Difference between 'it is a long time ago' and 'it was a long time ago'

[Torsten]

Hi,

Could you please tell me the difference between "it is a long time ago" and "it was a long time ago"?

Thanks a lot,
Torsten
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Test Of English for International Communication
TOEIC Preparation & TOEIC Vocabulary

[Alan]

Hi Torsten,

Interesting question! I think the easiest way to differentiate is to continue both sentences:

It is a long time ago now isn't it since we started this site? Suggesting looking back from then till now

It was a long time ago when we started this site. Suggesting looking back only to that time when it started.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story In touch

[Lost_Soul]

Hi, Alan

Could we also say "It's been a long time since we started this site" ?

Thanks a lot !

[Alan]

In a word yes.

A
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English as a Foreign Language
You can read my EFL story A day in the life of a driving instructor