Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
When counting how many times you have done something, always use the Present Perfect tense after the ordinal number.
- Use 'It is the first/second time' + Present Perfect. Example: 'It's the first time I've been here.'
- Never use the Simple Present after this phrase. Wrong: 'It's the first time I am here.'
- Use the Past Perfect if the main verb is in the past. Example: 'It was the first time I had seen it.'
Overview
It’s the first time I eat this。遗憾的是，你的英语老师听到后可能会偷偷掉眼泪。在英语中，当我们计算某件事发生了多少次时，我们要使用现在完成时（Present Perfect）。这就像是你人生经历的一个记分牌。无论是你第一次拍 VLOG，还是你第三次在游戏的某一关失败，这个句式都是你最好的朋友。它将你过去的尝试与你现在的这一刻连接起来。你可以把它看作是一种炫耀（或抱怨）你过往记录的方式。它比你想象的要常见得多，尤其是当你在 Instagram 上分享里程碑时刻时。如果你不用它，你听起来可能会像旧科幻电影里的机器人。而没人想在派对上当那个无聊的机器人。How This Grammar Works
It is the first time 时，你是在为一次计数搭建舞台。英语逻辑认为，因为这种体验在“现在”依然是真实的，所以你需要现在完成时。你不仅仅是在谈论过去；你是在谈论直到这一秒为止你人生的总次数。如果你使用一般现在时（Simple Present），听起来就像是一种永久的习惯，这会让人困惑。如果你使用一般过去时（Simple Past），听起来就像这件事与现在完全脱节。通过使用 have 或 has，你表明了这种“计数”仍然是活跃的。这就像 Snapchat 上的“连胜”（streak）；它的意义在于之前发生了什么以及现在正在发生什么。记住：序数词（first, second, third）是触发词。一旦你说了它，你的大脑就应该自动切换到“现在完成时”模式。这有点像一种条件反射，就像手机振动时你会去查看一样。
Formation Pattern
It is the...（或 It's the...）。
first, second, third, tenth，甚至是 only 或 last。
time 这个词（这至关重要！）。
I, you, we, she, they 等。
have 或 has。
seen, been, eaten, tried, clicked。
It is the [序数词] time + [主语] + [have/has] + [过去分词]
It's the first time + I + have + used + this app.
that 这个词（It's the first time *that* I've...），大多数人都会这么做。这让你听起来不那么像教科书，而更像一个活生生的人。但千万不要省掉 have！那是把整个三明治粘在一起的胶水。没有它，你的三明治就只是地板上的一堆食材。
When To Use It
- 新体验：
It's the first time I've been to London.非常适合作为旅游 VLOG 的开场白。 - 重复的错误：
It's the third time you've forgotten your password.当你对自己大脑感到沮丧时使用这个。 - 社交媒体文案：
First time I've ever dyed my hair blue!这为帖子增添了一层重要性。 - 技术问题：
It's the second time the Wi-Fi has cut out during my Zoom call.在我们这个远程办公的世界里非常有共鸣。 - 独特事件：
It's the only time I've seen her cry.这强调了这个时刻是多么罕见。
It's the second time I've managed a project like this 听起来比 I did this twice 专业得多。它表明你意识到自己不断增长的专业知识。这就像在游戏中升级并承认你的经验值一样。
Common Mistakes
It's the first time I am here. (✗) 对母语人士来说，这听起来非常“陌生”。你必须说：It's the first time I've been here. (✓)。It's the first time I went there. (✗)。虽然一些美国人在非常随意的演讲中可能会这样说，但从技术上讲这是不正确的，而且听起来可能有点草率。he/she/it 的 has 上的 's'。 It's the first time she have called. (✗) - she *has* called! (✓)。It's the first time，不要说 It's the one time...。数字和序数词是不同的！It's the 5,000th time I've breathed today. (✗)。虽然在技术上是正确的，但你可能会失去所有的朋友。把它留给真正重要或值得注意的事情吧。Contrast With Similar Patterns
I have been to Paris. （一般经历，未提及特定的“计数”）。It's the second time I've been to Paris. （具体关注顺序）。This is the first time vs That was the first time 怎么样？is，请使用现在完成时：It's the first time I've seen this.was，你必须转到过去完成时：It was the first time I had seen this.is + have。如果你在讲三年前去日本旅行的故事，请使用 was + had。这就像在自行车上换挡；你需要为正确的山坡使用正确的档位。否则，你只是无缘无故地流汗。Quick FAQ
ever 吗？It's the first time I've ever eaten sushi 使其听起来更具戏剧性和令人兴奋。last 吗？It's the last time I've ever helped him （虽然我们通常对未来的意图说 It's the last time I'm helping him，但完成时适用于回顾最终事件）。I've, you've, he's, it's。母语人士几乎总是使用它们。如果你说 It is the first time I have...，你听起来就像要发表一个非常漫长而无聊的演讲。many times 或 several times，但这样模式会略有改变：I've been here many times. 你通常不会说 It's the many times I've been here. 在这个特定的结构中，请坚持使用特定的数字或 only/last。It's the first time I haven't finished my homework. 听起来有点正式，但确实有效！Present Perfect Structure with Ordinals
| Introductory Phrase | Subject | Auxiliary (Have/Has) | Past Participle | Rest of Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
It's the first time
|
I
|
have
|
seen
|
this.
