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Is there any preference regarding the use of the following sentences in formal writing vs casual speech? I mean is it acceptable to use "take" in a formal writing in the meaning of need (or require)? Which forms of the following sentences are we more likely to hear in a casual conversation?

1.a Being successful in this work takes due attention.

1.b Being successful in this work needs due attention.

2.a The cooking process only takes ten minutes.

2.b The cooking process only needs ten minutes.

3.a Striking up good friendships with others takes getting to know yourself first.

3.b Striking up good friendships with others needs getting to know yourself first.

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    Takes is much more usual when a period of time is mentioned (so 2a is more standard than 2b).
    – Kate Bunting
    Commented Nov 19, 2022 at 17:16
  • We wouldn't say due attention here really. My husband needs attention when he gets home from work. Being successful at this job requires paying proper attention. For example.
    – Lambie
    Commented Nov 19, 2022 at 21:09

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All of these are grammatically valid, an any o them might appear in either casual or formal English. Except perhaps (3B) which seems a little awkward, I might use 'requires" instead of "needs" there. No rule violated by 3B, but "needs" is not usually used in quite that way.

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