The Difference between Since and For - English grammar with exercises

When we give a time reference there are various words we use such as at, on, in, and also for and since. These last two can be a little confusing for learners because they are similar and are often translated in the same way. Let’s have a look at each one and see when it’s best to use them.

Since

We use ‘since’ in front of a finished point in time in the past. For example:

since June

since 10:30

since last Tuesday

We normally use ‘since’ with the present perfect to describe an action or situation that began in the past and continues in the present.

For example:

We’ve been married since 1995.

I’ve worked here since 2008.

She’s lived in New York since 2014.

They’ve been here since 4pm.

You’ve had that cold since last month!

He’s taken part in four conference calls since 9:30.

We can also use ‘since’ with a past action (which is similar to referring to a finished time). In this case it is often preceded by ‘ever’. For example:

They’ve argued ever since they came back from their honeymoon.

Since I met Astrid I’ve tried to learn German.

It’s been ages since we went to the sea on holiday.

You’ve been complaining ever since you arrived!

He’s had a car since he started working.

It hasn’t rained since we reopened the school.

For

We use ‘for’ with a period of time. For example:

for two years

for eight hours

for a long time

We can also use ‘for’ with the present perfect to describe an action that started in the past and continues in the present.

For example:

We’ve been married for 22 years.

I’ve had this car for three months.

She’s worked there for ten years.

They’ve lived here for 40 years.

He’s played with that toy for hours.

It hasn’t snowed for years.

But we can also use ‘for’ with other verb tenses. For example:

We’re staying in the mountains for 10 days. (present continuous)

She lived in Japan for three years. (simple past)

I’ll be at reception for a few minutes. (simple future)

They normally study for an hour then have a break. (present simple)

In December we’ll have been married for 25 years! (future perfect)

Now you’ve read about the difference between ‘since’ and ‘for’, try writing some personal examples using each one. For example, describe how long you’ve lived at your present address, or how long you’ve worked/studied at your present company or school. By writing these examples you’ll reinforce what you’ve learnt and you’ll be able to use these words much more easily in conversation.