B2–C1 · GFA · GFA002

It was the first time + subject + had + past participle

Explanation

A reusable frame from “Time and aspect”. Compare how English and German express time and aspect. Practise reusable constructions with Russian translations.

Structure

EN · EnglishIt was the first time + subject + had + past participle

DE · GermanEs war das erste Mal, dass + subject + ... + past verb

Anchor phrase

RU · Translation

Тогда я впервые выступал на сцене.

EN · English

It was the first time I had spoken on stage.

DE · German

Es war das erste Mal, dass ich auf einer Bühne sprach.

Try variations2 · more examples

RU · Translation
Тогда она впервые руководила командой.
EN · English
It was the first time she had managed a team.
DE · German
Es war das erste Mal, dass sie ein Team leitete.
RU · Translation
Тогда мы впервые встретились лично.
EN · English
It was the first time we had met in person.
DE · German
Es war das erste Mal, dass wir uns persönlich trafen.

Pattern graph

Continue with nearby patterns

GFA019Subject + had already + past participle + by the time + past clauseGFA GFA001This is the first time + subject + have/has + past participleGFA GFA004By the time + subject + present simple, subject + will have + past participleGFA GFA008Subject + was/were to + infinitive + later-time expressionGFA

03Try variations2 · more examples

Continue with nearby patterns

Try variations2 · more examples