Meaning
Used to express that something should have happened sooner.
Cultural Background
In the US, this is often used in a lighthearted way between friends to joke about lateness. In the UK, it can be used with a slightly more dry, sarcastic tone. Directly telling someone 'It's about time' can be seen as very rude due to the emphasis on harmony. Germans value punctuality, so this phrase is used quite seriously when someone is late.
Watch your tone
The phrase can sound rude. Use a friendly tone to show you are joking.
Don't use with superiors
Avoid saying this to your boss unless you have a very close relationship.
Meaning
Used to express that something should have happened sooner.
Watch your tone
The phrase can sound rude. Use a friendly tone to show you are joking.
Don't use with superiors
Avoid saying this to your boss unless you have a very close relationship.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form.
It's about time you ______ (finish) your homework.
We use the past tense after 'It's about time'.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the best option.
The past tense 'arrived' is the standard grammatical form.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
2 exercisesIt's about time you ______ (finish) your homework.
We use the past tense after 'It's about time'.
Choose the best option.
The past tense 'arrived' is the standard grammatical form.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsOnly if you are very close to the person. It's better to avoid it in professional emails.
No, it can express relief, like 'It's about time we got a break!'
Related Phrases
High time
similarIt is very overdue.
At long last
similarFinally.
Finally
similarAt last.
About time!
specialized formFinally!
