it was the first time i ever saw vs it is the first time i ever saw

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'It was the first time I ever saw' is used when referring to a past event, while 'It is the first time I ever saw' is used when referring to a current event or experience.

Last updated: March 20, 2024

it was the first time i ever saw

This phrase is correct when referring to a past event.

This phrase is used to describe a past experience or event that was the first time the speaker saw or did something.

Examples:

It was the first time I ever saw snow.
It was the first time I ever saw a shooting star.
It was the first time I ever saw the ocean.

Show examples from the web [+]

It was the first time I ever saw a running river on the surface. It was the first time I ever rode a bike. It was the first time I ever knew how vast the sky was.
It was the first time I ever saw a running river on the surface. It was the first time I ever rode a bike. It was the first time I ever knew how vast the sky was.
Mar 3, 2015 ... “I think the first one was when I was 8years old, going around the edge, hit a kid head-on,” Rice said. “It was the first time I ever saw stars, aside ...
It was the first time I ever saw a magic trick up close - I was AMAZED to say the least! Then Nathan did the unthinkable, for some reason I never knew, he showed ...

Alternatives:

It was the first time I had ever seen
It was my first time seeing
It was my first experience of seeing
It was the initial time I saw

it is the first time i ever saw

This phrase is correct when referring to a current event or experience.

This phrase is used to describe a current experience or event that is the first time the speaker saw or did something.

Examples:

It is the first time I ever saw a rainbow.
It is the first time I ever saw such a beautiful sunset.
It is the first time I ever saw a double rainbow.

Show examples from the web [+]

"It is the first time I ever saw a spider the size of my hand", notes the artist. Asia also brought Chris in touch with the Himalays where he climbed to the first base ...
Aug 3, 2015 ... As I read these messages it is as if it is the first time I ever saw them. How could I forget something as important as messages from a higher ...
Jan 17, 2011 ... There is no steam show in this video, but it is a milestone because it is the first time I ever saw this heat pump defrost. This was also my first clue ...
Jan 23, 1983 ... ''It is the first time I ever saw him actually sitting at a drafting table,'' said a Pei associate. ''I.M. really wanted to be in the middle of this, all the ...

Alternatives:

It is my first time seeing
It is my initial experience of seeing
It is the first time I have ever seen
It is my first time witnessing

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it was the first time i ever saw vs it is the first time i ever saw