Introduction
The structure It takes for someone to do something is commonly used in English to express how much time or effort is required to complete an action.
However, note that the more natural and grammatically standard form is usually:
It takes [time] for [someone] to [do something].For example: It takes me 30 minutes to cook dinner.
Structure Breakdown
- It – dummy subject (the real subject is the infinitive phrase)
- takes – verb (always singular because "it" is singular)
- [time] – duration (e.g., two hours, a long time, forever)
- for [someone] – the person performing the action
- to [verb...] – the infinitive phrase describing the action
Examples
- It takes her an hour to get to work.
- It took them three days to finish the project.
- It will take you a while to understand this grammar point.
- It always takes my brother forever to choose an outfit.
Common Mistakes
❌ It takes for me to drive to school 20 minutes. ✅ It takes me 20 minutes to drive to school.
The word for introduces the person, but the time expression comes right after takes.
Tips for Learners
- Always place the time expression directly after "takes".
- Use "for + person" only when specifying who performs the action.
- In informal speech, people sometimes omit "for", but this is less common and often incorrect in standard usage.