Cool MateIf that's what it took vs Whatever it takes
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
If that's what it took
Top 5,000 (fairly common)
Whatever it takes
Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Most common: If that's what it took
| If that's what it took | Whatever it takes | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ɪf ðæts wɒt ɪt tʊk//🇺🇸 //ɪf ðæts wɑːt ɪt tʊk// | 🇬🇧 //wɒtˈɛvər ɪt teɪks//🇺🇸 //wʌtˈɛvər ɪt teɪks// |
| Meaning | What is needed or required. | Do anything that is necessary to achieve a goal. |
| Example | I would work three jobs if that's what it took to pay the bills. | He said he'd do whatever it takes to win the championship. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 5,000 (fairly common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| Collocations | whatever it takes, do what it takes, if needed | do whatever it takes, whatever it takes to succeed, commit to whatever it takes, achieve whatever it takes, whatever it takes to win |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'if that's all it took' - meaning something simpler was required., Using it in overly formal writing contexts., Misinterpreting the emotional strength - it's often used with determination. | Using 'whatever it takes' in overly casual settings., Forgetting to use it in the correct context of determination., Misunderstanding it as a promise rather than a mindset. |
| Usage notes | Used informally to express willingness to do anything required to achieve a goal. Avoid in very formal contexts. | Use in motivational contexts to express determination. Avoid in formal writing. |
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Frequently asked questions: If that's what it took vs Whatever it takes
What's the difference between If that's what it took and Whatever it takes?
If that's what it took: What is needed or required. Whatever it takes: Do anything that is necessary to achieve a goal.
Which is more common: If that's what it took and Whatever it takes?
If that's what it took is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
If that's what it took: I would work three jobs if that's what it took to pay the bills. Whatever it takes: He said he'd do whatever it takes to win the championship.
Can I use If that's what it took and Whatever it takes interchangeably?
Not always. If that's what it took and Whatever it takes are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.