even for her

[keannu]

Source : Self Practice

It was the first time for her to see a whale`s tail from such a close distance. It was a little bit scary, but it was such a wonderful experience of nature. The whale which astonished them rapidly swam to a dolphin and played together with it. The guide told her that it was the first time even for her to watch a whale swimming with a dolphin, which is a very rare case. They were so lucky to watch such a scene.

Does "even for her" work?

 

[Yankee]

It took me a couple of reads to understand who the "hers" were. Yes,"even for her" works when the reader/listener understands that the "her" refers to the guide (not the passenger/tourist) who would have similar but not as dramatic experiences as a guide.

 

[Tarheel]

The guide would surely have known what kind of whale it was. (There are several kinds.)

 

[keannu]

I think the underlined sounds awkward, so correct it into two forms. If they are wrong, please correct me.

It was the first time for her to see a whale`s tail from such a close distance

1.It was the first time for her to see a whale`s tail so closely.
2.It was the first time for her to see a whale`s tail so close-up.

 

[emsr2d2]

I don't find the underlined part particularly awkward, although I would use "at such close proximity". It's the opening of the sentence that is awkward for me. I don't like "It was the first time for her to see ..." at all. I'd use "It was the first time she had seen ...".

 

[Tarheel]

Perhaps:

It was the first time for her to see a whale's tail so close. It was a bit scary, but it was a wonderful experience. The whale then rapidly swam towards a dolphin. The guide said it was the first time she had seen that. They were lucky to see it.

 

[Tarheel]

Look up the word anthropomorphism.

 

[keannu]

I don't find the underlined part particularly awkward, although I would use "at such close proximity". It's the opening of the sentence that is awkward for me. I don't like "It was the first time for her to see ..." at all. I'd use "It was the first time she had seen ...".

Why makes you think this part is not natural? It's a very common phrase used in many cases.

It was the first time for her to see a whale`s tail from such a close distance.

 

[emsr2d2]

It's not used in BrE. That idea is expressed by "It was the first time she had seen ...", as I indicated in my last post.

 

[jutfrank]

I'm having trouble following this thread. Are we all talking now about the phrase even for her or from such a close distance?

It's not used in BrE.

What isn't? even for her?

 

[Tarheel]

After reading Ems's comment I want to revise my suggestion. Perhaps:

It was the first time she had seen a whale's tail so close. It was a bit scary, but it was a wonderful experience. The whale then rapidly swam towards a dolphin and "played" with it. The guide said it was the first time she had seen that. They were lucky to see it.

:up: