the time has passed

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'the time has passed' is correct and can be used in written English.
It usually refers to a time period that has already happened and cannot be changed or recovered. For example, "The time has passed when I could have gone on that trip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

The time has passed for talks.

The Guardian

The implication is always that the time has passed.

The New Yorker

However, "the time has passed" for a dialysis-only focus.

The Guardian

The time has passed for such foolish projects.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some say the time has passed for the Hardys.

The New York Times

The time has passed when councils can make efficiency savings.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Judge Lippman said the time had passed for another legislative task force.

The New York Times

His argument was straightforward - that the time had passed for novels to be about characters and individuals.

The Guardian - Books

Money was tight and the time had passed when people could afford to go to every game.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Poe said Mr. Butterworth also told him that he thought the time had passed to consider running for governor.

The New York Times

He said the time had passed for the "festival marketplace," as the Thompsons' projects - Pier 17, Faneuil Hall in Boston, Harborplace in Baltimore, Union Station in Washington - were known.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the time has passed" to clearly indicate that an opportunity or a suitable period for something is over. It adds a sense of finality and closure to the statement.

Common error

Avoid using future tenses in conjunction with "the time has passed". For example, it's incorrect to say "The time has passed when we will do this". Instead, use the past perfect: "The time has passed when we could have done this."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the time has passed" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate that an opportunity, a suitable period, or a possibility is now over or no longer available. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is used as a statement of finality and closure.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the time has passed" is a common phrase used to express that an opportunity or suitable period is over. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage across various contexts, especially in news and media. The phrase functions as an idiomatic expression, conveying a sense of finality or resignation. When using this phrase, it's important to avoid future tenses and ensure the context clearly indicates a point of no return. Related phrases like "it's too late now" or "the opportunity has gone" can offer alternative ways to express a similar sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the chance is lost

This alternative directly states the irrecoverable loss of an opportunity.

the moment has passed

This alternative emphasizes a specific point in time that is now unrecoverable.

it's too late now

This alternative is more direct and emphasizes the current impossibility.

the window of opportunity has closed

This alternative phrase highlights that a specific time frame for action is no longer available.

the opportunity has gone

This alternative specifically highlights the loss of a chance or opening.

those days are over

This alternative suggests a permanent end to a particular period or activity.

that ship has sailed

This alternative is an idiom that vividly expresses the impossibility of revisiting a past opportunity.

we missed the boat

This alternative idiom emphasizes that a chance was not taken and is now unavailable.

it's water under the bridge

This alternative focuses on moving past a situation rather than emphasizing missed opportunity.

it is a bygone era

This alternative refers to a period of time that is long gone and unlikely to return.

FAQs

What does "the time has passed" mean?

The phrase "the time has passed" indicates that a specific period or opportunity is over, and it's no longer possible to take advantage of it or change the situation.

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

You can use "the time has passed" to express regret about a missed opportunity or to emphasize that a certain course of action is no longer viable. For example, "The time has passed for negotiations; now we must act decisively."

What can I say instead of "the time has passed"?

You can use alternatives like "it's too late now", "the opportunity has gone", or "that ship has sailed" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "the time has passed" and "the moment has passed"?

While both phrases indicate that an opportunity is gone, "the time has passed" generally refers to a longer or more significant period, whereas "the moment has passed" typically refers to a specific point in time.