In 15 Seconds
- Used to say something is long overdue.
- Stronger and more urgent than just saying 'it is time'.
- Often followed by 'de' plus an infinitive verb.
Meaning
When you say it is 'grand temps', you are saying that something is long overdue. It is that feeling when you've waited too long to act and now it's absolutely urgent.
Key Examples
3 of 6Realizing you need to leave for the airport
Il est grand temps de partir pour l'aéroport !
It is high time to leave for the airport!
A boss addressing a long-delayed project
Il est grand temps que ce rapport soit terminé.
It is high time that this report be finished.
Texting a friend who hasn't visited in months
Il est grand temps que tu viennes nous voir !
It's about time you came to see us!
Cultural Background
In French politics, 'il est grand temps' is a rhetorical staple used by opposition leaders to criticize government inaction. It frames the speaker as the one who recognizes a crisis that others are ignoring. In Quebec, the phrase is used similarly but might be followed by more informal structures in speech. However, in formal writing (Le Devoir, Radio-Canada), the subjunctive rule is strictly followed. In Francophone Africa, particularly in literature and journalism, this phrase is often used to discuss post-colonial development and the need for social 'awakening'. Belgian French uses this idiom identically to France, often in the context of the country's complex administrative delays.
The Subjunctive Shortcut
If you are afraid of the subjunctive, use 'Il est grand temps de' + Infinitive. It's grammatically safer and often sounds just as natural!
Don't over-agree
Remember that 'grand' does not become 'grande' here. It's a fixed part of the impersonal expression.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to say something is long overdue.
- Stronger and more urgent than just saying 'it is time'.
- Often followed by 'de' plus an infinitive verb.
What It Means
Imagine you have a pile of laundry reaching the ceiling. You don't just need to wash it; you should have done it days ago. That is être grand temps. It expresses a sense of urgency mixed with a bit of 'finally!' It is used to say that the moment for action has arrived. In fact, that moment probably passed a while ago. It is stronger than just saying it's time. It adds a layer of necessity and relief.
How To Use It
You will almost always see this used with the impersonal il. The most common structure is Il est grand temps de followed by an infinitive. For example, Il est grand temps de partir. If you want to point the finger at someone else, use Il est grand temps que followed by the subjunctive mood. It sounds fancy, but it just means 'It's high time that...'. You can use it to talk about personal habits or global issues. It is a versatile tool for your verbal belt.
When To Use It
Use it when the clock is ticking loudly. Use it at work when a project is dragging on forever. Use it with friends when you've been sitting at a cafe for four hours. It is perfect for those 'enough is enough' moments. If you are texting a friend who is always late, this is your go-to phrase. It works well when you want to sound decisive. It shows you are taking charge of the situation.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for things that are actually on schedule. If your train is arriving exactly at 2:00 PM, don't say il est grand temps. That would sound like you've been waiting for a week. Avoid using it in very relaxed, timeless situations. You wouldn't say it while watching a sunset, unless the sun is taking too long to go down. It carries a tiny bit of pressure. Don't use it if you want to be super laid-back.
Cultural Background
French culture places a high value on the 'right moment' or *le bon moment*. However, the French also love a good protest against delay. This phrase captures that Gallic impatience with inefficiency. It has been used for centuries in literature to signal a turning point. It reflects a society that values both tradition and the need for timely change. It is the linguistic equivalent of tapping your watch significantly.
Common Variations
You might hear people add bien for extra spice: Il est bien grand temps. This makes you sound even more impatient. Sometimes people just say Il serait temps which is a bit more sarcastic. It translates to 'It would be about time'. If you want to be very formal, you can use Il est grandement temps. But for your daily life, the standard version is perfect. It strikes the right balance between urgency and everyday speech.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and can be used in almost any setting. Just remember that 'Il est grand temps que...' requires the subjunctive mood for the following verb.
The Subjunctive Shortcut
If you are afraid of the subjunctive, use 'Il est grand temps de' + Infinitive. It's grammatically safer and often sounds just as natural!
Don't over-agree
Remember that 'grand' does not become 'grande' here. It's a fixed part of the impersonal expression.
Tone Matters
Using this phrase with a friend can be a joke about their lateness, but using it with a boss can be seen as quite bold or even rude.
Examples
6Il est grand temps de partir pour l'aéroport !
It is high time to leave for the airport!
Uses the standard 'de + infinitive' structure for urgency.
Il est grand temps que ce rapport soit terminé.
It is high time that this report be finished.
Uses the subjunctive 'soit' after 'que'.
Il est grand temps que tu viennes nous voir !
It's about time you came to see us!
Friendly but emphasizes the long absence.
Il est grand temps de changer ce vieux téléphone.
It's high time to change this old phone.
Expresses a necessary upgrade.
Ah, il était grand temps que tu payes ta tournée !
Ah, it was about time you bought a round!
Used in the past tense 'était' for a humorous effect.
Il est grand temps d'agir pour la planète.
It is high time to act for the planet.
Shows the phrase can be used for grave, global issues.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb in parentheses (Subjunctive).
Il est grand temps que nous _______ (partir) pour l'aéroport.
The phrase 'il est grand temps que' requires the subjunctive mood. 'Partions' is the 1st person plural present subjunctive of 'partir'.
Which sentence correctly expresses that something is long overdue?
Choose the best option:
Option B uses the correct impersonal 'Il est', the adjective 'grand', and the subjunctive 'fasses'. Option C uses 'C'est' (wrong), and Option D uses 'pour' (wrong).
Match the French phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These matches reflect the different nuances of tense and structure.
Fill in the missing phrase in the dialogue.
A: Ça fait trois ans que je n'ai pas vu Paris. B: Ah oui ? _________ d'y retourner !
Because it has been three years, 'grand temps' is more appropriate than 'temps' to show it's overdue.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIl est grand temps que nous _______ (partir) pour l'aéroport.
The phrase 'il est grand temps que' requires the subjunctive mood. 'Partions' is the 1st person plural present subjunctive of 'partir'.
Choose the best option:
Option B uses the correct impersonal 'Il est', the adjective 'grand', and the subjunctive 'fasses'. Option C uses 'C'est' (wrong), and Option D uses 'pour' (wrong).
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These matches reflect the different nuances of tense and structure.
A: Ça fait trois ans que je n'ai pas vu Paris. B: Ah oui ? _________ d'y retourner !
Because it has been three years, 'grand temps' is more appropriate than 'temps' to show it's overdue.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsTechnically no. In standard French, impersonal time expressions use 'Il est'. 'C'est grand temps' might be heard in some dialects, but it's considered a mistake in exams.
Yes, it's slightly more formal and much more emphatic. It's common in writing and serious speeches.
No, after 'de' you must use the infinitive. Only 'que' triggers the subjunctive.
Use the imperfect: 'Il était grand temps'.
Yes, very often! It's a very rhythmic and emotional phrase that fits well in lyrics about change or regret.
Yes! 'Il est grand temps que le bonheur arrive' (It's high time happiness arrived).
'Enfin' is an adverb meaning 'finally'. 'Il est grand temps' is a full expression that sets up a following action.
Yes, to signal that a deadline is approaching or has passed. 'Il est grand temps de valider ce contrat.'
No, that is not a French expression. Use 'Il est grand temps' or 'Il est vraiment temps'.
In a way, yes. It means the time is 'large' or 'full', meaning it can't be stretched any further.
Related Phrases
Il était temps
similarAbout time!
Mieux vaut tard que jamais
builds onBetter late than never
Il est l'heure
similarIt is the hour/time
Au plus vite
specialized formAs quickly as possible
