the time for action has passed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the time for action has passed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that an opportunity to take action has already been missed or that it is too late to act on a particular issue. Example: "After months of deliberation, the time for action has passed, and we must now face the consequences of inaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In "Le Petit Soldat" (1960) — with Anna Karina, whom he married in 1961 — there are the lines "The time for action has passed..

The New Yorker

In "Le Petit Soldat" (1960) — with Anna Karina, whom he married in 1961 — there are the lines "The time for action has passed...

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Regrettably patterns like these are often seen in retrospect, sometimes after the opportunity for action has passed.

BMC Medical Education

The time for action has arrived".

The New York Times

"The time for action has arrived," Deutch said.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The time for action had arrived.

The Guardian

Criminal proceedings against the clinic and its staff came to nothing in 2005 because the time limit for legal action had passed.

Independent

Do you think the time for the Times has passed?

Forbes

8 demonstrated all too clearly, however, the time for studies has passed; it is now time for action.

Huffington Post

"So far as we're concerned, the time for words has passed and we want to see some action on the ground".

The New York Times

The time for talk has passed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "the time for action has passed", follow it up with an explanation of what steps should be taken now that the opportunity for direct action is gone, such as mitigation or adaptation.

Common error

Avoid using "the time for action has passed" as a complete dismissal of the situation. Instead, use it as a pivot point to discuss alternative strategies or acceptance of consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase functions as an assertion, stating that a specific period suitable for intervention or direct measures is now over. It serves to indicate a shift in strategy or acceptance of unavoidable outcomes. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used correctly in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "the time for action has passed" is a grammatically correct expression used to indicate that an opportunity for intervention is no longer available. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It commonly appears in neutral contexts, particularly in news and media, to signal a transition to alternative strategies or acceptance of consequences. While not exceptionally frequent, understanding its implications and appropriate usage is crucial for effective communication. Related phrases offer alternative ways to convey this message, each with slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, avoid treating it as a complete dismissal; instead, use it as a springboard for discussing next steps.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's too late to act

Indicates that the opportunity to take action is now unavailable.

the opportunity has been missed

Emphasizes that a specific chance or occasion to act has been lost.

the moment for action is gone

Highlights the disappearance of a crucial point for intervention.

it's past the point of no return

Suggests that the situation has progressed to a stage where actions are futile.

the boat has sailed

An idiomatic expression meaning that the opportunity is gone.

the window of opportunity has closed

Implies that a specific period suitable for action is now over.

the chance is lost

Simply states that an opportunity is no longer available.

we missed our chance

Expresses a sense of regret for not acting sooner.

the moment has passed

A straightforward way to say that a particular time for action is over.

action is no longer an option

Indicates that acting is no longer a viable possibility.

FAQs

What does "the time for action has passed" mean?

It means that the opportunity to take effective action on a particular issue or situation is now over, and other approaches or acceptance of consequences may be necessary.

How can I use "the time for action has passed" in a sentence?

You can use it to explain why a certain strategy is no longer viable. For example, "After the budget cuts, "the time for action has passed", and we must focus on damage control."

What are some alternatives to saying "the time for action has passed"?

Alternatives include "it is too late to act", "the opportunity has been missed", or "the moment for action is gone".

When is it appropriate to use "the time for action has passed"?

It's appropriate when discussing a situation where previous interventions were possible but are no longer effective due to delays, changes in circumstances, or missed opportunities.