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 • 3915 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.

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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.

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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

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when it came time to vs when it comes time to