time to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that it is the appropriate moment to do something or to suggest an action that should be taken. Example: "It's time to start preparing for the upcoming presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Time to face it.

The New York Times

Time to work!

The New Yorker

It's Time to fall.

Independent

Time to make amends.

The New Yorker

Time to play.

The New York Times - Sports

It's time to vote".

The New York Times

It's time to leave.

The New York Times

Time to go.

Forbes

"Zero time to react".

The New York Times - Sports

Time to eat, then.

The New Yorker

Time to bounce!

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time to" to clearly signal the commencement or necessity of an action. For example, instead of saying "We should start the meeting", use "It's time to start the meeting" for a more direct approach.

Common error

While "time to" is versatile, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Alternatives like "the moment has come" or "it is imperative that" can add a more sophisticated tone to professional documents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time to" primarily functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate the appropriate or necessary moment for a specific action. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "time to" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to indicate the appropriate or necessary moment for an action. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki sources. When writing, consider the context and avoid overuse in highly formal settings, opting for alternatives like "the moment has come". Overall, understanding its function and purpose can significantly enhance clarity and impact. The examples provided by Ludwig also showcase the wide adoption of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proper timing

Highlights the correctness and suitability of when something occurs.

suitable time

Focuses on the appropriateness of the timing.

decisive moment

Emphasizes the importance of the current timing.

opportune moment

Emphasizes the suitability of the moment.

appointed time

Focuses on a formally set or agreed upon time.

right juncture

Stresses the critical or decisive nature of the moment.

ripe occasion

Highlights the maturity or readiness of the circumstances.

designated hour

Indicates a pre-arranged or scheduled time.

critical stage

Highlights a crucial point in a process or situation.

golden opportunity

Suggests a valuable and unmissable chance.

FAQs

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

"Time to" is used to indicate that it is the appropriate moment to do something. For example, "It's time to leave" suggests that the moment for departure has arrived.

What phrases can I use instead of "time to"?

You can use alternatives like "suitable time", "opportune moment", or "ripe occasion" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it's time to" or "it is time to"?

Both "it's time to" and "it is time to" are grammatically correct. "It's time to" is a contraction and is more informal, while "it is time to" is more formal. Choose the version that suits the tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "time to" and "time for"?

"Time to" is typically followed by a verb (e.g., "time to go"), while "time for" is followed by a noun (e.g., "time for lunch"). They both indicate the right moment, but they require different grammatical structures.