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Master English Grammar

Since vs. For in Present Perfect

Learn the difference between since and for in the present perfect tense. Understand how to correctly say I have lived here since 2010 vs. I have lived here for 10 years.

What Are 'Since' and 'For'?

In the present perfect tense, 'since' is used with a specific point in time (e.g., since 2010), while 'for' is used with a duration (e.g., for 10 years).

Why Is This Important?

Using 'since' and 'for' correctly helps you express how long something has been happening in the present perfect tense.

Key Points

  • Use 'since' with a specific point in time
    • I have lived here since 2010.
    • She has worked at the company since last year.
  • Use 'for' with a duration
    • I have lived here for 10 years.
    • She has worked at the company for three months.
  • Both are used in the present perfect tense
    • We have known each other since childhood.
    • We have known each other for 20 years.

Rules for Using 'Since' and 'For' in Present Perfect

  • Use 'since' with a specific point in time

    • I have lived here since 2010.
    • She has worked at the company since last year.
    • They have been friends since high school.

  • Use 'for' with a duration

    • I have lived here for 10 years.
    • She has worked at the company for three months.
    • They have been friends for many years.

  • Both 'since' and 'for' require the present perfect tense

    • We have known each other since childhood.
    • We have known each other for 20 years.
    • She has studied English since 2015.

  • Special Cases & Exceptions:

    When using 'since', you must use a specific time, not a duration.

  • Do not use 'since' with a duration.

    • Incorrect: I have lived here since 10 years.
    • Correct: I have lived here for 10 years.

  • Do not use 'for' with a specific time.

    • Incorrect: She has worked here for last year.
    • Correct: She has worked here since last year.
ExampleTenseUse
I have lived here since 2010.Present Perfect'Since' with a specific time
I have lived here for 10 years.Present Perfect'For' with a duration
She has worked here since last year.Present Perfect'Since' with a specific time
She has worked here for three months.Present Perfect'For' with a duration

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with the creators of these videos. These are publicly available resources used to provide additional information on the topic.