Langeek
Leitner
Word List
Profile
HomeVocabularyGrammarPronunciationAppDictionary

For vs. Since

forprepositions of timesince

Both 'for' and 'since' are used to talk about how long an action continues. In this lesson, we will learn their uses and differences.

"For" vs. "Since" in the English grammar

What Is Their Main Difference?

The main difference between 'since' and 'for' is that 'since' refers to a specific duration of time, and 'for' shows a particular moment in time.

Talking about Time

'Since' and 'for' are both used to talk about time:

  • 'Since' is used to refer to actions and events that occur from a starting point in time then to now.

I have been living in Chile since 2018.

  • 'For' is used to talk about actions and events that occurred during a particular period of time.

I have been living in Chile for 3 years.

Giving Reasons

'Since' can be used to explain the reason behind certain actions or events. Have a look:

I'm insecure since I was bullied as a kid.

I have to stay over time since I need more money.

Expressing Purpose and Favor

We can use 'for' to indicate the function and purpose of something. It can also be used to show that something is done to the benefit of someone or something else. For example:

He bought the tools for his new car.

She borrowed money for her books.

With Tenses

I have been studying since two hours ago.

  • When using 'for,' we can use all tenses with the main verb.

I will study for two hours.

Are They Interchangeable?

'For' and 'since' cannot be used interchangeably unless they are used as conjunctions to talk about reasons and purposes. I this case 'for' is considered outdated and is only used in literary contexts. Have a look:

I called my sister for I have missed her.

I called my sister since I have missed her.

Comments

Loading recaptcha
  • linkedin
  • linkedin
  • facebook
  • facebook
  • email

You might also like

To vs. For

'To' and 'for' are prepositions that may confuse learners. In this lesson, we will learn their uses and differences.

To vs. Toward

We use prepositions of movement like 'to' and 'toward' to talk about directions and motions. In this lesson we will learn their uses and differences.

To or Too Much

When we want to say that something is more than necessary we use 'to much' or is it 'too much'?

To or For Someone

Is it 'to someone' or is it 'for someone?' In this lesson, we will learn when and how to use each of them.

For vs. Because

'For' and 'because' can be used as conjunctions but what are their differences? In this lesson, we will learn their uses and differences.

For vs. During

We use 'for' and 'during' to indicate time but there are differences between them. In this lesson, we will learn their uses and differences.

download langeek app for free