Learning how to correctly use since” and “for” is essential when talking about time in English. These two small words often cause confusion among learners, even though they are used daily in spoken and written communication. Whether you’re writing essays, speaking in conversations, or preparing for exams, understanding the difference between “since” and “for” will help improve both accuracy and fluency. The key is recognizing how each word relates to time and the structure of the sentence in which it appears.
Understanding the Use of “Since”
The word “since” is used to refer to a specific point in time. It tells us when an action or situation started and is typically used with the present perfect or present perfect continuous tense. The time reference introduced by “since” can be a date, a time, or even a particular event.
Basic Structure
Subject + has/have + past participle + since + point in time
Examples of “Since”
- She has lived in New Yorksince2015.
- I’ve been working heresinceMarch.
- We haven’t seen himsincelast summer.
- They have been friendssincechildhood.
- He has studied Englishsincehe was ten years old.
In each of these examples, “since” introduces a clear starting point. The action began at a specific time in the past and continues up to the present moment.
Time Expressions Commonly Used with “Since”
- Since yesterday
- Since Monday
- Since 9 a.m.
- Since I was a child
- Since last year
These expressions help indicate when the action began, allowing listeners or readers to understand the time frame involved.
Understanding the Use of “For”
The word “for” is used to express a duration or length of time. It describes how long something has happened or continued. Like “since,” “for” is also often used with the present perfect or present perfect continuous tense, but it emphasizes the period rather than the starting point.
Basic Structure
Subject + has/have + past participle + for + duration of time
Examples of “For”
- She has lived in New Yorkforten years.
- I’ve been working hereforsix months.
- We haven’t seen himfora long time.
- They have been friendsfordecades.
- He has studied Englishforfive years.
Each example shows a clear duration how long something has continued from a past moment up to now.
Time Expressions Commonly Used with “For”
- For two weeks
- For a long time
- For several years
- For an hour
- For the last few days
These durations give context to the action or condition, emphasizing how much time has passed.
Comparing “Since” and “For”
Though “since” and “for” are both used to talk about time, their functions are quite different. Here’s a side-by-side comparison to clarify their usage
| Use | “Since” | “For” |
|---|---|---|
| Refers to | Starting point of time | Duration or length of time |
| Used with | Specific dates, times, or events | Hours, days, years, etc. |
| Example | She has worked heresince2012. | She has worked herefor12 years. |
Knowing whether you are referring to the beginning or the duration of an action will help you decide whether to use “since” or “for.”
Using “Since” and “For” in Negative Sentences
Both “since” and “for” can also be used in negative statements to indicate that something has not happened during a particular time frame.
Examples
- I haven’t seen hersincethe meeting.
- They haven’t spokenforthree weeks.
In these sentences, the action (seeing or speaking) has not occurred from the indicated time point or over the mentioned period.
Using “Since” and “For” in Questions
You can also use these time markers when asking questions about duration or starting points.
Examples of Questions with “Since”
- How long has it beensinceyou last visited your hometown?
- Has she been heresincethe morning?
Examples of Questions with “For”
- How long have you been workingforthis company?
- Have you lived herefora long time?
These structures are commonly used in both casual and formal conversations when inquiring about past experiences or ongoing situations.
Common Mistakes with “Since” and “For”
One of the most frequent mistakes is using “since” with a period of time or “for” with a specific date. This confuses the meaning and may lead to misunderstandings.
Incorrect
- I have lived heresincefive years.
- She has worked hereforJanuary 2020.
Correct
- I have lived hereforfive years.
- She has worked heresinceJanuary 2020.
Understanding which type of time reference you are using either a point or a period helps avoid such errors.
Tips to Master “Since” and “For”
- Ask yourself Are you talking about when something started (use “since”) or how long it lasted (use “for”)?
- Use “since” with specific moments like dates or events.
- Use “for” with measurable durations like hours, days, months, or years.
- Practice by writing your own sentences using both words correctly.
The correct use of “since” and “for” in English helps make your communication clearer and more accurate, especially when discussing time. “Since” highlights when something began, while “for” tells how long it lasted. Both are essential in building proper grammar and expressing ongoing actions. Through practice and attention to detail, you’ll soon find it easy to choose between them in both writing and speech. Whether you’re learning English or refining your skills, mastering these time expressions will boost your confidence and make your language sound more natural.