0The Usage of “High Time”: Stop Getting It Wrong
The phrase “It’s high time” means something should have been done already and is overdue. It adds urgency, often with a tone of mild criticism. Example: “It’s high time we started recycling in this office” implies the action should have begun earlier. The tricky part is grammar. After “It’s high time”, the verb normally appears in the past tense, even though the meaning is present/future. Why? Because English often uses past tense forms for unreal or hypothetical meaning (similar to conditionals and “I wish” statements). So we say: “It’s high time you went to bed” (not go to bed), “It’s high time the company invested in better training”. Advanced point: you can also use “It’s about time” with similar meaning but slightly less strong. Learners often make two errors: (1) using present tense (It’s high time he goes home) — sounds odd to native ears; (2) confusing with “in time/on time” — different expressions altogether. Usage note: in formal writing, “high time” carries a strong sense of impatience; in casual speech, tone makes it lighter or harsher. Practical practice: write 5 sentences about personal habits you or your friends should already have changed (e.g., It’s high time I started exercising). Then re-speak them aloud with emphasis on “high time” for natural rhythm. Takeaway/activity: next time you need to highlight overdue action, frame it as “It’s high time + past tense” — your English will sound sharper, more natural, and more emphatic.
