Cool MateThe time has come vs This is it
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
The time has come
Top 5,000 (fairly common)
This is it
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: This is it
| The time has come | This is it | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ðə taɪm hæz kʌm//🇺🇸 //ðə taɪm hæz kʌm// | 🇬🇧 //ðɪs ɪz ɪt//🇺🇸 //ðɪs ɪz ɪt// |
| Meaning | It's time to do something. | This is the moment we've been waiting for. |
| Example | The time has come for us to start the journey. | After months of preparation, everyone felt that **this is it**. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 5,000 (fairly common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | make a decision, take action, start the journey | this is it moment, this is it announcement, this is it feeling |
| Common mistakes | Using inappropriately for informal contexts., Omitting context which makes the phrase unclear., Misunderstanding it as a question rather than a statement. | Used too early during a process, instead of waiting for the final moment., Overused in casual conversation, making it lose impact. |
| Usage notes | Used to signal readiness or the right moment to take action. It can be used formally or informally, but avoid overusing it in casual conversations. | Use 'this is it' when something important is happening. It's appropriate in both casual and serious contexts, but avoid in overly formal settings. |
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Frequently asked questions: The time has come vs This is it
What's the difference between The time has come and This is it?
The time has come: It's time to do something. This is it: This is the moment we've been waiting for.
Which is more common: The time has come and This is it?
This is it is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
The time has come: The time has come for us to start the journey. This is it: After months of preparation, everyone felt that **this is it**.
Can I use The time has come and This is it interchangeably?
Not always. The time has come and This is it are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.