions have their own unique ways to convey the concept. For example:
In Australian English, you may commonly hear people say “gobsmackingly time-consuming” to express something as highly time-intensive. This slangy phrase adds a touch of colloquialism to emphasize the extent of time required.
Remember that regional variations can add a flair of uniqueness, but it’s important to consider your audience and context to ensure effective communication.
Conclusion
Dedicating terminology to depict something as time-consuming plays a significant role in effective communication. Whether you’re composing a formal email, engaging in casual conversation, or sharing experiences, a suitable phrase can accurately convey your message. Focusing on formal phrases like “extremely time-consuming” or informal expressions like “eats up a lot of time” allows you to adapt your choice of language to different circumstances. Use this guide as a reference to express the notion of “time consuming” effectively and with precision.
