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it’s time

Followed by infinitive​

It’s time (or it is time) can be followed by an infinitive.

  • It’s time to buy a new car.

To say who should do something, we use for + object + infinitive (see here).

  • It’s time for her to go to bed.

Followed by past tense with present or future reference​

It’s time can also be followed by a subject with a past tense verb. The meaning is present.

  • It’s time she was in bed.
  • It’s time you washed those trousers.
  • I’m getting tired. It’s time we went home.

The expression It’s high time … is often used in this structure, to say that something is urgent.

  • It’s high time you got a job.
note

For other structures in which a past tense has a present or future meaning, (see here).