Expressions used in Everyday Spoken English in Social and Professional contexts
(it's) about time
about timeit's about time
1) at or past the point when something should have happened
- How to MemorizePopularity MediumProfessional HighSocial
- it's about time you got here!
- AnalysisThis expression is most commonly used in a social situation, and emphasizes that something should happen soon or should have happened a long time ago. There is a key difference in how those two variations are delivered in speech. If you are using 'about time' to say that something should happen soon, you would usually say it in a neutral tone of voice. If, however, you are saying that something should have happened a long time ago, the tone is often one of impatience, anger or excitement. An alternative expression is 'it's high time.'
- Social Examples (Basic)
- Well, it's about time you got here! I've been waiting over an hour for you!
- Isn't it about time you got a job? You can't just sit around watching TV all day.
- Person A: "Did you hear the news? I asked Lisa to marry me." Person B: "About time! I thought you'd never pluck up the courage!"
- Professional Examples (Basic)
- I think it's about time I asked for a raise. I've been here for two years now.
- Further Suggestions
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