is it time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is it time" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when asking if the moment has arrived for something to happen or to take action. Example: "Is it time to start the meeting?" Alternative expressions include "is it the right moment" and "is it the appropriate time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

I mean, is it time?

The New Yorker

So is it time to retire?

The New York Times

So is it time to panic?

The Economist

Why is it time for change?

The Guardian

"This is it, time is gone".

BBC

But is it time?

Vice

When is it time to give up?

Los Angeles Times

So is it time to sell?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Or is it time-wasting window shopping?

The New York Times

Nor is it time-driven.

The New York Times - Books

How is it, time-wise?

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow the phrase with an infinitive (e.g., "to act") or a prepositional phrase (e.g., "for change") to clearly define the action being considered.

Common error

Avoid using the past tense immediately following the phrase when referring to a future or present action. While you might hear 'is it time we went', it is generally more precise in professional writing to use "is it time to go" or the subjunctive 'is it time we go'. Additionally, do not confuse it with the declarative 'it is time' which asserts that the moment has arrived rather than questioning it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is it time" acts as an interrogative clause. According to Ludwig AI, it is primarily used to question the readiness or appropriateness of a specific event or action. It typically initiates a sentence or a significant rhetorical inquiry.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

0.1%

Academia

0.1%

Social Media

0.1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is it time" is a highly effective and grammatically correct English phrase used to signal transitions or prompt action. Ludwig AI reveals a massive frequency in high-quality journalism, particularly for posing provocative questions about social, economic or personal changes. Whether followed by an infinitive like "is it time to quit" or a prepositional phrase such as "is it time for a change", it remains a powerful linguistic tool for both writers and speakers to address the suitability of the current moment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is it time yet

Adds a sense of ongoing anticipation or checking for a specific signal.

has the time come

Uses a present perfect structure to imply a more momentous or long-awaited arrival of a specific moment.

is it the right moment

Focuses specifically on the opportunistic or appropriate nature of the timing.

is it finally time

Adds an adverb to emphasize that the moment has been anticipated for a long period.

is now the time

Places stronger emphasis on the immediate present moment.

is the time ripe

An idiomatic expression suggesting that conditions are perfect for a particular action.

is it high time

Idiomatic way to say that something should have happened already or is long overdue.

is it opportune

A significantly more formal and academic way to question the suitability of the current time.

should we now

Shifts the focus from the abstract concept of 'time' to the necessity of taking action.

about time

An informal and often impatient way to suggest that something is occurring late.

FAQs

How do I use "is it time" in a sentence?

You can use it to ask if a moment has arrived for an action, such as in "Is it time to start the presentation?" or to suggest a change, like "Is it time for a new strategy?".

What can I say instead of "is it time"?

Depending on your context, you could use phrases like "has the moment arrived", "is it the right moment" or "is it high time".

Which is correct, "is it time we leave" or "is it time to leave"?

Both are used, but "is it time to leave" is the standard infinitive construction. "Is it time we left" is also common in British English to imply urgency.

What is the difference between "is it time" and "has the time come"?

has the time come is often more formal and is used for significant life events or major social changes, whereas "is it time" is more versatile and used for everyday occurrences.