|
|
It's the second time
|
you
|
have
|
been
|
here.
|
|
It's the third time
|
he
|
has
|
called
|
me.
|
|
It's the fourth time
|
she
|
has
|
lost
|
it.
|
|
It's the fifth time
|
it
|
has
|
rained
|
today.
|
|
It's the sixth time
|
we
|
have
|
met
|
them.
|
|
It's the seventh time
|
they
|
have
|
tried
|
this.
|
Common Contractions
| Full Form | Contracted Form | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
|
It is the first time
|
It's the first time
|
Most common in speech
|
|
I have seen
|
I've seen
|
Standard informal/neutral
|
|
He has been
|
He's been
|
Standard informal/neutral
|
|
It was the first time
|
It was the first time
|
No contraction for 'was'
|
|
I had seen
|
I'd seen
|
Standard for Past Perfect
|
Meanings
A specific construction used to indicate the frequency or order of an experience within a person's lifetime or a specific period.
Current Experience
Describing an event happening right now as a numbered occurrence in your life.
“It's the first time I've ever eaten sushi.”
“This is the second time she has lost her keys this week.”
Past Experience
Describing a past event as a numbered occurrence relative to that specific time in the past.
“It was the first time I had ever felt so nervous.”
“That was the second time they had met.”
Emphasis with 'Ever'
Using 'ever' to add emphasis to the uniqueness or rarity of the experience.
“It's the first time I've ever seen a whale.”
“This is the third time I've ever had to do this.”
Reference Table
| 经验类型 | 句型结构 | 例句 | 含义 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
人生初体验
|
`It's the first time + (that) + S + 现在完成时`
|
`It's the first time I've tried durian.`
|
“在此刻之前，我从未吃过榴莲。”
|
|
第二次发生
|
`It's the second time + (that) + S + 现在完成时`
|
`This is the second time she's seen a Broadway show.`
|
“在这次之前，她看过一次百老汇演出。”
|
|
多次重复
|
`It's the Nth time + (that) + S + 现在完成时`
|
`It's the tenth time they've flown on this airline.`
|
“在此之前，他们已经坐过九次这家航空公司的飞机了。”
|
|
强调当下感受
|
`It's the Xth time + (that) + S + 现在完成时`
|
`It's the first time I've felt this calm all week.`
|
“这周直到现在，我才第一次感到这么平静。”
|
|
正式场合
|
`This is the first time + (that) + S + 现在完成时`
|
`This is the first time I have submitted a formal complaint.`
|
“这是我第一次提交正式投诉。”
|
|
非正式/口语
|
`It's the first time + (that) + S + 现在完成时`
|
`It's the first time I've actually aced a test!`
|
“我以前考试从来没拿过满分！”
|
正式程度
This marks the first occasion on which I have visited this establishment. (Dining out)
It's the first time I've been to this restaurant. (Dining out)
First time I've ever been here! (Dining out)
Never been here before, man. (Dining out)
记录你的经历次数
核心组成部分
- 'It's / This is' 引导短语
- 'the' 定冠词（至关重要！）
- 序数词 first, second, third...
- 'time' 次数指示词
- 现在完成时 have/has + past participle
常见用途
- 人生初体验 新鲜感，新奇
- 重复的动作 某事发生的累积次数
- 强调当前时刻 与现在的联系
- 人生故事 分享个人历史
别混淆
- 一般过去时 用于单一、过去、已完成的事件
- 'X times' 一般频率，非特定某次
- 将来时 用于未来的计划
'It's the Nth Time' 对比 'X Times'
如何选择 'It's the Nth time I've...'
