This is the first time I did that vs This is the first time I have done that

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'This is the first time I did that' is used when referring to a specific past event, while 'This is the first time I have done that' is used when emphasizing the completion of an action up to the present moment.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 1425 views

This phrase is correct when referring to a specific past event.

"This is the first time I did that"

This phrase is used when talking about a particular instance in the past that was the first time something happened.

Examples:

This is the first time I did skydiving.
That was the first time I did a backflip.
It was the first time I did a solo performance.

Show examples from the web [+]

This is the first time I've lived in a dormitory and I didn't expect other people.
Because this is the first time I'm feeling like this, I didn't know what I was supposed to do.
This is the first time I was looking forward to Christmas in a long time.
This is the first time I see your face clearly.
This is the first time I've been here since my nanny died.
This is the first time I have stepped through that door.
This is the first time I write a...
This is the first time I've seen you lack imagination.
This is the first time I have visited England.
This is the first time I've ever greeted Marika in Finnish.
This is the first time I've ever pronounced this word correctly.
This is the first time I've baked a cake.
This is the first time I've smoked.
This is the first time I've added a sentence in Dutch.
This is the first time I've translated from Italian.
This is the first time I've ever squashed a cockroach.
This is the first time I am speaking publicly about the disaster that happened.
But this is the first time I have seen someone do so much in just five days.
This is the first time I saw her.
This is the first time I'm meeting the source.

Alternatives:

This was the first time I did that
That was the first time I did that

This phrase is correct when emphasizing the completion of an action up to the present moment.

"This is the first time I have done that"

This phrase is used when highlighting that the action has been completed at some point leading up to the present moment.

Examples:

This is the first time I have done yoga.
It's the first time I have done a marathon.
That's the first time I have done a cooking class.

Show examples from the web [+]

This is the first time I have done an interview with ear plugs in.
This is the first time I have done such a thing.
I can tell you quite honestly that this is the first time I have done so.
This is the first time I've done anything remotely misbehavioral.
Please tell me this is the first time you have done this.
This is the first time I've ever done this spell, but according to the Grimoire, the fingerprint slowly rises to the surface, and hopefully we'll know who our enemy is.
This is the first time I have stepped through that door.
This is the first time I have visited England.
But this is the first time I have seen someone do so much in just five days.
It is the first time I have seen the President intervene as you did earlier and comment on our questions and positions as you have done.
That is the first time that we have done so at European level.
This is the first time I have him somewhere he doesn't make the rules, before ajudge in a courtroom.
But this is the first time I haven't been sure you'll be back.
This is the first time I have had an offer of a date through the European Parliament plenary, or at least an invitation to a drink.
So, this is the first time I have ever borrowed anything from the Eisenhower Collection.
This is the first time I have heard people say nice things about Gil Dong.
Mr President, this is the first time I have given an oral explanation of vote, so I hope I am doing it correctly.
This is the first time I have said that to the Commission.
This is the first time I have spoken in Parliament. I am making my maiden speech, just like Mr van Hulten.
Well, I have to say this is the first time I've ever been fingerprinted on a date.

Alternatives:

This is the first time I have done that
That is the first time I have done that

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This is the first time I did that vs This is the first time I have done that