high time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "high time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that it is now time to do something, because it has become necessary, or because it has been delayed too long. Example: "It's high time we started taking action to protect the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

And high time too.

The New York Times

High time, I'd say.

The New York Times

It's high time.

The New York Times

High time I think, too.

The New Yorker

High time somebody did.

The New York Times

High time they did.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is high time.

The New York Times

"And high time too," he said.

The New York Times

It is high time for such discussions.

The Economist

It is high time to change course.

The Economist

Some said it was high time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "high time" to express urgency or signal that an action should have been taken earlier. For example, "It's high time the government addressed climate change."

Common error

While generally acceptable, overuse of "high time" in highly formal contexts might sound slightly informal. Consider stronger, more direct phrasing in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "high time" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate that an action or event is overdue and should be undertaken without further delay. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, demonstrating it's a way of expressing urgency.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "high time" is a common idiomatic expression used to convey that something is overdue and requires immediate attention. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in a variety of contexts, primarily in News & Media. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, it is important to consider the level of formality when using "high time", as it might be perceived as slightly informal in certain professional or academic settings. Consider alternatives such as "about time" or "long overdue" for similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. While “high time” is widely applicable, remember to use it judiciously to maximize its impact and appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

about time

This alternative implies a similar sense of something being overdue, focusing on the delay.

long overdue

Emphasizes the extended period over which something has been delayed.

time is ripe

Suggests the conditions are now optimal for a particular action.

time has come

Conveys a sense of inevitability and readiness for action.

it is necessary now

Highlights the current necessity of taking a specific action.

the moment is right

Focuses on the opportuneness of the present time.

it's imperative now

Stresses the urgent and crucial nature of acting immediately.

it's crucial now

Emphasizes the critical importance of immediate action.

action is needed now

Highlights the necessity for immediate action

past due

Implies lateness and the need to address something previously neglected.

FAQs

How can I use "high time" in a sentence?

You can use "high time" to indicate that something should have been done earlier and it's now urgent. For example, "It's "high time" we addressed this issue."

What's a more formal alternative to "high time"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "it is imperative that", "the moment has come to", or "it is essential that" instead of ""high time"".

Is "high time" appropriate for academic writing?

While ""high time"" is acceptable, academic writing often favors more direct and less idiomatic expressions. Consider phrases like "it is now necessary to" or "the current situation requires".

What's the difference between "high time" and "about time"?

"High time" often carries a stronger sense of urgency and potential criticism for past inaction, while "about time" simply expresses that something was expected or should have happened sooner.