For the first time VERSUS The first time

[Tom]

Hi

Could you please tell me if all the following sentences mean the same thing?

1- When did you see her for the first time?
2- When did you see her first time?
3- When did you see her the first time?
4- When did you first see her?
5- When did you see her first?

Tom

[Yankee]

Hi Tom

Please delete sentence 2 completely. It's not grammatical.

Sentences 1 + 3 could have the same meaning, but technically only sentence 1 is correct if you mean "for the first time ever/in your life".

Sentence 3 could be referring to a situation where it is know that in a given period you saw her a number of times and it simply asks when the first of those encounters happened.
Or it might be asking what time a first appointment took place.

Sentence 4 seems to ask what was the earliest point in time that you saw her in a particular situation or at a particular place.

Sentence 5 --> I haven't decided what I think of it yet. 8)

Amy
_________________
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[Tom]

Many, many thanks, Amy.

But... :oops:

[Yankee]

That is not a quote, Tom.
The word first is not the same as the word last. 8)

Amy
_________________
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[Tom]

I am grateful, Amy.

Just last question, though I am still confused!

Do we agree on the following?

1- When did you see him last time? (Correct)
2- When did you see him first time? (Incorrect)

Tom

[Yankee]

Aha! Now I understand, Tom.

[Alan]

Hi Tom,

Following your request about: