time comes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time comes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a future moment when something is expected to happen or when a decision needs to be made. Example: "When the time comes, we will make our final decision regarding the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"When the time comes".

The New York Times

When my time comes, my time comes.

The Guardian

Our time comes".

The New Yorker

When that time comes, we'll talk".

The New York Times

If the time comes, then I will".

The New Yorker

When my time comes, I'll be ready".

The New York Times - Sports

We'll definitely retaliate when the time comes".

The New York Times

"Whenever that time comes, I'll be ready".

The New York Times - Sports

for the first time, comes de Wet.

The Guardian - Sport

Everyone's time comes at different stage.

The Guardian - Sport

Time comes she love me like daughter.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "time comes" with a specific action or decision. For example, "When the time comes, we'll be ready to act." This provides clarity and purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "time comes" excessively in formal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound less sophisticated than alternatives like "when the moment arrives" or "in due course".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time comes" primarily functions as part of an adverbial clause of time, indicating when a particular action or event will occur. As Ludwig AI points out, it is generally grammatically correct. The phrase sets the temporal stage for the main clause.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "time comes" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, that introduces a future event with a sense of anticipation or inevitability. It functions primarily as part of an adverbial clause, setting the stage for a subsequent action or decision. While appropriate for a range of contexts, from news to casual conversation, it's best to avoid overuse in highly formal writing. Alternatives like "when the moment arrives" or "in due course" may be preferable in such cases. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media sources, making it a versatile choice for general communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when the moment arrives

Focuses on the arrival of a specific moment, emphasizing anticipation.

when the opportunity arises

Highlights the emergence of a favorable circumstance or chance.

as the day approaches

Emphasizes the gradual approach of a particular day or event.

as the situation unfolds

Highlights how the evolution and details of a context are revealed with time.

when the occasion presents itself

Similar to "when the opportunity arises", but with a focus on a specific occasion.

when the hour strikes

More dramatic and literary, suggesting a decisive moment.

in due course

Indicates that something will happen at the appropriate or expected time.

eventually

Suggests that something will happen at some unspecified future time.

sooner or later

Implies that something is inevitable and will happen at some point.

in the fullness of time

Emphasizes that something will happen when the time is right, often after a long period.

FAQs

What does "time comes" mean?

The phrase "time comes" generally means a point in the future when something is expected or destined to happen. It implies anticipation or inevitability.

What can I say instead of "time comes"?

You can use alternatives like "when the moment arrives", "in due course", or "eventually" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the time comes" or "time comes"?

Both "time comes" and "the time comes" are grammatically correct, but "time comes" is more commonly used in general statements about the future. "The time comes" often refers to a specific, previously mentioned time.

How do I use "time comes" in a sentence?

You can use "time comes" to introduce a clause describing what will happen at a future point. For example, "When the "time comes", we will be ready to act", or "If the "opportunity arises", we will seize it.