this may take a while vs this can take a while

Both phrases are correct and commonly used in English. They convey a similar meaning, indicating that something might require some time. The choice between 'may' and 'can' depends on the context and the level of certainty the speaker wants to convey.

Last updated: March 29, 2024

this may take a while

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that something might require some time.

This phrase is used to express a possibility or likelihood that something will take a certain amount of time.

Examples:

This may take a while to complete.
May I ask you to wait a while?

Show examples from the web [+]

Importing PS file as PDF (this may take a while)...
Fonts (this may take a while)
Doing first sync. This may take a while.
Information: Updating search database. This may take a while...
This may take a while depending on the amount of data in your account.
Amarok is about to search for stale tracks. This may take a while, do you want to continue?
This may take a while.
This may take a while.
This may take a while.
This may take a while.
This may take a while.
Indexing files for fast searching. This process may take a while.
This may take a couple of days.
This may take a little time, girls.
This may take A little more time, tj.
This may take a bit longer.
The CIA and the Justice Department, they're certainly working to find this game designer and coming up blank, meaning this may take a minute.
This may take a general form, for example, through the law or through the publication of a list of the processing operations.
This may take a minute. HOUSE:
This may take five minutes, it may take an hour.

Alternatives:

this might take a while
this could take a while
this is likely to take a while
this is expected to take a while
this will probably take a while

this can take a while

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that something is capable of taking some time.

This phrase is used to express the ability or possibility for something to take a certain amount of time.

Examples:

This task can take a while to finish.
The process can take a while to complete.

Show examples from the web [+]

This can take place by modifying Regulation No 295/91.
This can take the form of technical/economic monitoring.
Although Polish companies are working hard to build brands abroad, this can take decades.
I hope that this can take effect in July 2010.
This can take place if gas is used in the production of energy itself.
This can take place at an appropriate time.
This can take you very mad.
We hope they will do so quickly but know from experience with other at times less complex association agreements how long this can take in practice.
The trialogue can take a simplified form.
This can take place in a whole variety of areas: whether there is a failure to transpose, or whether something takes place as a result of improper procedures.
Through these we can take a significant new step towards a joint action plan that is EU-coordinated yet can take into account local characteristics.
We naturally hope that this can take place without the drama seen last year when the whole agreement with Morocco collapsed, creating a difficult situation where all the work on the Budget was concerned.
As regards the off-label use of human medicines in animals, the Commission would like to point out that this can take place by exception, under the direct personal responsibility of a veterinarian and only in specifically defined situations.
On Tuesday you can take a look at the EP's take on package holidays, particularly travel insurance, while we will take a look at retail banking on Thursday.
If you want to take a step back on this, I can take the lead.
We would slowly take your mother off life support in a controlled environment and see if she can take a breath on her own.
I can take a cab, no problem.
You can take a break from saving the world.
I think I can take a little credit for that.
I can take a taxi from the checkpoint.

Alternatives:

this is able to take a while
this is capable of taking a while
this has the potential to take a while
this is possible to take a while
this is likely to take a while

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this may take a while vs this can take a while