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Question

Difficulty: EasyVerbs, Tenses, and Aspect

Complete the sentence with the most appropriate verb form: 'It is high time the ministry _____ the newly constructed bridge to the public.' Which option correctly completes the sentence?

  1. openedAnswer
  2. B
    opens
  3. C
    should open
  4. D
    has opened

Answer

opened
The expression 'It is high time' followed by a subject noun phrase ('the ministry') requires a simple past tense verb ('opened') to indicate that an action ought to have been taken already.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the key grammatical expression in the stem.
The sentence begins with the idiomatic expression 'It is high time' followed by a noun phrase subject ('the ministry').
Expressions like 'It is time' or 'It is high time' follow specific subjunctive verb rules when followed by a subject.
2
Apply the rule for unreal past / subjunctive mood.
The main verb following 'It is high time + subject' must be in the simple past tense ('opened').
Although the time reference is present or future, the simple past tense form is used to express that an action is already overdue.

Key Concept

Unreal Past / Subjunctive Mood after 'It is high time'
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Topics

Verbs, Tenses, and Aspect

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