For vs. Since
Knowing when to use FOR,
and when to use SINCE is important. Therefore it is useful
to look at a summary of the contrast
between FOR and SINCE.
|
FOR to mention a specific |
SINCE to mention the starting |
|
I have been a doctor for fifteen years. (duration = 15 years) |
I have been a doctor since 1992. (starting point = 1992) |
|
She has been a mother for six months. |
She has been pregnant since her first child was born. |
|
My sister has lived in Moscow for eight months. |
My sister has lived in Moscow since the beginning of March. |
! It should be remembered that
both For and Since have other meanings in
English that are not associated with time.
- This is for you.
- Is this the train for London?
- Since you asked, I’ll say yes.
- Since he didn’t study he didn’t pass the exam.
