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1 Post By J&K Tutoring
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It’s high time for...
I know that after “It’s high time” we can use either an infinitive (1) or a subordinate clause with the verb in the past tense (2)
(1) It’s high time (for you) to know this rule.
(2) It’s high time you knew this rule.
Nevertheless, is it possible to say:
It’s high time for knowing this rule.
-“- going there.
by analogy to --- time for dinner. [Can we say: time for dining]
Thanks in advance.
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Re: It’s high time for...

Originally Posted by
Khrystia
I know that after “It’s high time” we can use either an infinitive (1) or a subordinate clause with the verb in the past tense (2)
(1) It’s high time (for you) to know this rule.
(2) It’s high time you knew this rule.
Nevertheless, is it possible to say:
It’s high time for knowing this rule.
-“- going there.
by analogy to --- time for dinner. [Can we say: time for dining]
"High time" is an idiom, and idioms often have 'rules' on their usage that are:
a. outside the rules of grammar and
b. restricted by custom instead
Where I come from (Midwestern USA), your #2 example is the only one one might commonly hear, though not in the context cited. 'High time' refers to an event, not a development like learning or any other thing that occcurs over a time frame or on a regular basis.
1. It's high time someone sat you down and told you the rules.
2. It's high time you got yourself a good lawyer.
3. It's high time we planted potatoes.
I wouldn't expect to hear 'high time' in the context of lunch- something that happens every day.
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