Since or For? English Grammar

17th September 2017

Last week, we looked at the difference between the past simple and present perfect tense. This week, it is time to go a bit further and learn when to use since and for.

We use both since and for to say how long something has been happening:

• I have been waiting for you since 8 o’clock.
• I have been waiting for you for two hours.

We use since to say when the action started (8 o’ clock)

We use for to say how long is the period of time ( 2 hours)

Test your knowledge.

• Sara has been in Cardiff ______ Monday.
• Sara has been in Cardiff ________ 2 weeks.
• I have studied English ______ I was a child.
• I have studied English _____ 10 years.
• I am at school. I have been here ____ 8 o’clock.
• I am at school. I have been here _____ 2 hours.

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