the time is up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the time is up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a designated period for an activity or task has ended. Example: "After an hour of discussion, the time is up, and we need to make a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The time is up.

The New York Times

He knows the time is up.

The Guardian - Opinion

But like Cinderella and the pumpkin, the time is up".

The Guardian - Music

* You are going to have to be direct, and clear when the time is up.

Columbia University

But when the time is up, people just go back to their travel routines.

The New York Times

When the time is up, place the eggs into a bowl of cold water.

The Guardian

That's why for me the time is up for Catalonia belonging to Spain.

The Guardian - Opinion

But when the time is up they will insist on independence and fight to achieve it.

The New York Times

When the time is up, stir once and scoop the grinds off the top.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

After the time is up, test your subject and record the number of correct definitions.

The New York Times

Once the time is up, check the sponges are cooked with a skewer.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the time is up" in a presentation or meeting, follow it with a clear statement of the next steps or decisions to be made.

Common error

Avoid using "the time is up" abruptly without providing context or a transition. Ensure your audience understands what was expected to be achieved within that timeframe and what happens next.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the time is up" functions as an exclamatory statement or declarative sentence used to indicate that a specific period or duration has concluded. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It serves to officially mark the end of an activity, session, or allotted timeframe.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the time is up" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression indicating the end of a specific period. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its versatility across various contexts, from news and media to academic settings. While alternatives such as "time's over" or "the deadline has passed" exist, "the time is up" serves as a clear and neutral way to signal termination. When using the phrase, ensure clarity and provide context for the audience to understand the implications of the concluded period.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time's over

A more concise and informal way of saying the same thing.

we're out of time

A common and straightforward way to express that no more time is available.

the deadline has passed

Specifically refers to the end of a period for completing a task or meeting a requirement.

the allotted time has expired

A more formal and precise way of indicating the end of a designated time.

that's all the time we have

A polite way to signal the end of an activity due to time constraints.

our time is finished

Similar meaning, with a slightly more personal or relational feel.

the clock has run out

A more figurative expression, often used in sports or competitive settings.

the session is concluded

Suitable for formal meetings, discussions or events.

the end of the line

Implies reaching a final stage or limit, not necessarily time-related but can be used metaphorically.

curtains

An informal expression indicating the end of something.

FAQs

How can I use "the time is up" in a sentence?

You can use "the time is up" to signal the end of an activity, such as "After the test, "the time is up" and students must submit their papers immediately".

What are some alternatives to saying "the time is up"?

Alternatives include "time's over", "the deadline has passed", or "we're out of time", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "the time is up" in formal settings?

While "the time is up" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "the allotted time has expired" might be preferred in highly professional contexts.

What does "the time is up" imply?

"The time is up" typically implies that a designated period has ended, and any ongoing activity should cease. It suggests that no further extensions will be granted.