Mastering 'Since' and 'For': When to Use These Tricky Time Prepositions

 

As you journey through the labyrinth of English grammar, you'll undoubtedly encounter some elusive twists and turns. Two such roadblocks are the time prepositions 'since' and 'for'. These seemingly simple words can leave even advanced English learners and non-native speakers baffled. But fret not, dear readers, for we are about to unravel the mysteries of 'since' and 'for' with wit, clarity, and real-world examples.

1. The Basics: What Are 'Since' and 'For'?

Before we dive into the depths of usage, let's understand what 'since' and 'for' represent in the English language.

'Since' typically denotes a specific point in time when an action began. It's all about pinpointing the starting moment. For example: "I've been studying English since 9 o'clock."

'For', on the other hand, indicates the duration of an action. It answers the question, "How long?" For example: "I've been studying English for two hours."

2. Since: Zeroing in on the Starting Point

Let's break down the nuances of 'since':

Use 'since' when:

Referring to a particular starting point in the past.

"I've known her since 2005."

Identifying the inception of an action.

"She has been working at the hospital since last month."

Pointing to an exact time or date.

"They've been married since June 2nd, 2020."

3. For: Measuring Duration

Now, let's untangle the intricacies of 'for':

Use 'for' when:

Expressing the duration of an action, event, or state.

"He's lived in London for five years."

Specifying a length of time.

"They've been on vacation for two weeks."

Indicating how long something has been happening.

"I've been learning French for a while."

4. Real-World Examples to Clarify the Confusion

In the world of language learning, real-world examples are your compass. Here are a few scenarios to illuminate the differences:

Scenario 1: Booking a Restaurant

Imagine you're booking a table at a fancy restaurant. You say, "I'd like a table for two for 7 p.m." Here, 'for' is used to denote the duration you intend to occupy the table.

Scenario 2: Meeting an Old Friend

You meet an old friend, and the conversation goes like this: "It's been ages since we last met!" In this case, 'since' is employed to indicate the specific point in the past when you last met.

Scenario 3: Learning a Musical Instrument

Your friend asks how long you've been learning the piano. You answer, "I've been learning the piano for three years." 'For' quantifies the duration of your piano-learning journey.

Scenario 4: Tracking Your Progress

Suppose you're monitoring your progress in learning a new language. You say, "I've been practising daily since the beginning of the year." Here, 'since' marks the exact starting point of your daily practise.

5. The Tricky Twist: Present Perfect Tense

One common area where 'since' and 'for' often lead to befuddlement is the Present Perfect Tense. To demystify this, consider the following:

'Since' is typically used with the Present Perfect Tense to specify the starting point of an action. For example: "I have known her since 2005."

'For' is utilized with the Present Perfect Tense to indicate the duration of an action. For example: "I have lived in this city for three years."

6. Parting Thoughts: 'Since' and 'For'—Mastered!

Armed with clarity on 'since' and 'for', you can navigate the twists and turns of English grammar with confidence. These prepositions are essential tools in expressing time-related information, and their proper use elevates your language skills.

So, the next time you find yourself musing over whether to use 'since' or 'for,' recall our real-world examples. Your English fluency will thank you for the practise, and the world of time prepositions will be your oyster.

Happy learning, and may your English language journey be a 'since'-re pleasure!

Note: For English Language Teaching practitioners, these insights can be invaluable in guiding your students through the labyrinth of English grammar. Help them unlock the secrets of 'since' and 'for' to enhance their language skills.

 For more information go to All About English.