when it came time to vs when it comes time to

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'When it came time to' is used when referring to a past event, while 'when it comes time to' is used when talking about a future or current event. The choice between the two depends on the tense of the verb in the sentence.

Last updated: March 29, 2024 • 3883 views

This phrase is correct when referring to a past event.

"when it came time to"

This phrase is used when talking about a past event or action that occurred at a specific time.

Examples:

When it came time to make a decision, she chose to follow her heart.
When it came time to leave, he realized how much he would miss his friends.

Show examples from the web [+]

And when it came time to return to them... he chose to stay with us instead.
And when it came time to unleash black cyper on them, she couldn't do it.
But when it came time to leave, we couldn't find Nicky.
But when it came time to do our album covers, they suggested that we use Gary Burden and Henry Diltz.
But when it came time to divide up the assets, he claimed it was lost.
I never would've believed that my friend and commanding officer would go soft when it came time to do his duty.
(man) And when it came time to call it a night, they pulled the old "I'll leave first" play.
But it just stands to reason... when it came time to cash in your chips... this old diseased maniac would be your banker.
Figured she's come in handy when it came time to taking you down.
But one of the players had been dabbling in steroids, so when it came time to seal the deal, let's just say he wasn't exactly batter's up.
But when it came time to pay -
And so when it came time to finalize a custody agreement -
Did your father give you a choice when it came time to leave?
They had a daughter, Samantha, last year, and when it came time to name her, they hyphenated her surname, so it's Samantha Nash-McGuire.
Tangles, as much as we used to joke around and muck around together, when it came time to work, you know, he was very serious, and it wasn't time for joking.
It appears that, especially when it came time to put that wolf snout on,
When it came time to cast the pilot.
When it came time to leave Pakistan, Australia seemed the obvious choice.
When it came time to recruit, we each backed our own horse.
When it came time to ensure the safety of our fair city did the mayor have a plan?

Alternatives:

when the time came to
when it was time to
when the moment arrived to
when the hour struck to
when the occasion arose to

This phrase is correct when referring to a future or current event.

"when it comes time to"

This phrase is used when talking about a future or current event that will happen at a specific time.

Examples:

When it comes time to choose a new leader, we will have to consider all the candidates.
When it comes time to move, we will need to pack up all our belongings.

Show examples from the web [+]

No matter how much hate and anger you may have in your heart, when it comes time to pull the trigger most people can't do it.
Says here, "When it comes time to write this war's history, a golden page will be the defense of Singapore."
So, when it comes time to tell the brass what happened here today, you back me up?
When it comes time to kill him... I get to do it.
Frankly, we can't wait around for you when it comes time to record with Jerry.
But pretend that your acting background will help when it comes time to talk to the police.
But when it comes time to jobs, it's competitive.
Glenn and I, when it comes time to make band decisions, usually stick together.
But you don't have a state department cover for when it comes time to negotiate.
And when it comes time to die, all the data it possesses is lost... leaving behind only its genes and its offspring.
Can't waste time when it comes time to dance
They always say that when it comes time to renegotiate
I think that it's a decision my husband and I will make together when it comes time to cross that bridge.
But when it comes time to let someone know they got the job, she always lets me make the call.
You stand around all day with your hand out, taking our money, but when it comes time to actually getting things done, you're worthless!
When it comes time to pay off, he takes a powder.
When it comes time to do the actual problem set, we have problems like this right here where we're just swapping out numbers and tweaking the context a little bit.
When it comes time to be a man, you feel you shouldn't have to go.
When it comes time to hand out blue ribbons, it will be such an exciting time for you.
When it comes time to sheetrock, if you use EcoRock it's about a quarter of the embodied energy of standard sheetrock.

Alternatives:

when the time comes to
when it is time to
when the moment arrives to
when the hour strikes to
when the occasion arises to

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

when it came time to vs when it comes time to