FOR vs SINCE - Present Perfect

FOR (duration)

We use FOR to talk about a period of time (how long something lasts).

• for two hours
• for three days
• for six months
• for many years
• for a long time
• for ages

Examples:

• I've lived here for five years.
• She's been studying for two hours.
• They've known each other for a long time.

SINCE (starting point)

We use SINCE to talk about a point in time when something started.

• since 9 o'clock
• since Monday
• since January
• since 2020
• since I was a child
• since last week

Examples:

• I've lived here since 2018.
• She's been studying since 3 PM.
• They've known each other since college.

Quick Tip

FOR answers the question: "How long?"

SINCE answers the question: "Since when?"

Remember: We use SINCE with a specific point in time, and FOR with a period of time.

Common Mistakes

Avoid these common errors:

• ❌ I've been here since two hours.
• ✅ I've been here for two hours.
• ❌ She's worked here for 2020.
• ✅ She's worked here since 2020.