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Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Time vs. The Time

Hello,

When time came that it was I that needed something from them...
When the time came that it was I that needed something from them...

Which of the above is correct?
If both are possible, what is the difference between 'time' and 'the time' above?

Thank you.
  

Top answer

Use "When the time came". (I would not say that "When time came" is always wrong, but it feels like a special and relatively unusual idiom, and if you're an English learner I don't recommend that you adopt it. ) The rest of your sentence doesn't work.

— Mr Wordy

  • Use "When the time came".
  • (I would not say that "When time came" is always wrong, but it feels like a special and relatively unusual idiom, and if you're an English learner I don't recommend that you adopt it.
  • ) The rest of your sentence doesn't work.
  • "
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7 Answers
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Use "When the time came". (I would not say that "When time came" is always wrong, but it feels like a special and relatively unusual idiom, and if you're an English learner I don't recommend that you adopt it. There is no difference in meaning.)

The rest of your sentence doesn't work. You can say:

"When the time came that I needed something from them..."
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Thank you so much for your response and suggestion which I believe is much better.

But is it also correct if I rephrase my sentence to the following?

"When it was my turn that I needed something from them..."
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Also, if I change the phrase to the present tense "when time comes", is it still always wrong?
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AnonymousBut is it also correct if I rephrase my sentence to the following?

"When it was my turn that I needed something from them..."
The usual form of words is "When it was my turn to (do something)". So:

"When it was my turn to need something from them..."

This suggests that usually they need things from you, but on this oc
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AnonymousAlso, if I change the phrase to the present tense "when time comes", is it still always wrong?
Similar to before, use "when the time comes".
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Mr Wordy"When it was my turn to need something from them..."
This suggests that usually they need things from you, but on this occasion it was the other way around.
It could also mean that lots of other people had previously needed things from them, and now it was you that needed something.
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Before anything else, thank you, Mr Wordy, for answering all my questions.
Mr WordyThis suggests that usually they need things from you, but on this occasion it was the other way around.
This is exactly what I wanted to express in composing my sentence, although I understand the other possible meaning of the sentence. You're truly of a great help to me. Thank
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