"It’s time the government did something about the problem." vs "It’s time the government does something about the problem."

Question

"It’s time the government did something about the problem." vs "It’s time the government does something about the problem."

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. The first phrase 'it’s time the government did something about the problem.' is in the past tense, referring to a missed opportunity or a situation that should have been addressed earlier. The second phrase 'it’s time the government does something about the problem.' is in the present tense, indicating a current need for action.

Last Updated: April 05, 2024

This phrase is used when referring to a past situation that should have been dealt with at that time.

Alternatives:

it was time the government did something about the problem.
it’s high time the government did something about the problem.
it’s about time the government did something about the problem.
the government should have done something about the problem.
the government ought to have done something about the problem.

This phrase is used when emphasizing the need for the government to take action in the present moment.

Alternatives:

it’s time for the government to do something about the problem.
the government needs to do something about the problem.
it’s high time the government did something about the problem.
it’s about time the government did something about the problem.
the government should do something about the problem.

Answer 1

It’s time the government did something about the problem.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express a missed opportunity or a situation that should have been addressed earlier.

Answer 2

It’s time the government does something about the problem.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express a current need for action.