"this is the first time" vs "this is my first time"

Question

"this is the first time" vs "this is my first time"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'This is my first time' is used when referring to a personal experience, while 'This is the first time' is more general and can refer to any first occurrence.

Last Updated: March 31, 2024

This phrase is used when talking about a first-time experience in a general sense, not necessarily related to the speaker personally.

Examples:

This is the first time I've seen a shooting star.
This is the first time I've heard this song.
This is the first time I've encountered this issue.

Alternatives:

This is a new experience for me.
This is the initial occurrence of this.
I have never experienced this before.

This phrase is used when talking about an experience that is happening for the first time to the speaker personally.

Examples:

This is my first time traveling abroad.
This is my first time trying sushi.
This is my first time attending a concert.

Alternatives:

This is the first time I have done this.
This is my initial experience with this.
I have never done this before.

Answer 1

this is the first time

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a general first occurrence.

Answer 2

this is my first time

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a personal experience.

"this is the first time" vs "this is my first time"

this is the first time

this is my first time

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