English grammar
Long-awaited news: about time!, at last!, I can't believe it!; passing it on: she says it's about time
Share big news by phone, react to it and pass on what people say.
From the scene About time!
In short
Greet long-awaited news with About time! or At last! Passing on a call, keep the tense: she says it's about time.
Your turn
Which one goes with finally!?
Options: about time! · I can't believe it! · at last!
Show answer
finally! → at last!
How it works
About time! (or it's about time) and at last! greet news people have been waiting for, sometimes with a hint of complaint; I can't believe it! shows surprise.
Good to know
Passing on what the caller is saying right now, keep the tense: my mum says it's about time.
Good to know
For who told whom, the passive is handy: he says he was told by a lady.
news you've been waiting for about time!
Nuria
My mum says it's about time, she's been praying for months.
Dice mi madre que ya era hora, que lleva meses rezando.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
My mum says it's (blank), she's been praying for months.
Options: at last · I can't believe it · about time
Show answer
Nuria
My mum says it's about time, she's been praying for months.
Dice mi madre que ya era hora, que lleva meses rezando.
finally! at last!
Elena
And now I'm calling Ramón. Ramón? Yes, it's official. At last!
Y ahora llamo a Ramón. ¿Ramón? Sí, es oficial. ¡Por fin!
Your turn
What fills the gap?
And now I'm calling Ramón. Ramón? Yes, it's official. (blank)!
Options: At last · About time · I can't believe it
Show answer
Elena
And now I'm calling Ramón. Ramón? Yes, it's official. At last!
Y ahora llamo a Ramón. ¿Ramón? Sí, es oficial. ¡Por fin!
surprise or disbelief I can't believe it!
Nuria
I can't believe it! Doña Elena, you?
¡No me lo puedo creer! Doña Elena, ¿usted?
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank)! Doña Elena, you?
Options: At last · I can't believe it · About time
Show answer
Nuria
I can't believe it! Doña Elena, you?
¡No me lo puedo creer! Doña Elena, ¿usted?
passing on the call now (tense kept) my mum says it's about time
Nuria
My mum says it's about time, she's been praying for months.
Dice mi madre que ya era hora, que lleva meses rezando.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank), she's been praying for months.
Options: At last · I can't believe it · My mum says it's about time
Show answer
Nuria
My mum says it's about time, she's been praying for months.
Dice mi madre que ya era hora, que lleva meses rezando.
who passed it on: was told by he says he was told by a lady from Madrid
Javi
He says he was told by a lady from Madrid... this morning.
Dice que se lo contó una señora de Madrid... esta mañana.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank)... this morning.
Options: About time · At last · He says he was told by a lady from Madrid
Show answer
Javi
He says he was told by a lady from Madrid... this morning.
Dice que se lo contó una señora de Madrid... esta mañana.
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| news you've been waiting for | about time! |
|---|---|
| finally! | at last! |
| surprise or disbelief | I can't believe it! |
| passing on the call now (tense kept) | my mum says it's about time |
| who passed it on: was told by | he says he was told by a lady from Madrid |
More lines from the story
- JaviHe says "Órale, about time!"... and that he knew already.Dice "¡Órale, ya era hora!"... y que ya lo sabía.
- ElenaHe says congratulations... and that the wedding present is going on your rent.Dice que enhorabuena... y que el regalo de boda os lo cobra en el alquiler.