Examkin

Question

Difficulty: EasyVerbs, Tenses, and Aspect

Which of the following options correctly completes the sentence below?

"It is high time the students ________ preparing for their final examinations."

  1. startedAnswer
  2. B
    start
  3. C
    should start
  4. D
    have started

Answer

The correct option is 'started'.
In standard English grammar, the phrase 'it is high time' followed by a subject noun or pronoun requires a verb in the simple past tense ('started'). This structure expresses the subjunctive mood, signaling that an expected action is overdue.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the key grammatical expression in the sentence structure.
The sentence begins with the idiomatic expression 'It is high time' followed by a subject ('the students').
In English grammar, 'it is high time' or 'it is time' + subject triggers the unreal past subjunctive construction.
2
Select the verb form that corresponds to the unreal past rule.
The verb form 'started' (simple past) correctly fills the blank.
Although the action refers to present or immediate future necessity, the past tense form 'started' must be used.

Key Concept

Unreal Past Subjunctive Mood after 'It is high time'
Rate this question

Topics

Verbs, Tenses, and Aspect

More questions from this topic