Subjunctive: 'It's time (that)...'

This pattern uses what we call the "unreal past." We aren't actually talking about yesterday or last year. We are talking about right now. The past tense creates a distance between reality and our desires. It shows that the action hasn't happened yet, but it definitely should have. If I say it's time you left, you are still standing in my kitchen. But in my mind, you should already be out the door. It is a way of being firm without being overly aggressive. It is like a polite nudge with a bit of weight behind it. Native speakers use this to sound more sophisticated and precise. Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes, so don't worry!

1. 1Creating this structure is like following a simple recipe.
2. 2Start with the phrase It is time or the contraction It's time.
3. 3You can add the word that, but most people leave it out.
4. 4Add your subject, such as you, we, the government, or he.
5. 5Use the Past Simple form of your main verb.
6. 6To add extra spice, insert high or about before time.
7. 7For example: It's high time + we + bought + a new car.
8. 8The word high makes it sound much more urgent. The word about usually suggests a bit of sarcasm or relief. It is like saying, "Finally!"

Use this when you want to complain politely. It is perfect for a job interview when discussing industry changes. You might say, it's time companies prioritized mental health. It shows you have a strong opinion. Use it at home when your partner forgets the groceries. It's about time you remembered the milk! is a classic line. It is also great for self-reflection. When you realize you've been scrolling on your phone for three hours, tell yourself: it's time I did something productive. It works best in situations where there is a clear delay. If something is exactly on schedule, you don't need this grammar. It is strictly for the "better late than never" moments.

Do not use this for future plans that aren't late yet. If you have a meeting at 5:00 and it is only 4:00, just say it will be time to go soon. Avoid using will or would after the subject. It's time you will start is a major red flag for examiners. Also, don't use it for simple facts. It's time the sun rises sounds like you are a wizard commanding the sky. Stick to human actions and social expectations. If there is no subject, don't use the past tense. You cannot say it's time went. You must have a subject like we or I to trigger the subjunctive mood.

The biggest trap is using the present tense. You might want to say it's time you go, but that is technically a mistake at the C1 level. In casual speech, you might hear it, but your essays should use it's time you went. Another common error is adding should. People say it's time you should leave. This is redundant because the past tense already carries the meaning of should. Think of it like wearing two hats at once. One is enough! Finally, watch out for the verb to be. While it's time I was is okay, it's time I were is often preferred in very formal settings, though was is becoming the standard.

Let's compare it's time to go with it's time we went. The first one is neutral and general. It is just a statement of fact. The second one is personal and urgent. It implies we are already late. Then there is it's time for us to go. This is a bit more formal and softer than the subjunctive version. Think of it's time to go as a green light. Think of it's time we went as a flashing yellow light telling you to hurry up. Choosing the right one depends on how much pressure you want to put on the listener. Subjunctive is the most "pressured" version.