The correct option to complete the sentence "It is time we ...." is
D. went.
Explanation of the Correct Answer:
- Understanding the Phrase "It is time we...":
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The phrase "It is time we..." is often used to indicate that something should have been done already or that it is appropriate to do something now. It implies a sense of urgency or necessity regarding an action.
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Grammatical Structure:
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In English, when we use "It is time" followed by a subject and a verb, we typically use the past tense form of the verb. This is a specific grammatical structure that conveys the idea that the action is overdue or should have happened by now.
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Why "went" is Correct:
- The word "went" is the past tense of "go." In this context, it fits perfectly because it follows the structure of "It is time we [past tense verb]." Therefore, "It is time we went" correctly suggests that it is now appropriate for us to go, as we should have already done so.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect:
- A. should be going:
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This option uses the present continuous form "should be going," which does not fit the structure of the phrase. "It is time we should be going" is grammatically awkward and not commonly used in English. The phrase implies a completed action rather than an ongoing one.
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B. ought to go:
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While "ought to go" is grammatically correct, it does not follow the expected structure after "It is time we...". The phrase would be more appropriately stated as "It is time we ought to have gone," which is more complex and less direct. Thus, it does not convey the same urgency or immediacy as "went."
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C. are going:
- The present continuous form "are going" suggests an action that is currently happening or is planned for the future. This does not align with the implication of urgency in "It is time we...". The phrase would be awkward and not convey the intended meaning of something that should have already occurred.
Summary of Key Points:
- The phrase "It is time we..." requires a past tense verb to indicate that an action is overdue.
- "Went" is the correct past tense form of "go," making it the best fit for the sentence.
- Other options either use incorrect grammatical structures or do not convey the same sense of urgency.
- Understanding the nuances of verb tenses in English can help in selecting the correct option in similar sentences.
By keeping these points in mind, you can better understand how to complete sentences that involve expressions of time and necessity in English.