FOR vs. SINCE

In this article, we will explore the differences between “for” and “since.” These words are commonly used to talk about time, but they have different uses. Let’s learn how to use them correctly and confidently.

Understanding “For” and “Since”

Definition and Usage

• For: Used to indicate a period of time (e.g., for two hours, for three days).
• Since: Used to indicate the starting point of a period of time (e.g., since 2010, since last week).

Pronunciation Variations

• For: /fɔːr/ or /fər/
• Since: /sɪns/

Using “For”

Explanation with Examples

“For” is used to talk about the duration of an action or event. It tells us how long something has been happening or will happen.

Examples:

• I have lived here for five years.
• She has been studying English for two hours.
• They will stay in the city for a week.
• He has been waiting for a long time.
• We talked for three hours last night.
• They worked on the project for six months.

“For” can be used in various tenses:

• Present Perfect: I have lived here for five years.
• Past Simple: She stayed in Paris for two weeks.
• Future: They will stay in the hotel for one night.

Common Mistakes

• Incorrect: I have lived here for 2010.
  • Correct: I have lived here since 2010.
• Incorrect: She has been studying English for last week.
  • Correct: She has been studying English since last week.
• Incorrect: They stayed in the city since a week.
  • Correct: They stayed in the city for a week.

Using “Since”

Explanation with Examples

“Since” is used to indicate when something started and is still continuing. It tells us the starting point of an action or event.

Examples:

• I have lived here since 2010.
• She has been studying English since 8 AM.
• They have been friends since childhood.
• He has been working here since January.
• We have known each other since last summer.
• They have been married since 2015.

“Since” is often used with the present perfect tense to show that an action or state began in the past and continues into the present:

• Present Perfect: I have lived here since 2010.
• Present Perfect Continuous: She has been studying since 8 AM.

Common Mistakes

• Incorrect: I have been here since two hours.
  • Correct: I have been here for two hours.
• Incorrect: She has been awake since three days.
  • Correct: She has been awake for three days.
• Incorrect: He has known her since a long time.
  • Correct: He has known her for a long time.

Summary Charts

For

Since

Differences Between “For” and “Since”

To understand the differences between “for” and “since,” remember:

• For is used to talk about the duration of an action.
  • Example: I have been studying for three hours.
• Since is used to talk about the starting point of an action.
  • Example: I have been studying since 9 AM.

For answers the question “How long?” while since answers the question “When?” Knowing which question you are answering will help you choose the correct word.

Real-Life Examples

• For:
  • I have been reading this book for two weeks.
  • He has been playing the guitar for five years.
  • We have been traveling for three months.
  • She has worked at the company for ten years.
  • They will be on vacation for two weeks.
• Since:
  • I have been reading this book since last Monday.
  • He has been playing the guitar since he was a child.
  • We have been traveling since January.
  • She has worked at the company since 2010.
  • They have been on vacation since the beginning of the month.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use “for” with specific dates? A: No, use “since” with specific dates. Example: I have been here since January 1st.

Q: Can I use “since” with durations? A: No, use “for” with durations. Example: I have been here for three hours.

Q: What’s the difference between “for” and “since”? A: “For” is used for durations, while “since” is used for starting points.

Q: Can “for” be used in past tense? A: Yes, “for” can be used in past, present, and future tenses. Example: She stayed in Paris for two weeks.

Q: Is “since” always used with the present perfect tense? A: “Since” is often used with the present perfect tense, but it can also be used with the past perfect tense in certain contexts. Example: She had been working there since 2005 before she moved to a new job.

Q: Can “for” and “since” be used in the same sentence? A: Yes, you can use both in the same sentence to provide more detail. Example: I have lived here for five years, since 2018.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

• Using “for” with specific starting points:
  • Incorrect: I have been here for January 1st.
  • Correct: I have been here since January 1st.

• Using “since” with durations:
  • Incorrect: I have been here since three hours.
  • Correct: I have been here for three hours.

• Confusing the two:
  • Remember, “for” answers “how long” and “since” answers “when.”

• Confusing “for” with “in”:
  • Incorrect: I finished the project for two hours.
  • Correct: I finished the project in two hours.

• Confusing “since” with “from”:
  • Incorrect: I have been working here from 2015.
  • Correct: I have been working here since 2015.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between “for” and “since” is crucial for talking about time in English. Remember, “for” is used with periods of time, and “since” is used with starting points. Practice using them correctly, and soon it will become second nature.

For & Since Quiz

Test your understanding of “for” and “since” with these tricky questions. Choose the correct word to complete each sentence.

1. I have been studying English ___ 2019.
   • a) for
   • b) since
2. She has lived in New York ___ ten years.
   • a) for
   • b) since
3. They have been friends ___ they were kids.
   • a) for
   • b) since
4. We have been waiting ___ an hour.
   • a) for
   • b) since
5. He has been a teacher ___ twenty years.
   • a) for
   • b) since
6. I have known her ___ last summer.
   • a) for
   • b) since
7. She has been working here ___ two months.
   • a) for
   • b) since
8. He has been awake ___ 6 AM.
   • a) for
   • b) since
9. They have been married ___ 2010.
   • a) for
   • b) since
10. We have been in this meeting ___ three hours.
    • a) for
    • b) since

Quiz Answers

1. I have been studying English since 2019.
2. She has lived in New York for ten years.
3. They have been friends since they were kids.
4. We have been waiting for an hour.
5. He has been a teacher for twenty years.
6. I have known her since last summer.
7. She has been working here for two months.
8. He has been awake since 6 AM.
9. They have been married since 2010.
10. We have been in this meeting for three hours.