Are the rules for "1st time/2nd time/last time I have done" the same?

Question

I'm confused about a particular grammar concept. I know it's grammatically correct to say:

(1) This is the first time I have done volunteer work.

Is the "rule" the same for "the second time and the last time" as shown below?

(2) This is the second time I have done volunteer work.

(3) The is the last time I have done volunteer work.

Some of my non-native English speaking friends say that the rules for all of them are the same. However, my other friends say that they've different tenses used for "2nd and last time". The correct tense for (2) and (3) above is the simple present, "I do volunteer work."

I have heard that too. What is your opinion about the correct tense for (2) and (3) above? Thank you very much for your help.

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

ansonguy
I know it's grammatically correct to say:
(1) This is the first time I have done volunteer work.

Yes.

ansonguyIs the "rule" the same for "the second time and the last time" as shown below?

It's OK for the numbered times (second, third, fourth, etc.), and for 'only time' too, but not for 'last'.

Before you start doing that work for the last time:

This is the last time I'll be doing volunteer work. (simple present with future continuous)
OR
This will be the last time I do volunteer work. (future with simple present)

After you have finished doing that work for the last time:

That was the last time I did volunteer work. (simple past)

CJ

Are the rules for "1st time/2nd time/last time I have done" the same?

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