In this video, you will find how to use For and Since correctly:
Focus on the difference between FOR and SINCE
Knowing when to use FOR and when to use SINCE is important.
FOR is used to mention a specific period (or duration) of time.
SINCE is used to mention the starting point of a period of time that continues to now.
Look at the examples below:
He has been a doctor for 10 years.
He has been a doctor since 2010.
I have lived in Rome for a year.
I have lived in Rome since last June.
For is used to describe a period in time from beginning to end
It can be used with all tenses as you can see in the examples below:
Mary goes to sewing class for three hours every Monday. (present simple)
They are studying for two hours today. (present continuous)
He has lived in Milan for a long time. (present perfect)
He has been living in Paris for three months. (present perfect continuous)
Remember to use FOR before:
– Period of Time
– Number
– Time word (minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years)
Since is used to describe a point in time till now
It is normally used with perfect tenses.
For example:
He has been here since 9 am. (present perfect)
He has been working upstairs since he arrived. (present perfect continuous)
I have lived in New York since my childhood. (present perfect)
It has been raining since Tuesday. (present perfect continuous)
Remember to use SINCE before:
– A starting point
– A time
– A date
Save this carousel about For and Since in English for later!
Exercises about Since and For:
Exercise 1: Choose between for and since
Exercise 2: Since or for in a sentence
Exercise 3: Place the time indication under since or for
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