the time has come

USAGE SUMMARY

"the time has come" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate a period of anticipation has elapsed and it is now time to act upon something. For example, "Fellow students, the time has come to cast our votes for class president."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The time has come again.

The New York Times

Mayor, we say: The time has come.

The New Yorker

And now, the time has come.

The Guardian - Opinion

The time has come and gone.

The New York Times

He concluded, "Guatemalans, the time has come.

The New Yorker

The time has come for dialogue.

The New York Times

The time has come for real change.

The New York Times

The time has come, the clock reveals,.

The New Yorker

The time has come.

Harvard Business Review

The time has come to do so.

Journal of Pediatric Surgery

"The time has come," he said.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the time has come" to create a sense of urgency or importance, signaling that a decision or action can no longer be delayed.

Common error

Avoid using "the time has come" in overly casual or trivial situations, as it can sound melodramatic or out of place. Reserve it for moments that genuinely warrant a sense of importance or finality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the time has come" functions as an announcement or declaration, often signaling a pivotal moment or a call to action. As confirmed by Ludwig, it correctly indicates the arrival of a significant juncture.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

21%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the time has come" is a versatile phrase used to signal a significant moment or call to action. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While appropriate for formal contexts, be mindful of overuse in casual settings. Consider alternatives like "now is the time" or "the hour is at hand" depending on the desired tone. Given its frequent and authoritative usage, mastering "the time has come" enhances effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

now is the time

Directly states the importance of acting in the present.

the moment is now

Emphasizes immediacy and the present opportunity.

this is the moment of truth

Highlights a critical and decisive instance.

the hour is at hand

A more formal and literary way of saying the same thing.

the day has arrived

Focuses on the fulfillment of a long-awaited event.

the juncture is here

Highlights a critical point in time requiring decisive action.

the stage is set

Suggests preparation is complete and action can commence.

the occasion is ripe

Implies that conditions are perfect for a particular event.

the waiting is over

Focuses on the end of a period of anticipation.

we've reached the point of no return

Emphasizes the finality and seriousness of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "the time has come" in a sentence?

Use "the time has come" to indicate that a long-awaited or anticipated moment has arrived, signaling that action should be taken. For example, "The time has come to address climate change".

What are some alternatives to "the time has come"?

You can use alternatives such as "now is the time", "the moment is now", or "the hour is at hand" depending on the desired tone and context.

Is it appropriate to use "the time has come" in formal writing?

Yes, "the time has come" is appropriate for formal writing when you want to convey a sense of urgency or importance. However, be mindful of the overall tone and ensure it fits the context.

Can "the time has come" be used in both positive and negative contexts?

Yes, "the time has come" can be used in both positive and negative contexts. For example, "The time has come to celebrate our victory" (positive) or "The time has come to face the consequences of our actions" (negative).