Since vs For – What’s the difference?

The words “since” and “for” are both used to refer to time, but they are used in different contexts.

“Since”

“Since” is used when referring to the starting point of an action or event that continues up to the present.

Can you identify what specific point in time the action or event started? What date, day, time, or event? If so, use “since”.

Examples:

• “I have been living here since 2010.”
  (When did you start living there? In 2010.)
• “She has been studying since 8 AM.”
  (When did she start studying? At 8 AM.)
• “The cat has been hiding since the guests arrived.”
  (When did the cat start hiding? When the guests arrived.)
  

“For”

“For” is used to refer to the duration of time an action or event has been happening.

Can you answer the question; How long has the action taken place? How many hours, days, months, or years? If so, use “for”.

Examples:

• “I have been living there for 10 years.”
  (How long have you been living there? 10 years.)
• “She has been studying for three hours.”
  (How long has she been studying? Three hours.)
• “The cat has been hiding for 20 minutes.”
  (How long has the cat been hiding? 20 minutes.)

Test yourself with this 10-question quiz!

OK, so now you know the rules, you have seen a few examples – it’s time to test your understanding! Are you able to use “since” and “for” correctly? Take this 10-question quiz below and find out!

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