For vs. Since

This time, we're gonna analyze two confusing grammatical prepositions. These two are widely used among native speakers.

What Is Their Main Difference?

'For' and 'since' have the same parts of speech. They are both prepositions, subordinating conjunctions, and adverbs. However, 'for' refers to a period of time. It can be in the past, in the present, or in the future. 'Since', though, indicates a particular point in the past continuing to the present moment.

Differences

As stated above, 'for', basically shows the duration of something. It can be in the past, in the present, or in the future. Look at the examples below:

I've been a ballet teach for 9 years.

When Mark went into his room, he cried for a few minutes and then went to sleep.

'Since', on the other hand, signifies a particular point in time and continues to the present moment. Let us take a look at the examples below:

You have tolerated his abusive behavior since the first day?

Since the beginning of time, humans have always known self-destruction.

Similarities

As stated above, they both have the same parts of speech. They are prepositions, subordinating conjunctions, and adverbs. Check out the following examples:

I used to work at a museum for years.

Here, 'for' is a preposition.

I cannot think of anything right now for I've got a lot going on my mind.

Here, 'for' is a subordinating conjunction.

Most people voted for.

In this examples, 'for' is an adverb.

Now, let us analyse the different functions of 'since':

Since my mother left me, I've been living in peace.

Here, 'since' is a subordinating conjunction.

The couple have been arguing since yesterday.

Here, 'since' is a preposition.

We met this week, and we've been having fun with each other ever since.

Here, 'since' is an adverb.

Are They Interchangeable?

Although they have the same grammatical functions, they cannot be used interchangeably. Compare:

✓ I've been dealing with these emotions for years now.

X I've been dealing with these emotions since years now.

As you can see, this sentence is grammatically incorrect.

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