it's about time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it's about time" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used when someone has been waiting a long time for something to happen, and they are relieved that it finally has. For example: "It's about time you got a job after all this time spent looking!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Back to It's About Time.

Forbes

It's about time, too.

The New Yorker

It's about time.

The New York Times

But it's about time".

The New York Times

Weinberg says it's about time.

The New Yorker

"It's about time!" Krugman said.

The New Yorker

If so, it's about time.

The New York Times - Arts

Yes, and it's about time.

The New York Times

"It's about time this happened".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's about time for us.

The New York Times - Sports

It's about time we were.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it's about time" to express a sense of relief or satisfaction that something has finally occurred, especially after a long wait or delay. For example, "It's about time they updated this outdated software."

Common error

Avoid using "it's about time" in situations where a neutral or sympathetic response is required. The phrase can come across as impatient or critical, potentially offending the listener.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's about time" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate that something has finally happened or is being done, often after a considerable delay. It expresses a sense of relief, satisfaction, or even mild impatience. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it's about time" is a common and correct idiomatic expression used to convey that something has finally occurred after a long wait. As verified by Ludwig AI, it expresses relief, satisfaction, or mild impatience. Predominantly found in news and media sources, its usage ranges from neutral to informal. When writing, be mindful of the tone to ensure it aligns with the intended message and audience. Consider alternatives such as "it is high time" for more formal contexts. This phrase highlights the user's perspective, emphasizing timeliness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is high time

Formal alternative emphasizing the urgency and appropriateness of the action.

it is long overdue

Emphasizes that something should have happened much earlier.

it's high time for

Indicates that a specific event or action is overdue.

it's time already

A more emphatic way of saying something should have happened by now.

about damn time

More emphatic and informal, expressing strong agreement and relief.

finally

Simple expression of relief that something has happened at last.

at long last

More formal, emphasizing the length of the wait.

none too soon

Suggests something happened just before it was too late.

not a moment too soon

Similar to 'none too soon', but slightly more emphatic.

it was only a matter of time

Suggests inevitability, implying that something was bound to happen eventually.

FAQs

How can I use "it's about time" in a sentence?

Use "it's about time" to express relief or a feeling that something should have happened sooner. For example, "It's about time the government addressed climate change."

What's a more formal alternative to "it's about time"?

A more formal alternative is "it is high time", which also indicates that something should have happened earlier.

Is "it's about time" always appropriate?

No, "it's about time" can sound impatient or critical. Consider the context and audience before using it. A neutral alternative might be "finally".

What does "it's about time" imply?

It implies that something is overdue and that you are pleased it has finally happened. It can also suggest mild frustration at the delay.