past time

USAGE SUMMARY

"past time" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to a period of time in the past. For example: In my past time, I used to read a lot of books.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was past time.

The Economist

It's long past time.

The New York Times

It is past time to start again.

The New York Times

It's past time to do so.

The New York Times

It is past time he did so.

The New York Times

It's past time they let go.

The New York Times

It's past time.

The New York Times

Actually, it's past time.

The New Yorker

It is well past time.

The New York Times

PAST TIME: Baseball as History.

The New York Times - Books

It's past time to begin understanding this.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "past time", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to a bygone era or a missed opportunity to avoid ambiguity. For example, "It is past time to address climate change" clearly indicates a missed opportunity to act sooner.

Common error

Avoid using "past time" when you mean "pass time", which refers to spending or occupying time, often in a leisurely manner. "Past time" indicates a time that has elapsed or an opportunity that has been missed. Always double-check your word choice to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "past time" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used in adverbial constructions to indicate that something should have happened earlier. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "past time" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something should have occurred earlier or that a deadline has passed. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure clarity about whether you're referring to a missed opportunity or a bygone era, and to avoid confusing it with the similar-sounding "pass time". Alternatives include "bygone days" and "deadline passed", depending on the context. By understanding its nuances and common errors, you can use "past time" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that ship has sailed

Idiomatic expression indicating that an opportunity is definitively lost and cannot be recovered.

deadline passed

Directly indicates that a specific deadline or due date has been missed, applicable when focusing on tasks or obligations.

the hour is late

Suggests that an action should have been taken sooner, and there is a sense of urgency.

opportunity missed

Emphasizes the loss of a specific chance or occasion.

time is up

Indicates that the allocated time for something has finished, often used in competitive or regulated scenarios.

bygone days

Refers specifically to a period long ago, emphasizing nostalgia or historical distance more than a missed opportunity.

former days

Similar to "bygone days" but can also apply to events or periods that are not necessarily very distant.

previous era

Focuses on a specific historical period, making it suitable when discussing broader historical contexts.

time has elapsed

More formal and focuses on the measurement of time that has gone by, suitable for technical or legal contexts.

old times

Highlights fond memories and personal experiences from the past.

FAQs

How is "past time" used in a sentence?

"Past time" can refer to a previous period or indicate that an action should have been taken earlier. For example, "In my past time, I enjoyed painting" or "It is "past time" for the government to act on this issue".

What can I say instead of "past time"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "bygone days" if referring to a historical period, or "deadline passed" if referring to a missed opportunity.

When should I use "past time" versus "pass time"?

Use "past time" when referring to a time in the past or when something is overdue. Use "pass time" when referring to spending time, often in a leisurely way. For example, "Reading is a good way to "pass time"", but "It is "past time" to start the project".

Is it correct to say "it's about past time"?

While not as common as "it's "past time"", saying "it's about "past time"" is grammatically acceptable and conveys a similar meaning, emphasizing that something is significantly overdue.