你是在谈论直到现在为止某事发生了几次吗？
这是一个特定的、有编号的实例（第一、第二、第三等）吗？
该动作是否已完成或正在进行，并与现在相连？
何时使用 'It's the Nth Time'
第一次
- • 第一次尝试某种食物
- • 第一次访问某个国家
- • 第一次看到某种现象
重复的喜悦
- • 第二次看最喜欢的电影
- • 第三次读心爱的书
- • 第四次听某张专辑
重复的烦恼
- • 第五次丢钥匙
- • 第二次错过公交车
- • 第三次朋友迟到
里程碑
- • 第十次跑马拉松
- • 第一次获得晋升
- • 第三次达成目标
按水平分级的例句
This is my first time here.
This is my first time here.
It is my first time in London.
It is my first time in London.
Is it your first time?
Is it your first time?
This is the first time for me.
This is the first time for me.
It's the first time I have been to this shop.
It's the first time I have been to this shop.
This is the second time she has called.
This is the second time she has called.
It is the third time he has lost his pen.
It is the third time he has lost his pen.
Is this the first time you have seen this movie?
Is this the first time you have seen this movie?
It's the first time I've ever driven a car.
It's the first time I've ever driven a car.
This is the second time that I've had to tell you to be quiet.
This is the second time that I've had to tell you to be quiet.
It's the third time he's failed the test this year.
It's the third time he's failed the test this year.
Is it the first time you've stayed in a five-star hotel?
Is it the first time you've stayed in a five-star hotel?
It was the first time I'd ever seen such a beautiful sunset.
It was the first time I'd ever seen such a beautiful sunset.
That was the third time they had broken up that month.
That was the third time they had broken up that month.
This is the only time I have ever felt truly understood.
This is the only time I have ever felt truly understood.
It wasn't the first time he'd been late for a meeting.
It wasn't the first time he'd been late for a meeting.
This marks the first time that the two nations have signed a peace treaty.
This marks the first time that the two nations have signed a peace treaty.
It was the first time that the theory had been put to a rigorous test.
It was the first time that the theory had been put to a rigorous test.
This is the fourth time this week that the system has crashed unexpectedly.
This is the fourth time this week that the system has crashed unexpectedly.
Rarely is it the first time that a genius has been recognized in their own era.
Rarely is it the first time that a genius has been recognized in their own era.
Should this be the first time you have encountered such a clause, please seek legal counsel.
Should this be the first time you have encountered such a clause, please seek legal counsel.
It was the first time that the protagonist had been forced to confront his own mortality.
It was the first time that the protagonist had been forced to confront his own mortality.
This is by no means the first time that the public has been misled by such rhetoric.
This is by no means the first time that the public has been misled by such rhetoric.
The 1920s represented the first time that women had been granted the right to vote in many countries.
The 1920s represented the first time that women had been granted the right to vote in many countries.
容易混淆
Learners often use Simple Past because the event feels finished.
Learners try to mix the two structures.
Using 'once' to mean 'the first time'.
常见错误
It is first time I see this.
It is the first time I have seen this.
This is my one time here.
This is my first time here.
It's the first time I am here.
It's the first time I've been here.
It is the first time for see him.
It is the first time I have seen him.
It's the second time I'm calling you.
It's the second time I've called you.
This is the third time he has lose his keys.
This is the third time he has lost his keys.
It's the first time I have went there.
It's the first time I have been there.
It was the first time I have seen it.
It was the first time I had seen it.
It's the first time I've ever saw him.
It's the first time I've ever seen him.
Is it the first time you are visiting?
Is it the first time you have visited?
This is the first time that he would have seen it.
This is the first time that he has seen it.
It's the first time I've ever been being here.
It's the first time I've ever been here.
That marks the first time she has had been invited.
That marks the first time she has been invited.
句型
It's the first time I've ever ___.
This is the second time ___ has ___ this week.
It was the first time they had ever ___.
Is it the first time you've ___?
Real World Usage
It's the first time I've been to the Eiffel Tower!
This is the second time I've had to call about my internet connection.
First time I've ever tried blue hair! What do you think?
This is the third time I have applied for a position at this firm.
It's the first time I've felt this way about someone.
Is this the first time you've experienced this pain?
永远记得加 'the'
现在完成时是关键
用 'ever' 来加强语气
分享你的“第一次”
'That' 是可以省略的
Smart Tips
Stop! Change 'am' to 'have been'.
If you start with 'It was', you must use 'had'.
Add 'ever' right before the past participle.
