Since vs For: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
Since" is used to indicate a starting point, while "for" is used to specify a duration.
Memory Tip: since = start point, for = duration
since ends with /s/, for ends with /r/
since /sɪns/
prepositionFrom a specific time in the past until now or used to explain why something happened.
Example:
I have lived in this city since 2015.
Common patterns:
since + a time
since + a reason
for /fɔr/
prepositionUsed to indicate the purpose or recipient of something.
Example:
I have lived in this city for three years.
Common patterns:
for + noun
for + verb-ing
Common Mistakes
I have been living here since five years.
I have been living here for five years.
The word 'for' is used to specify the duration of time spent living here.
She has been working at the company for 2010.
She has been working at the company since 2010.
The word 'since' is used to indicate the starting point of when she began working at the company.
Quick Practice
0/2 correct1. I have lived in this city ____ 2015.
2. I have lived in this city ____ three years.
Other Confusing Words
Never confuse since / for again
Practice confusing word pairs with your daily goal in the Vocab5000 app and learn them for good with a scientifically proven repetition system. Start for free now.
