ESL students often find it difficult to use these words correctly.
Since is used with the present perfect tense to say when something began.
- It has been raining since morning.
- I have been waiting for his call since yesterday.
- She has been waiting for the parcel since last week.
- The child has been sleeping since 2 pm.
- I have been living in Mumbai since 2002.
- I have been running a website since 2006.
For
For is used with a present perfect tense to refer to a period of time up to now.
- It has been raining for four hours. (NOT … since four hours.)
- I have been running a website for six years.
- I have been living in Mumbai for 12 years.
- She has been waiting for the parcel for three days.
Exercise
Complete the following sentences using since or for.
1. They have known each other ………………………………. childhood.
2. She has been teaching music at the academy ……………………………… fifteen years.
3. They have been playing …………………………….. morning.
4. I haven’t seen him ……………………………… last week.
5. He has been working with us ………………………………. three years now.
Answers
1. They have known each other since childhood.
2. She has been teaching music at the academy for fifteen years.
3. They have been playing since morning.
4. I haven’t seen him since last week.
5. He has been working with us for three years now.
