Usage of "Since" and "For"
"Since" and "For" are both used to talk about time, but they have different meanings and usage rules.
1. Understanding "Since"
"Since" is used to refer to a specific point in time when something started and is still continuing.
Usage Rules for "Since":
Used with a specific starting point (e.g., a date, year, or event).
Often used with the present perfect or present perfect continuous tense to show an action that started in the past and continues now.
Examples of "Since":
I have lived here since 2010. (Starting point: 2010)
She has been waiting since morning. (Starting point: morning)
We have known each other since childhood. (Starting point: childhood)
2. Understanding "For"
"For" is used to refer to a length or duration of time rather than a specific starting point.
Usage Rules for "For":
Used with a period of time (e.g., hours, days, months, years).
Can be used with past, present, and future tenses.
Examples of "For":
I have lived here for 10 years. (Duration: 10 years)
She has been waiting for three hours. (Duration: three hours)
We stayed in Paris for a week. (Duration: a week)
3. Key Differences Between "Since" and "For"
"Since" is used for a starting point, while "For" is used for a duration.
Example: I have been here since Monday. (Starting point: Monday)
Example: I have been here for three days. (Duration: three days)
"Since" is only used with perfect tenses, but "For" can be used with any tense.
Example (Present Perfect): She has lived here since 2015.
Example (Past Simple): She lived here for five years.
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