Using Since and For


Learning Objective: At the end of the session, the students are expected to be able to differentiate since from for and use them effectively in sentences.


SINCE

Consider these examples:

I have been here ...

... since eight o'clock.

since Tuesday.

since May.

since 1989.

since January 3,1988.



Explanation

Since

is followed by the mention of a specific point in time: an hour, a day, a month, a year, etc.

Since

expresses an idea that an activity began at a specific time in the past and continues to the present.

INCORRECT EXAMPLES:

I am living here since May.

I live here since May.

I am here since May.

I lived here since May.

I was here since May.



FOR

Consider these examples:

I have been here ...

for ten minutes.

for two hours.

for five days.

for about three weeks.

for almost six months.

for many years.

for a long time.


Explanation

For

is followed by the mention of a length of time: two minutes, three hours, four days, five weeks, etc.


NOTE: If the noun ends in -s (hours, days, weeks, etc.) use for NOT since.



Exercise Proper

Instructions: Read each sentence carefully. Fill in the blank with the correct word to complete each sentence. Choose between since and for.


1. I have known Sam ___________ 1996.

2. Lisa has studied architecture __________ 2 years.

3. My brother has lived in New York __________ 10 years.

4. My husband has played golf ____________ our honeymoon.

5. They have been neighbors ___________ over twenty years.

6. My mother and I have cooked together __________ many years.

7. Jane saw a film with Kevin Costner and has been a fan of his __________ then.

8. Their children have been in the same class ___________ kindergarten.

9. They have played poker together every Friday __________ 3 years.

10. Bob has been trying to reach you ___________ last weekend.