It's time to means that now is the right moment to do something: It's time to go. There's a second pattern too: It's time + person + past tense. It's time you went to bed means “you should already be in bed”. The past tense here isn't about the past; it shows that the moment has already come, and it often sounds like a reproach.
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it's time to + verb; it's time for + noun; it's time for + person + to + verb; it's time + person + past verb
- It's almost midnight, so it's time to go home.
- It's time for lunch. Shall we try the new place downstairs?
- This laptop is so slow. It's time I bought a new one.
What changed
First versionIt's late, kids. It's time you go to bed.
RevisionIt's late, kids. It's time you went to bed.
After It's time + person, the verb goes into the past tense: It's time you went. Nothing in the meaning points to the past, so it's tempting to keep go. If the past tense feels strange, there's a simple alternative: It's time for you to go to bed.
With a noun, you don't need a verb: It's time for lunch. And high adds impatience: It's high time we fixed the roof, meaning it should have been done long ago.
Your turn
The taxi is already outside, so it's time ___ for the airport.
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to leave — After It's time, the action takes the form to + verb: time to leave. Leaving isn't used after It's time.
Write a message to a friend about something you've been putting off for a long time. Use it's time to and give a reason.
My running shoes have holes in them, so it's time to buy a new pair this weekend.
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