Differences between Since and For:Â
Since and for are used to describe the duration of time, and you can use them with the perfect tenses. If you have questions related to the use of perfect tenses, I suggest clicking here as I explained each English grammar tense using examples with detailed explanations to help you differentiate between all the English grammar tenses easily.
Let’s have a look at some examples to understand more about Since and for rules:
Examples:
I have been working since the morning.
I have worked for 4 hours.
When to use Since?
(Since) is used to describe or emphasize on the starting point of time.
Example:
I have been working since the morning.
Explanation: The sentence shows that I started working in the morning and continued working. But the focus is on the starting point.
Example:
They have been watching TV since 3:00 pm.
Explanation: The sentence shows that they started watching TV at 3:00 pm and continued watching.
So, this is how you need to use (since) in sentences. Your focus needs to be circulated over the starting point of time.
When to use For?
(For) is used to describe the duration of time.
Example:
I have been working for 3 hours.
Explanation: The sentence shows the number of hours I spent working but doesn’t show the starting point, it provides general information.
*You can use Since and for with the present perfect tense, present perfect continuous, future perfect, and past perfect. I explained them all here, I advise clicking on them for more simple and straightforward explanation.
How to ask questions using Since and For?
Yes/ No answers:
You need to start the question with (has/ have) as shown below:
Has/ have + subject + perfect tense + additional information + (for/since)?
Detailed answers:
You need to start with (Wh-questions) as shown below:
Wh-question + has / have+ subject + perfect tense + additional information?
Examples of Since and For:
How long has he been living here? – Detailed answer
Where has he been living? – Detailed answer
Has he been living here since a few months ago? – Yes/ no answers
So, I hope the differences between Since and For are easy to understand, please let me know if you have any questions. Also, comment below your questions, other topic ideas, etc.
Have a great day!