this was the first time vs this is the first time

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'This was the first time' is used when referring to a past event, while 'This is the first time' is used when talking about a current or ongoing situation.

Last updated: April 07, 2024 • 986 views

This phrase is correct when referring to a past event.

"this was the first time "

This phrase is used to describe a situation that occurred for the first time in the past.

Examples:

This was the first time I visited New York.
That was the first time I tried sushi.
It was the first time she had ever seen snow.

Show examples from the web [+]

A letter column was added at the end of 1971; this was the first time Galaxy had published reader's letters.
In addition, this was the first time an artificial beam of electrons was used to stimulate an auroral discharge.
But this was the first time someone came into his territory.
But this was the first time I had a name of one of those women, and a face.
But this was the first time I was introduced to the gifts of the Spirit in that small, back-hill church of Jamaica.
Handel had put together similar works before, fitting the music of pre-existent arias to new words, but this was the first time he had made an opera in this way using entirely his own music.
I just found out about the website, and this was the first time hearing her voice.
The resulting recordings were invaluable not only for their quality but also because this was the first time that Spanish stage music had been welcomed without major inhibitions.
Truth be told, this was the first time in Jane's life that she had sought her father's approval.
I'd been really drunk at the wedding speech and this was the first time that we'd spoken since then.
But this was the first time I know of, in mainstream history, where people had a social life online.
He was right; this was the first time I felt comfortable to photograph in these extraordinary situations.
I should state this was the first time.
1989-90 Season: Swan Lake performed by Cleveland Ballet; this was the first time dance appeared in the season.
CBC said that this was the first time that the "country's newsrooms have selected a symbol instead of a specific person", which would be done again in 2006 and 2007.
He had been paralyzed for over 10 years, and this was the first time since his injury that he could move a limb and reach out to someone.
And we'd go in the studio, ten in the morning, and this was the first time George and Ringo had heard any of the songs.
But this was the first time I was introduced to the gifts of the Spirit in that small, back-hill church of Jamaica. It happened once or twice more during the service, each time interrupting my preaching.
It is important to note that for the majority of the foreign students, this was the first time in their lives that they had presented research work in Russian and not all of them speak Russian fluently.
They had once before even gone so far as to declare he should die, but this was the first time the Sanhedrin had gone on record as desiring to decree his death in advance of a trial.

Alternatives:

That was the initial time
It was the first occasion

This phrase is correct when referring to a current or ongoing situation.

"this is the first time"

This phrase is used to describe a situation that is happening for the first time or is ongoing.

Examples:

This is the first time I have seen this movie.
It is the first time I am trying this restaurant.
This is the first time we have had a meeting like this.

Show examples from the web [+]

So this is the first time you'll be playing that part.
Monsignor, this is the first time that you are coming to Medjugorje.
I do believe this is the first time you've ever spoken to me.
I'm sorry this is the first time I've managed to get you out.
Maybe this is the first time.
Especially if this is the first time that you would perform prostate milking.
If this is the first time it is recommended you use formatting with verify.
Now, this is the first time we have ever gathered together.
You know, this is the first time I can hit a girl without feeling bad about it.
I'd have to say this is the first time we've had a preacher on board.
We've passed a couple of times, but this is the first time we've said hello.
But this is the first time I ever been a part of it.
Since the organization's inception, this is the first time that's happened.
Yes, but this is the first time I don't feel ashamed.
I was just thinking about how this is the first time we've been apart since the attack.
I swear this is the first time I am hearing these.
Fred, this is the first time I have ever looked forward to going to the principal's office.
But this is the first time there's been an identifiable body.
And this is the first time that he attempted he failed.
We've sold cupcakes for five years, and this is the first time you've touched batter.

Alternatives:

This marks the initial time
It is the first instance

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this was the first time vs this is the first time