Grammar Lesson: Differences Between "Since" and "For"

Introduction

• This lesson covers the differences between "since" and "for" in English grammar.
• Examples provided to illustrate the use of both terms in sentences.

Using "Since"

• Definition: "Since" is used to indicate a specific point in time when an action started.
• Examples:
  • "I've been teaching English since 2011."
  • "She hasn't eaten anything since morning."
  • "You haven't talked to me since I came back."
  • Other specific time references include:
    • Since 8 o'clock, 4 o'clock, etc.
    • Since Monday, Tuesday, etc.
    • Since 2020, 2008, etc.
    • Since I came back, she immigrated to Canada, etc.

Using "For"

• Definition: "For" is used to indicate the duration of time an action has been occurring.
• Examples:
  • "I've been teaching English for 10 years."
  • "She hasn't eaten anything for 8 hours."
  • "I've known her for ages."
  • "You haven't talked to me for 4 hours."
• Common Collocations:
  • For ages, for centuries, for decades
  • For minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years

Practice Exercises

• Fill in the Blanks:
  1. They've been living in Madrid since 1972.
  2. He has been in prison for years.
  3. He has known about the fact for a long time.
  4. Conditions have changed a lot since we were children.
  5. Our teacher has been very ill since the last month.

Conclusion

• Understanding the difference between "since" and "for" is crucial for indicating time accurately in English.
• Both terms are used frequently in everyday conversation and writing.

Note: Make sure to practice using "since" and "for" in various sentences to reinforce understanding. Use collocations like "for ages" to enhance conversational English.

[End of Lesson]