Difference Between For and Since in Time
| Expression | Used For | Example |
|---|---|---|
| for | Period or duration of time | He has lived here for five years. |
| since | Point or starting moment in time | He has lived here since 2019. |
Core Rules for For and Since for Time
The prepositions "for" and "since" show time in English, but are used differently. "For" tells us the length or period of time, while "since" points to the time when something began. Both often appear in the present perfect or present perfect continuous tense.
- Use "for" with a period (minutes, hours, years, days, months, a long time).
- Use "since" with a fixed point in time (Monday, 4 PM, 2005, last week).
- Both help describe actions or states continuing up to now.
- "For" fits past, present, or future; "since" is used when the action starts in the past and continues.
Difference Between For and Since in Time
Use "for" to show the amount of time something happens (duration). Use "since" to show when something started (starting point). For is for periods; since is for points in time.
| Word | Use With | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| for | Period of time (duration) | She has been waiting for two hours. |
| since | Point in time (when it started) | She has been waiting since 10 AM. |
| for | Days, months, years, weeks | They lived in Delhi for ten years. |
| since | Dates, times, events, exact points | They lived in Delhi since 2012. |
Examples and Practice Exercises
Practicing with sentences helps you use for and since correctly in all situations. Try filling in the blanks and check your answers to build confidence for exams and writing.
- I have known him _______ five years. (for)
- She has been in the library _______ 2 o'clock. (since)
- They have studied _______ a long time. (for)
- She has worked here _______ March. (since)
- He has been feeling ill _______ Monday. (since)
Check: Use "for" when expressing the entire length; use "since" when focusing on when it started.
Common Mistakes with For and Since
- Incorrect: I have been living here since ten years.
Correct: I have been living here for ten years. - Incorrect: He has studied for 2018.
Correct: He has studied since 2018. - Incorrect: She has worked here for last week.
Correct: She has worked here since last week. - Incorrect: We've known each other since ages.
Correct: We've known each other for ages.
Remember: "Since" never goes with durations, and "for" never goes with fixed times or dates.
Quick Reference Timeline: For vs. Since in English
A simple way to remember: Use "for" when you talk about "how long"; use "since" when you talk about "when it began."
| Type | Timeline | Example |
|---|---|---|
| for | Start → (length of time) → End/Now | for six months, for an hour, for years |
| since | Start Point (date/time) → ... → Now | since morning, since last year, since 2015 |
Mini Quiz: For or Since?
- We have lived here _______ 2009. (since)
- I haven't seen her _______ three days. (for)
- The shop has been closed _______ Friday. (since)
- She’s been a teacher _______ ten years. (for)
- He has slept _______ eight hours. (for)
At Vedantu, we make English grammar easy with step-by-step rules and clear examples. Learning the correct use of for and since for time helps you avoid mistakes in writing, speaking, and exams. These rules help you talk about duration and starting points with confidence. For more help, check Vedantu’s grammar topic pages and worksheets.
To understand more about prepositions of time, explore Prepositions of Time and Tenses on Vedantu. Practice will make you fluent and accurate in English.
Summary: “For and since for time” are important for building strong English sentences. Use “for” with durations and “since” with start points. This difference helps you express time correctly in schoolwork, conversation, and exams, and prevents common grammar errors.
FAQs on For vs Since in English Grammar: Rules & Examples
1. What is the difference between "for" and "since" for time in English?
The prepositions for and since both relate to time, but they indicate different aspects. For indicates a duration of time—how long something lasted. Since indicates a point in time—when something began and continues to the present. Think of for as measuring a period and since as marking a starting point.
2. When should I use "since" instead of "for"?
Use "since" when referring to a specific point in the past from which an action or state has continued up to the present. This point could be a time (e.g., 2 PM, Monday), a date (e.g., January 1st, 2020), or an event (e.g., my birthday, the accident). Since is commonly used with perfect tenses (present perfect, past perfect).
3. Can "since" be used with durations like "10 years"?
No, "since" cannot be used with durations of time. It requires a specific point in time, not a period. The correct phrasing is "for 10 years." Using "since 10 years" is grammatically incorrect.
4. Is it correct to say "for January 2021" or "since January 2021"?
It's more accurate to say "since January 2021." "For January 2021" implies a duration within the month, whereas "since January 2021" indicates the starting point of a period continuing to the present.
5. Which tenses use "for" and "since"?
Both "for" and "since" are frequently used with perfect tenses (present perfect and past perfect) to describe actions that started in the past and continue to the present or have finished. However, "for" can also be used with other tenses to describe durations of time.
6. Why can't I use "since" with periods of time? What is the error in "since five minutes"?
"Since" refers to a specific point in time, marking the beginning of a period. "Five minutes" is a duration, not a point. The correct way to express this is "for five minutes." The phrase "since five minutes" is grammatically incorrect because it attempts to combine a point-in-time preposition with a duration.
7. How do native speakers intuitively choose between "for," "since," and "from"?
Native speakers differentiate these prepositions based on context. They use "since" for a specific starting point, "for" for duration, and "from" often to indicate origin or a starting point within a larger timeframe (e.g., "From Monday to Friday," but "since Monday" implying the duration continues).
8. Can "for" and "since" ever be used with the simple past tense?
While less common, "for" and "since" can be used with the simple past tense, but the focus shifts slightly. It describes a completed action within a specified duration ("for") or period starting from a specified point ("since"). Perfect tenses are generally preferred for ongoing actions.
9. What are some non-obvious "for/since" errors to avoid in academic writing?
In academic writing, avoid vague durations with "since" (e.g., "since a long time"). Be precise; use specific dates or points in time. Similarly, avoid confusing "for" with "during" or "throughout"; use "for" only for durations.
10. How do examiners typically frame fill-in-the-blank questions about "for" and "since"?
Examiners often use sentences with context clues to assess understanding. These might involve a timeline, a description of an action's duration or starting point, and a blank to fill with either "for" or "since." The surrounding words will indicate which preposition is appropriate.
11. Are there dialect or regional differences in how "for" and "since" are used?
While the core grammatical rules remain consistent, slight variations in usage might occur across dialects. However, these differences are minor and won't affect understanding in formal writing or standard English.
