For & Since for Time
We often use for and since when talking about
time.
for + period
A period is a duration of time, for example: 5 minutes, 2
weeks, 6 years. For means "from the beginning of the period until
the end of the period." For can be used with all tenses.
since + point
A point is a precise moment in time, for example: 9
o'clock, 1st January, Monday. Since means "from a point in the
past until now." Since is normally used with perfect tenses.
for
a period
(from start to end)
>===< |
since
a point
(up to now)
·===>| |
| 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 Paris 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...":
- It is a year since I saw her.
- How long is it since you got married?
| EnglishClub.com Tip |
| 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.
- Since he didn't study he
didn't pass the exam.
|
|
Now check your understanding
>> |
