Meaning
used to strongly recommend that something should happen now or very soon
Primary Function
expressing urgency
Communicative Purpose
to convey that an action is overdue
Pattern
It is; time
Core Structure
It is; time
Função primária
expressing urgency
Propósito comunicativo
to convey that an action is overdue
Situações de gatilho
complaints, motivational speeches, editorials, urgent meetings
Contextos
formal and informal discussions, everyday conversations, professional settings, academic writing
Padrão
It is; time
Estrutura central
It is; time
Slots de substituição
optional adverb "high" or "about" inserted before the word "time" (e.g., "It is high time", "It is about time")
Colocados típicos
- action
- decision
- change
- we
- they
- someone
Substituições comuns
- It is about time
- It's time to
Erros comuns
using present tense instead of past subjunctive, incorrect word order
Similar / contraste
It's about time, We should
Interferências
confusion with "it's time to" or "it's time for" constructions
Família do chunk
- subjunctive time constructions
Nuance
conveys a sense of urgency, impatience, or importance
Efeito pragmático
creates a sense of obligation or necessity
Dica de memória
past tense for present urgency
Nota
The phrase typically uses the past subjunctive to express urgency in the present or near future, often with 'high' or 'about' to intensify the urgency.
Upgrade path
from "We should go now" → "It's time to go" → "It's high time we went"
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