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Anonymous Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

I have/I'm having

So in short, I always jokingly correct my friend when he says things in English (we're Swedish)

And today he said the following: "I have the time of my life"

So I said it should be "I'm having...", because it feels more natural to me. I did this in a joking manner because we always joke about me correcting him on things.

Then he angrily replies you CAN say "I have the time of my life..." So now I turn to you.. surely I am correct on this one? Who has EVER said "I have the time of my life..." It doesn't work without something to give it meaning like "When I go to the ball game, I have the time of my life!"

Can someone shine a light on this? Am I right or wrong?
  

Top answer

Anonymous Am I right or wrong? You’re absolutely right.

— RandomGuy

  • Anonymous Am I right or wrong?
  • You’re absolutely right.
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3 Answers
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AnonymousAm I right or wrong?
You’re absolutely right.
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AnonymousThen he angrily replies you CAN say "I have the time of my life..."
Well, of course you CAN say that, but only, as you have already observed, when it expresses repeated or habitual good times under similar conditions, as in your example involving the ball games. You need a when-clause or an every-time-that-clause or something equivalent
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CalifJimYou need a when-clause or an every-time-that-clause or something equivalent to justify I have a good time.
(Habitual). Whenever we get together, I have a good time.
(Present situation) - I'm having the time of my life.
(Past). That was a crazy party. I had the time of my life.
(Future) That sounds like a wonderful trip you planned for
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