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

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

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[YSaerTTEW443543]

TOEIC short conversations: Two friends are making arrangements to meet for a softball match[YSaerTTEW443543]

2

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

3

Hi, Alan

Could we also say “It’s been a long time since we started this site” ?

Thanks a lot !

4

In a word yes.

A