For is used for

The English time adverbs ‘for’ and ‘since’ are often confused, as they principally mean the same thing – but cannot be used exactly in the same way. There is an important distinction: If the statement includes a period of time or a time span (for example, ‘for three weeks’), ‘for’ needs to be used, whereas a point in time (for example, ‘since seven o’clock’) requires the use of ‘since’.

Compare the following cases in detail:

1. Make use of ‘for’ if time periods are expressed:
   • First, for better understanding of time spans or periods (in this case from past to present) take a look at the graphical representation (timeline):
   • Examples of using ‘for’ in sentences:
     • “I have known him forthree years.”
     • “She has been waiting fora long time.”
     • “We have been standing here for30 minutes.”
2. However, ‘since’ is utilized if points in time are mentioned:
   • Consider the illustration for clarification what a point in time in the past means:
   • Examples of using ‘since’ in sentences:
     • “I have been working here since5 o’clock.”
     • “She has been very generou
       since and for use in tense exercises
       since and for use in tense worksheet