25 Other Ways to Say “Take Your Time”

Encouraging someone to proceed at a comfortable pace can create a more relaxed atmosphere and decrease pressure. “Take your time” is a familiar phrase that does just that, but there are many other ways to express patience and understanding about the time someone may need. Here’s a list of 25 alternatives.

Promoting a Relaxed Pace

No need to rush…

• Example: “No need to rush, make sure you understand the instructions completely.”
• Explanation: This phrase gently reminds someone that speed is not a priority over accuracy or comprehension.

There’s no hurry…

• Example: “There’s no hurry to make a decision; weigh all your options first.”
• Explanation: Signals that the time pressure is minimal and decision-making can be deliberate.

Feel free to take all the time you need…

• Example: “Feel free to take all the time you need to feel comfortable with the new software.”
• Explanation: An open-ended invitation to use as much time as necessary without worry.

Emphasizing Patience

We’re not on the clock…

• Example: “We’re not on the clock; perfecting your craft takes practice.”
• Explanation: Suggests that there is no need to be concerned about time constraints in the current situation.

I’ll be here when you’re ready…

• Example: “Don’t stress about the presentation; I’ll be here when you’re ready to rehearse.”
• Explanation: Offers support and indicates that the speaker will be available whenever the other person is prepared.

Go at your own pace…

• Example: “It’s important to go at your own pace when learning something new.”
• Explanation: Encourages moving forward in a way that is personally comfortable.

Encouraging Carefulness

Do it at a pace that suits you…

• Example: “Complete the art project at a pace that suits you; creativity cannot be rushed.”
• Explanation: Highlights the benefit of working at an individualized speed, particularly in creative endeavors.

Take the time you require…

• Example: “Take the time you require to research thoroughly before you submit your report.”
• Explanation: Stresses the importance of thorough work, implying that additional time spent is justifiable.

There’s plenty of time…

• Example: “There’s plenty of time before the deadline, so ensure your analysis is comprehensive.”
• Explanation: Directly informs someone that the time available is sufficient and encourages detailed work.

Offering Flexibility

At your convenience…

• Example: “Respond to the email at your convenience – there’s no immediate deadline.”
• Explanation: Communicates that the task can be done according to the person’s own schedule and availability.

Whenever you feel comfortable…

• Example: “Start the meeting whenever you feel comfortable; the team is ready.”
• Explanation: Implies that the other party’s comfort is the triggering condition for action.

Use the time you need…

• Example: “Use the time you need to recover from your illness; health comes first.”
• Explanation: Emphasizes the importance of personal health and wellbeing over adhering to a strict timeline.

Suggesting Deliberation

Let’s not rush things…

• Example: “This project is significant; let’s not rush things and plan carefully.”
• Explanation: Urges a thoughtful and systematic approach rather than hasty actions.

Pace yourself…

• Example: “It’s a long day ahead; pace yourself to avoid burnout.”
• Explanation: Encourages managing one’s effort over time to maintain stamina.

You have all the time in the world…

• Example: “You’re early in your career; you have all the time in the world to choose the right path.”
• Explanation: A reassuring phrase often used to indicate there is an abundance of time available for making life decisions.

Extending Permission

Don’t feel pressured by time…

• Example: “When learning to drive, don’t feel pressured by time. Safety is most important.”
• Explanation: Prioritizes safety and learning quality over speed.

It’s alright to take a moment…

• Example: “It’s alright to take a moment and collect your thoughts before answering.”
• Explanation: Supports taking a brief pause for mental preparation before responding.

Allow yourself the time…

• Example: “Allow yourself the time to grieve; everyone heals at their own speed.”
• Explanation: Recognizes the individual nature of emotional processes and the time they require.

Communicating Lack of Pressure

There’s no time like the present, but no rush…

• Example: “There’s no time like the present to start your book, but no rush – let the ideas brew.”
• Explanation: Combines an encouragement to seize the opportunity with reassurance that haste isn’t necessary.

Take as long as you’d like…

• Example: “Take as long as you’d like to browse the gallery; art is best enjoyed at leisure.”
• Explanation: Offers indefinite time to engage in an activity without haste.

Take the time to make sure it’s right…

• Example: “Take the time to make sure it’s right; we value quality over speed here.”
• Explanation: Admirably, the goal is quality, not quickness in task completion.

Using these phrases ensures that you are providing others with a comfortable timeline and highlights your understanding that some tasks or decisions should not be hurried. They offer reassurance, patience, and the notion that taking the necessary time is not only allowable but encouraged.