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Debpriya De Posted 15 years ago
Grammar
When was the last time
1. When was the first time you had scored a goal ?
2. When was the last time you scored a goal ?
Why is it that we use "prefect" aspect while talking about the "first time" as in sentence #1, whereas we can use "simple" aspect for the "last time" ?
2. When was the last time you scored a goal ?
Why is it that we use "prefect" aspect while talking about the "first time" as in sentence #1, whereas we can use "simple" aspect for the "last time" ?
Top answer
Why is it that we use "perfect" aspect while talking about the "first time" -- We don't. I see no call for the past perfect in #1 as the context stands.
- Why is it that we use "perfect" aspect while talking about the "first time" -- We don't.
- I see no call for the past perfect in #1 as the context stands.
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7 Answers
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Why is it that we use "perfect" aspect while talking about the "first time" -- We don't. I see no call for the past perfect in #1 as the context stands.
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Debpriya DeWhy is it that we use "prefect" aspect while talking about the "first time" as in sentence #1, whereas we can use "simple" aspect for the "last time" ?But we don't. You can have "first time you scored a goal" and "last time you scored a goal". I'm not aware of any grammar rule that hinges on the use of "first" or "last".
CJ
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But we say "This is the first time I have scored a goal" or "That was the first time I had scored a goal ,don't we ?
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No, we don't, I repeat. We don't use the past perfect unless a more recent past event appears in the context.
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What about the progressive aspect ? Are the following sentences correct :
1. This is the first/second time I am speaking in front of an audience.
2. That was the first time I was speaking in front of an audience.
1. This is the first/second time I am speaking in front of an audience.
2. That was the first time I was speaking in front of an audience.
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Debpriya DeBut we say "This is the first time I have scored a goal" or "That was the first time I had scored a goal ,don't we ?In the right context you can use these. In the case of "had scored" you need to establish a past point of view first, perhaps with a sentence or two in the past tense about the game and your attempts to score a goal.
CJ
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Debpriya De That was the first time I was speaking in front of an audience.
I do believe it should be: That was the first time I spoke in front of an audience. =]
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