it about time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it about time" is not correct in English.
Did you mean "it's about time"? You can use this phrase to express that something should have happened earlier or that you are glad something is finally happening. Example: "It's about time we had a meeting to discuss our project progress."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Isn't It About Time"
 2.

Huffington Post

Isn't it about time that breastfeeding lost its shock factor?

HuffPost

Isn't it about time we stopped worrying so much about its health?

The Guardian

Isn't it about time?

The New York Times

Isn't it about time we did?

The Times

Isn't it about time Jill Whelan made a comeback?

The New Yorker

Is it about time we abandon hydrogen-fuel-cell vehicles?

MIT Technology Review

But isn't it about time we got a better idea?

The Guardian - Sport

Isn't it about time the Daily Telegraph got involved?

The Guardian

Isn't it about time we stemmed the tide of pink?

The Guardian

Isn't it about time the rest of society recognised it?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the grammatically correct form, "it's about time," to express that something should have happened sooner or that you're pleased it's finally happening. For example: "It's about time we addressed this issue."

Common error

Avoid omitting the contraction "'s" from "it's." Saying "it about time" is grammatically incorrect and sounds awkward. Always remember to include the contraction for correct usage: "it's about time."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it about time" functions as an incomplete expression, lacking the necessary auxiliary verb 'is' or contraction ''s' to form a grammatically correct statement. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is not correct in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "it about time" might appear in informal contexts, it is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "it's about time", which expresses that something should have happened sooner. Ludwig AI identifies this error, advising users to use the correct contraction. The frequency of the incorrect phrase is rare and primarily found in News & Media, emphasizing the need for caution and correction in formal or professional writing. Related phrases like "it is time" or "it's high time" can serve as suitable alternatives depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's about time

Addition of the contraction 'it's' corrects the grammar, making the phrase standard English.

it is time

Formally states that the moment has arrived for a specific action or event.

it's high time

Emphasizes the urgency or lateness of the moment; implies something is significantly overdue.

the time has come

A more formal and dramatic way to announce that something awaited is now happening.

it's the right time

Suggests that conditions are now favorable for a particular action.

it's time now

Similar to 'it is time' but with a slightly stronger emphasis on the present moment.

time's up

Indicates that an allotted period has ended, often with a sense of finality.

the moment is here

Focuses on the arrival of a significant or anticipated moment.

it was only a matter of time

Indicates that an event was inevitable and has now occurred as expected.

long overdue

Implies that something should have happened much earlier than it did.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "it about time"?

The correct way to say it is "it's about time". The contraction "it's" (it is) is essential for grammatical correctness.

When should I use "it's about time"?

Use "it's about time" to express that something should have happened earlier or that you are happy that it is finally happening. For example, "It's about time the company addressed employee concerns."

What are some alternatives to saying "it's about time"?

Alternatives include "it is time", "it's high time", or "the time has come". The best choice depends on the specific context and level of formality you wish to convey.

Is "it about time" ever correct?

No, "it about time" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "it's about time". Always include the contraction "'s" to ensure proper grammar.