The Correct Usage of 'High Time' in a Sentence: Leave or Have to Leave?

Introduction

In English, the expression 'high time' is often used to convey a sense of urgency. However, when it comes to constructing a sentence with 'high time,' many people may wonder if they should follow it with 'leave' or 'have to leave.' This article explores the proper way to use 'high time' and offers guidance on whether to include 'have to' in such a sentence.

The It's High Time We Leave for the Meeting Option

The correct choice for the statement 'It is high time we ______ for the meeting' is to use 'leave.' The implication of 'high time' is a sense of obligation or urgency, rendering 'have to' unnecessary.

Standard British English Usage

In standard British English, 'high time' is a set expression followed by the Past tense. Therefore, the correct construction would be:

t

Correct:tIt's high time we left for the meeting.

t

Other acceptable alternatives:tIt's high time to leave for the meeting.

t

Note:tThe use of 'have to' would be redundant, adding 'really have to leave' for emphasis.

Idiomatic Expressions and Phrases

Here are some examples of how 'high time' is used in idiomatic expressions, further illustrating its usage:

tIt's high time you grew up. tIt's high time she learned to be polite to her elders. tIt's high time we got the dog neutered.

When to Use 'Have to'

While 'high time' conveys urgency, using 'have to' in conjunction with 'high time' would be redundant. If you want to emphasize that something should have been done earlier, 'have to' can be used as follows:

tIt is high time that we left for the meeting, meaning we should have left earlier and are now barely on time.
tIt is time that we leave for the meeting, implying we should be on time, but 'high time' conveys a stronger sense of urgency.
tWe have to leave for the meeting, which is a statement of fact, without the emphasis on timing.

By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use 'high time' in sentences to convey the intended sense of urgency.

Conclusion

In summary, the correct choice for the statement 'It is high time we ______ for the meeting' is 'leave.' Adding 'have to' would be redundant and diminish the intended sense of urgency. By keeping it simple and using the Past tense with 'high time,' you can convey the necessary urgency and get your message across more effectively.