it was time

USAGE SUMMARY

'it was time' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrase used to indicate that a certain point or moment in time has arrived. Example: After months of preparation, it was time for the big presentation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It was time.

The New York Times

It was time again.

The New York Times

Clearly, it was time.

Princeton University

It was time to move.

The New York Times

It was time for bed.

The New York Times

It was time to march.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

It is time limited.

The New Yorker

It is time!

The Economist

It's time".

The New York Times

It's time now.

The New Yorker

It's time wasting.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was time" to signal a transition to a new phase or action in your narrative. It effectively marks a shift in focus or the beginning of an important event.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "it was time". Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony. Use alternatives like "'the moment had come'" or rephrase to emphasize the action itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was time" functions as an adverbial phrase, indicating the point in the past when an action should be or was initiated. Ludwig examples showcase its use to mark transitions or decisions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was time" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that a specific moment for action or change had arrived. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is frequently found in news and media, as well as academic writing, signaling transitions and decisions. While versatile, avoid overuse in close succession. Consider alternatives like "the moment had come" for variety. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for diverse contexts, marking it as a valuable phrase in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was the moment

Directly points to a specific moment that has arrived, simplifying the structure.

the moment had come

Emphasizes the arrival of a significant or awaited moment.

the hour had arrived

Similar to 'the moment had come', but often used in more formal or dramatic contexts.

the appointed time arrived

Emphasizes that a previously scheduled or agreed-upon time has come.

it's about time

Expresses impatience or a feeling that something should have happened sooner.

it's high time

Similar to 'it's about time' but more emphatic and formal.

the time is ripe

Implies that conditions are favorable for something to begin or happen.

the stage was set

Highlights that all preparations are complete and the moment is ready.

the opportunity arose

Focuses on a specific chance or occasion becoming available.

the deadline loomed

Indicates that the end of a period for something is approaching.

FAQs

How can I use "it was time" in a sentence?

You can use "it was time" to indicate that a specific moment has arrived for an action to be taken or a change to occur. For example: "After years of planning, "it was time" to launch the project."

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

You can use alternatives like "the moment had come", "the hour had arrived", or "it's about time" depending on the context.

Is "it is time" or "it was time" correct?

"It is time" refers to the present, while "it was time" refers to the past. Use "it is time" when referring to something that should happen now, and "it was time" when referring to something that should have happened in the past.

What is the difference between "it's time" and "it was time"?

"It's time" is a contraction of "it is time" and refers to the present, indicating an action should occur now. "It was time" refers to a point in the past when an action needed to be taken.