Isn't it high time we _____?

Analyze the question The sentence is "Isn't it high time we _?" This tests the structure "it is (high) time + subject + past tense verb".

Explain the concept After the expressions it's time, it's high time, and it's about time, when a subject follows (we, he, they, etc.), English uses the simple past tense form. The meaning is present or future, not past. It suggests that the action should have begun already, or is overdue.

Examples:

• It's high time you went to bed.
• It's high time the government fixed the roads.

Check the options

• A. started eating: simple past form (started) followed by eating. It fits the "high time + subject + past" structure. ✔
• B. start eating: present tense. It is not the standard form after "high time". ✘
• C. had started eating: past perfect. It is too far back and is not used in this pattern. ✘
• D. start to eat: present tense again. ✘

Answer The correct option is A. started eating.

"Isn't it high time we started eating?"

Tip Remember the rule: "It's high time + subject + PAST". The past form signals that the action is overdue. If you see high time, about time, or time followed by a subject, look for the past tense option.