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about time

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /əˌbaʊt ˈtaɪm/

about time means: Used to show that something should have happened much earlier.

adverb

FINALLYB1

Used to show that something should have happened much earlier.

  • You are here! About time too!
  • It is about time we replaced this old sofa.
  • The bus finally arrived, and about time too.

How to use it: it is about time + past tense (It is about time you cleaned your room.)

Similar words: at last, finally

Common phrases: about time too, about time someone left

NEARLY DUEA2

Used when the right moment for something has almost arrived.

  • It is about time for lunch.
  • Is it about time to leave?
  • It was about time for the match to start.

How to use it: it is about time for something (It is about time for dinner.); it is about time to do something (It is about time to head home.)

Similar words: nearly time, almost time

Common phrases: about time for lunch, about time to leave

TIME AS TOPICA2

Concerning time, how it passes, or how people measure it.

  • This book is about time.
  • We asked questions about time and space.
  • Her poem about time made me think about growing older.

Similar words: concerning time

Common phrases: book about time, question about time

Questions about about time

What does about time mean?

Used to show that something should have happened much earlier.

What is about time in other languages?

Türkçe: nihayet · Español: por fin · Français: enfin · Deutsch: endlich · Italiano: finalmente · 日本語: やっと

How do you pronounce about time?

It is pronounced /əˌbaʊt ˈtaɪm/.

How do you use about time in a sentence?

You are here! About time too! It is about time we replaced this old sofa.

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about time in other languages

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