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For and Since

The document summarizes the differences between using "for" and "since" when referring to periods of time. "For" is used with a period to indicate something happening from the start of that period to the end. "Since" is used with a point in time to refer to something happening from that point until now. "For" can be used with all tenses, while "since" is normally used with perfect tenses to discuss events that began in the past and continue in the present.

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41 views2 pages

For and Since

The document summarizes the differences between using "for" and "since" when referring to periods of time. "For" is used with a period to indicate something happening from the start of that period to the end. "Since" is used with a point in time to refer to something happening from that point until now. "For" can be used with all tenses, while "since" is normally used with perfect tenses to discuss events that began in the past and continue in the present.

Uploaded by

Anonymous 8AHCMsPu
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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We often use "For" and "Since" when talking about time.

For + period (5 minutes, 2 weeks, 6 years). For means 'from the beginning of the
period until the end of the period.'
Since + point (9 o'clock, 1st January, Monday). Since means 'from the point in the past
until now.'
for
a period
(from start to end)
>|||||||||||||<

since
a point
(up to now)
X======>

All tenses

Perfect tenses

for...
20 minutes
three days
6 months
4 years
2 centuries
a long time
ever
etc

since...
9am
Monday
January
1997
1500
I left school
the beginning of time
etc

For can be used with all tenses. Here are a few examples:

They study for two hours every day.

They are studying for three hours today.

He has lived in Bangkok for a long time.

He has been living in Bangkok for three months.

I worked at that bank for five years.

Will the universe continue for ever?

For is not used with 'all day'/'all the time' etc.

I was there all day. (not 'for all day')

Since is normally used with perfect tenses:

He has been here since 9am.

He has been working since he arrived.

I had lived in New York since my childhood.

Since can also be used in the structure 'It is (period) since...':

Tip

It is a year since I saw her.

How long is it since you got married?

Both "For" and "Since" also have different meanings,


with no reference to time. Here are some examples:
This is for you.
Is this the train for London?
Since you ask, I'll say yes.

1. Steve hasn't worked

he left school.

2. He's been the boss

one year.

3. A: Andrea is ill. B:

when?

4. Oliver's been here

10.30am.

5. It's been independent

the beginning of the century.

Complete these sentences in the Present perfect simple.


1 (live) John

lived in New York.

2 (not/eat) The children

their dinner.

3 (you/finish)
4 (be) Anthony
5 (I/not/see/John)

your homework?
here.
.

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