Treat 'the only time' exactly like 'the first time'.
发音
Stress on Ordinals
In the phrase 'It's the first time,' the word 'first' (or second, third) usually receives the primary sentence stress to emphasize the order.
Contraction Reduction
The 've' in 'I've' or 's' in 'he's' is often very short and almost disappears in fast speech.
Rising-Falling on Ordinal
It's the ↗FIRST↘ time...
Conveys surprise or significance of the event.
记住它
记忆技巧
First time? Perfect time! (Always use the Perfect tense for the first time).
视觉联想
Imagine a timeline of your life. Every time you do something new, you put a gold star on the timeline. The 'Present Perfect' is the string connecting your current star back to the beginning of the line.
Rhyme
When it's the first or second time, Present Perfect makes it rhyme!
Story
Imagine a traveler named Tim. Every time Tim enters a new country, he says, 'It's the first time I've been here!' He uses 'have been' because he's carrying his passport (his past) with him into the new country (the present).
Word Web
挑战
Look around your room. Find three things you are doing for the 'first time' today (e.g., 'It's the first time I've opened this book today') and say them out loud.
文化笔记
British speakers are very strict about using the Present Perfect with 'first time'. Using the Simple Past ('It's the first time I went') sounds much more 'wrong' to a British ear than to some American ears.
While the Present Perfect is the standard, in very casual American speech, you might occasionally hear the Simple Past ('It's the first time I saw that'), though it is still technically incorrect in formal grammar.
Using 'This marks the first time...' is a common way to start press releases or formal announcements in English-speaking corporate environments.
The use of the perfect aspect with ordinals developed as English moved away from using the simple present for all 'state' descriptions in the Middle English period.
对话开场白
Is this the first time you've used an app to learn English?
Tell me about the first time you've ever traveled alone.
How many times have you seen your favorite movie?
Is it the first time you've eaten spicy food?
日记主题
常见错误
Test Yourself
It's the first time I ___ sushi.
Find and fix the mistake:
This is second time I've seen that movie.
选择正确的句子：
Score: /3
练习题
8 exercisesIt's the first time I ___ (see) such a big dog!
Find and fix the mistake:
It is the second time I am visiting London.
Select the correct option:
time / the / it's / I've / third / called / him
1. It's the first time... | 2. It was the first time... | 3. This is the only time...
A: Do you like this pizza? B: Yes! ___.
You can use the Simple Present after 'It's the first time' if the action is happening right now.
What is the correct sentence?
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesIt's the fifth time she ___ her keys this week!
I think it's the first time I ever feel so tired.
哪句话是正确的？
翻译：'这是我第一次看到北极光。'
将这些单词连成句子：
匹配短语：
I can't believe it; this is my ___ time trying to bake this cake!
It was the first time I have visited New York.
哪句话是正确的？
翻译：'这是我第二次和经理谈话。'
将这些单词连成句子：
匹配场景：
Score: /12
常见问题 (8)
Yes, but only if you follow it with a noun or prepositional phrase (e.g., 'This is my first time in Japan'). If you want to use a verb, you must use the 'It's the first time I have...' structure.
In English, the Simple Present is for habits or general truths. A 'first time' is an experience that connects your past to now, which is the specific function of the Present Perfect.
No, 'that' is optional. 'It's the first time I've been here' and 'It's the first time that I've been here' are both correct, though the version without 'that' is more common in speech.
For the future, we usually use the Future Perfect: 'By next week, it will be the third time I have visited him.' However, this is quite advanced and less common.
Adding 'ever' is very common in spoken English because it adds emphasis to the newness of the experience.
Yes! 'This is the last time I have helped you!' (though 'This is the last time I am helping you' is also used for future intent).
Usually 'been' is used if you are currently at the place. 'Gone' is used if you are talking about the trip as a completed action.
The most common mistake is using the Simple Past: 'It's the first time I saw it.' Remember, if the first part is 'It IS', the second part must be 'have/has'.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Es la primera vez que [presente]
English uses perfect aspect; Spanish uses present tense.
C'est la première fois que [présent]
French logic is 'it is happening now'; English logic is 'it has happened until now'.
Es ist das erste Mal, dass [Präsens]
German uses simple present.
...no wa hajimete desu
Japanese uses a noun-based construction ('the coming is the first time').
هذه هي المرة الأولى التي [present]
Arabic does not use a perfective aspect here.
这是我第一次 [verb]
Chinese relies on word order and particles rather than verb aspect.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Learn These First
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