informal common_idiom

What's taking so long

🇬🇧 UK //wɒts ˈteɪkɪŋ səʊ lɒŋ// 🇺🇸 US //wʌts ˈteɪkɪŋ soʊ lɔŋ//

Meaning of What's taking so long

A question asking why something is taking longer than expected.

In simple words: Why is it taking such a long time?

What's taking so long in a sentence

• I’ve been waiting for my order; what’s taking so long?
• When will the movie start? What’s taking so long?
• She asked her friend, 'What’s taking so long with your homework?'
• In a meeting, he exclaimed, 'What’s taking so long for the report to be completed?'
• While waiting for his ride, he wondered, 'What’s taking so long to get here?'

How to use What's taking so long

Used in casual conversation to express impatience or curiosity about a delay. Not suitable for formal contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone question

Memory hint

Imagine waiting for a pizza delivery and wondering why it’s late.

Related words

Collocations with What's taking so long

• waiting for
• arriving at
• finishing up
• getting started
• submitting the application

Synonyms for What's taking so long

• Why the delay?
• What’s the holdup?
• Why is it slow?
• What’s causing the wait?
• Why is it taking time?

Common mistakes with What's taking so long

• Confusing with 'What's taking too long' - 'so long' is more common.
• Using in a sarcastic tone can change the meaning.
• Using with formal subjects may sound out of place.

Frequently asked questions about What's taking so long

What does What's taking so long mean?

Why is it taking such a long time?

What is the definition of What's taking so long?

A question asking why something is taking longer than expected.

How do you use What's taking so long in a sentence?

I’ve been waiting for my order; what’s taking so long?

Can you give another example of What's taking so long?

When will the movie start? What’s taking so long?

What are synonyms for What's taking so long?

Common alternatives include Why the delay?, What’s the holdup?, Why is it slow?, What’s causing the wait?, Why is it taking time?.

What words go with What's taking so long?

It commonly pairs with waiting for, arriving at, finishing up, getting started, submitting the application.

What are common mistakes when using What's taking so long?

Confusing with 'What's taking too long' - 'so long' is more common. Using in a sarcastic tone can change the meaning. Using with formal subjects may sound out of place.

How do you pronounce What's taking so long?

US: //wʌts ˈteɪkɪŋ soʊ lɔŋ//, UK: //wɒts ˈteɪkɪŋ səʊ lɒŋ//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is What's taking so long formal or informal?

"What's taking so long" is informal, so it fits casual conversation with friends and family.

When should I use What's taking so long?

Used in casual conversation to express impatience or curiosity about a delay. Not suitable for formal contexts.