the time will come

USAGE SUMMARY

"the time will come" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to suggest that a certain event or situation will eventually occur. For example, "We may not know when, but the time will come when this pandemic will be over."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The time will come," he said.

The New York Times

"The time will come for him".

The Guardian

The time will come, soon, when Inishmaan will completely change.

The New York Times

"Economics and a new facility, the time will come".

The New York Times - Sports

The time will come when Wenger calls it a day.

The Guardian - Sport

The time will come when she will forget me.

The Guardian - Opinion

But, you know, one day the time will come.

The Guardian - Sport

"The time will come to put forward my candidacy.

The Guardian

But the time will come for these new drivers to change the face of Nascar.

The New York Times - Sports

"But the time will come when we must take matters into our own hands".

The Economist

But the time will come when everything will change and come back to the roots.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the time will come" to express a sense of inevitability or expectation about a future event. It adds a touch of formality and anticipation to your writing.

Common error

While "the time will come" is grammatically correct, avoid overusing it in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "it will happen eventually" or "sooner or later" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the time will come" functions as an idiomatic expression used to express a belief or expectation that something will happen in the future. Ludwig's examples show its use across various contexts, reinforcing its role as a forward-looking statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the time will come" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express an expectation that something will happen in the future. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely accepted in written English. It frequently appears in news and media, suggesting a neutral register. While versatile, be mindful of the context and consider more informal alternatives for casual settings. To enhance your writing, remember that "the time will come" is best used to convey a sense of inevitability or reassurance. To avoid sounding repetitive, consider using variations like "the day will arrive" or "it will eventually happen".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the day will arrive

Substitutes "time" with "day", emphasizing a specific point in time. This alternative has a slightly more formal tone.

the moment will arrive

Replaces "time" with "moment", suggesting a specific and significant point in time. Offers more emphasis than the original phrase.

the opportunity will arise

Focuses on the availability of a chance or possibility in the future, shifting the emphasis from time to opportunity.

it will eventually happen

A more general expression indicating that something is destined to occur at some point, without specifying the nature of the occurrence.

the situation will present itself

Implies that circumstances will align in the future to allow something to happen. More formal.

that day is coming

Emphasizes the inevitability of a particular day or event, creating a sense of anticipation or foreboding.

sooner or later

An idiomatic expression indicating that something will happen at some unspecified point in the future.

in due course

A formal phrase suggesting that something will happen at the appropriate or expected time.

in the fullness of time

A more poetic and emphatic way of saying that something will happen when the time is right.

it's only a matter of time

Highlights the certainty of an event occurring, with the only uncertainty being when it will happen.

FAQs

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

You can use "the time will come" to express the belief that something will happen in the future. For example, "I know it's difficult now, but "the time will come" when you'll understand."

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

Alternatives include "the day will arrive", "it will eventually happen", or "sooner or later", depending on the context and level of formality you want to convey.

Is "the time will come" a formal or informal phrase?

"The time will come" is generally considered a somewhat formal phrase. In informal settings, you might prefer using alternatives like "it'll happen eventually" or "it's only a matter of time".

What's the difference between "the time will come" and "the moment will arrive"?

While both phrases express the idea of a future event, "the time will come" suggests a broader period, while "the moment will arrive" implies a specific, significant point in time. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the duration or the significance of the event.