time to do something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time to do something" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest that it is time to take action on a particular matter. For example, "It's time to do something about the rising levels of air pollution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's time to do something".

The New York Times

"It was time to do something".

The New York Times

It's time to do something about that.

The New York Times

Now it's time to do something new.

The Washington Post

It was time to do something different".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's time to do something radically different".

The New York Times

I decided it was time to do something.

The New Yorker

Now it's time to do something about it".

The New York Times

It's definitely the time to do something away from home.

The New York Times

"It's just time to do something else," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

BIKE BREAK After lunch it's time to do something serious.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "time to do something", ensure the context clearly indicates what action needs to be taken. Avoid vague statements and specify the desired outcome for maximum impact.

Common error

Avoid using "time to do something" repeatedly without clarifying the specific action required. Overuse can weaken the message and make it seem less urgent. Instead, vary your phrasing and provide concrete details about what needs to be done.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time to do something" functions as an idiomatic expression to signal that a specific situation necessitates action or intervention. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its application across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

18%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Academia

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "time to do something" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey a sense of urgency and a call to action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While primarily neutral in register, its effectiveness lies in its ability to motivate action and emphasize the necessity of addressing a situation. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to provide specific context regarding the action needed to avoid vagueness and maximize impact. By understanding its function, purpose, and common usage patterns, writers can effectively use "time to do something" to inspire action and drive change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's the moment for action

This alternative emphasizes the urgency and appropriateness of taking action at this specific point.

the time has come to act

This alternative uses a more formal and emphatic tone, suggesting a decisive moment.

it's crucial to intervene

It employs 'crucial' to highlight the importance of intervening

the situation calls for action

This alternative is a general call to take action because the situation requires it.

the opportune moment to act has arrived

This alternative uses 'opportune moment' to emphasize the favorability of the present time.

it's ripe for intervention

This alternative suggests that conditions are optimal for intervention.

now is the juncture to intervene

Replaces 'time' with 'juncture' for a slightly more formal and specific indication of timing.

it is imperative to take action

This emphasizes the urgency and necessity of action, using stronger language.

circumstances demand action

This alternative highlights the compelling nature of the situation, making action necessary.

we must take action immediately

This alternative uses 'must' and 'immediately' to intensify the urgency and necessity of acting.

FAQs

How can I use "time to do something" effectively in a sentence?

To use "time to do something" effectively, clearly define what 'something' refers to. For example, instead of saying "It's time to do something", specify "It's "time to address the issue"" or "It's "time to implement the changes"".

What are some alternatives to "time to do something"?

Alternatives include "moment for action", "the time has come to act", or "circumstances demand action", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it is time to do something" more formal than "it's time to do something"?

Yes, "it is time to do something" is slightly more formal than "it's time to do something" due to the contracted form. The choice depends on the overall tone and audience of your writing.

When is it appropriate to use "time to do something"?

It's appropriate to use "time to do something" when you want to express that a situation requires immediate or timely action. This phrase emphasizes the need to move from discussion or planning to actual implementation or intervention.