when it came time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'when it came time' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a particular moment in which a decision or event must take place. For example: "When it came time to make a decision, she knew exactly what she wanted to do."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So when it came time to renew its contract, Apple declined.

The New York Times - Tech

When it came time to file its 10K report with the Securities & Exchange Commission on Mar.

Forbes

When it came time for college, the money wasn't there.

The New Yorker

When it came time for the exam, though, time flew.

The New York Times

And when it came time to score, he scored.

The New York Times - Sports

When it came time to decorate, he went slowly.

The New York Times

"When it came time, some teams calling had selective amnesia.

The New York Times - Sports

When it came time to get it up over our hips, some undignified hoisting was required.

The New York Times - Magazine

When it came time to assign brigade commands, Clark was passed over twice.

The New Yorker

When it came time to pick his successor, Hughes was stumped.

The New York Times

But the shouting quickly escalated when it came time to appoint a chair of the caucus.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when it came time" to signal a shift in narrative focus to a crucial decision point or event. It adds a sense of anticipation.

Common error

Avoid using "when it came time" for simple chronological ordering of events. Reserve it for moments of significance or decision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when it came time" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause by specifying when an event occurred or a decision was made. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

7%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when it came time" is a versatile phrase used to mark a specific, often pivotal, moment in a sequence of events. Ludwig AI states that is correct and widely usable in English writing. While grammatically sound and commonly found in news and media, its level of formality is neutral, suggesting it's more suitable for general narratives than highly formal contexts. For more formal writing or nuanced meaning, alternatives like "at that juncture" or "when the deadline loomed" may be considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when the moment arrived

Replaces 'came time' with a more direct reference to the arrival of a specific moment.

at that juncture

Uses a more formal term ('juncture') to denote a critical point in time.

when the occasion arose

Emphasizes the appearance of a specific opportunity or circumstance.

as the moment approached

Focuses on the period leading up to the critical moment.

upon reaching that point

Highlights the completion of a phase or stage before the key event.

once the opportunity presented itself

Highlights the availability of a chance to act or decide.

when the deadline loomed

Specifically refers to an approaching deadline or time constraint.

in due course

Implies that something will happen at its appropriate or expected time.

at the appointed hour

Suggests a pre-arranged or designated time for something to occur.

when the situation demanded

Emphasizes the necessity or urgency of a particular moment.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "when it came time" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "at that juncture", "when the occasion arose", or "upon reaching that point".

Is there a difference between "when it was time" and "when it came time"?

"When it was time" is a more general statement about timing. "When it came time" implies a build-up to a specific moment, often a moment of decision or action.

What are some alternatives to "when it came time" that emphasize urgency?

If you want to emphasize urgency, try "when the deadline loomed" or "when the situation demanded".

Can I use "when it came time" in academic writing?

Yes, "when it came time" is appropriate in academic writing, especially when describing a pivotal moment or decision in a process. However, consider alternatives like "at that juncture" for added formality.