Present perfect

Question

Can anyone tell me which one is correct and why.This is the first time I am eating pizza.This is the first time I have eaten pizza.

LetMeCheckThat · Accepted Answer

The second is correct. There's not a strong technical reason why the first is incorrect, but the second is idiomatic (which basically just means that the second is correct because that's how people say it!)

Everlastinghope · Answer

LetMeCheckThatThe second is correct. There's not a strong technical reason why the first is incorrect, but the second is idiomatic (which basically just means that the second is correct because that's how people say it!)

Hi,I just wanna understand more.Isn't that the present perfect used for an action which started in the past and still continuing in present or has a result in present ?,so If it were me,I would choose the first one because :

The first sentence means that only now I'm eating it (not before)

OR I think the second one might be correct if you mean that herefore I haven't eaten it,only in the moment of speaking.

Am I right,if not,could you explain more ?

LetMeCheckThat · Answer

You're right that the present perfect is used for past events that have a present result. But English speakers also use it whenever we talk about our experiences. When you say what experiences you have or haven't done, use the present perfect. (As you can see, I even use present perfect when I'm trying to explain this!)

Here's a little more explanation of the perfect aspect: http://www.phrasemix.com/language-terms/perfect-aspect-have-done.html

Everlastinghope · Answer

Yeah,I understand.Thanks for the link and for the explanation.

Present perfect

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions