Combining ‘It’s Time’ with Perfect Aspects
The structure ‘it’s time’ can be combined with perfect aspects to express actions that should have been completed by now. This creates a stronger sense of criticism or urgency than the basic form: It’s time + subject + had + past participle
Expressing Accumulated Frustration
Using ‘it’s time’ with perfect aspects often implies a build-up of frustration or dissatisfaction with ongoing situations: ‘It’s time we had addressed these recurring issues.’
Institutional and Policy Contexts
This structure is particularly effective in formal contexts discussing long-term institutional changes or policy reforms: ‘It’s time the government had implemented these promised reforms.’
Examples
It’s time we had finished this project.Implies the project is significantly overdue and should have been completed already
It’s time they had made their position clear on this matter.Suggests prolonged ambiguity that should have been resolved earlier
It’s time he had taken responsibility for his actions.Indicates an ongoing pattern of avoiding responsibility that should have been addressed before now
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Incorrect: It’s time we have finished this project
✅ Correct: It’s time we had finished this project
Explanation: The past perfect (had + past participle) is required, not present perfect
❌ Incorrect: It’s time they would have arrived
✅ Correct: It’s time they had arrived
Explanation: Don’t use modal verbs (would) in this construction
Tips for Success
- Use this form when emphasizing that something is long overdue
- The perfect aspect adds a layer of criticism about past inaction
- This structure is particularly effective in formal complaints or policy discussions