Correct uses of since and for

Since/for

 Using "Since/For" and Perfect Continuous Tenses Correctly

The correct usage of "since" and "for" in perfect continuous tenses is crucial for clear communication in English. Let's understand the rules governing their usage:

1. "For" Usage:
"When a period of time is specified, we use 'for.' This indicates the duration of the action without specifying the exact starting point."

Examples:

1. We have been staying in the hotel for one week.
2. He had been working here for five years.
3. They will have been studying for two hours by 6 p.m.
4. I have been reading for three hours.
5. They had been playing for a long time.

2. "Since" Usage:
"When the starting time of the action is specified, we use 'since.' This indicates the exact point in time when the action began."

Examples:

1. I have been living in Delhi since childhood.
2. They had been opposing the new rules since the beginning.
3. I have been waiting for you since Tuesday.
4. We had been winning the competition since 2008.
5. He has been teaching in our school since 2010.

3. Avoiding Common Errors: Understanding the distinctions between "since" and "for" is crucial to avoid common errors in English usage. Misinterpreting their roles can lead to confusion and ambiguity in communication.

a)    Incorrect: "I have been waiting for you since two hours."

Correct: "I have been waiting for you for two hours."

b)    Incorrect: "They have been studying for Monday."

Correct: "They have been studying since Monday."

c)      Incorrect: "She has been exercising since an hour."

 

Correct: "She has been exercising for an hour."

d)     Incorrect: "We've been living in this neighborhood since two months."

Correct: "We've been living in this neighborhood for two months."

e)      Incorrect: "He has been working on the project since a long time."

Correct: "He has been working on the project for a long time."

 

 

By adhering to these guidelines, you can effectively convey the duration or starting point of ongoing actions in English with precision and clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1)    Can "since" and "for" be used interchangeably?

No, "since" and "for" have distinct meanings and cannot be used interchangeably. "Since" indicates a specific starting point, while "for" denotes duration.

2)    Are there any common mistakes to avoid when using "since" and "for"?

Yes, some common mistakes include:

a.    Incorrect: "I have been waiting for you since two hours."

                                          i.    Correct: "I have been waiting for you for two hours."

b.    Incorrect: "They have been studying for Monday."

                                          i.    Correct: "They have been studying since Monday."

3)    Can "since" be used with future time references?

No, "since" is used to refer to a starting point in the past. It is not used with future time references.

4)    Can "for" be used with past time references?

Yes, "for" can be used with past, present, and future time references to indicate duration.

5)    Are there any exceptions to the rules for using "since" and "for"?

Generally, the rules for using "since" and "for" are straightforward. However, it's essential to remember that "since" is not used with future time references, and "for" is not used to indicate a starting point in the past.

 For practice see

Since/for and perfect continuous tense (practice-1)

Since/for and perfect continuous tense(practice -2)