Correct uses of since/for (practice)-1

Before attempting this exercise see since/for and Perfect continuous tense.

Q) Fill in the blanks with “since" or “for “. Answers are given below. But first attempt yourself and then only cross check the answers.

1)      Laborers have been striking---- Monday.

2)      Watchman had been sleeping -----10 am.

3)      Boys have been running ------one hour.

4)      Farmers had been working in fields ----noon.

5)      We have been waiting for one turn ----sometime.

6)      He has been appearing for the exams----2009.

7)      He has not been attending classes ----last Saturday.

8)      He had been doing job ------his father died.

9)      People have been tolerating maladministration ------ long time.

10)  Police has been chasing thief ------- many days.

11)  They have been arranging for party------morning.

12)  Students have not been practicing ---------- rain starts.

13)  They had been waiting for me ----- 10 am.

14)  Child has not been weeping -------- half an hour.

15)  We have been looking for a tenant ------ one month.

Answers

1)      Since.

2)      Since.

3)      For.

4)      Since.

5)      For.

6)      Since.

7)      Since.

8)      Since.

9)      For.

10)  For.

11)  Since.

12)  Since.

13)  Since.

14)  For.

15)  For.

For further practice see

Since/for and prefect continuous tense (Practice)-2

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)  

Future perfect continuous (practice)-2

Rules of future perfect continuous

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Q1) Translate following sentences into your mother tongue

1)      They will have been dealing in spices for ten years in March.

2)      He will not have been writing for two months by this month end.

3)      Players will have been practicing for two weeks by tomorrow.

4)      Roja will have been staying in hotel for six days by Wednesday.

5)      We shall have been writing letters to authorities for three months by Sunday.

6)      I shall have been waiting for you for one hour by 6 pm.

7)      He will have been writing an essay for two hours by 10 pm.

8)      She will have been worshipping for one hour by 7 pm.

9)      They will have been whitewashing their house for three days by tonight.

10)  We shall have been traveling for one hour by 9 pm.

11)  Gopal will have been doing business for three years by December.

12)   He will have been reading newspaper for one hour by 8 am.

13)  Children will have been playing for two hours till their father comes.

14)  They will have been cutting grass for two months when it starts raining. 

15)  Tailor will have been sewing for 3 hours by 8 pm.

Q2) write 15 sentences in future perfect continuous tense

Also see Future Perfect continuous (practice)-1

Future Perfect continuous (practice)-1

Rules of future perfect continuous

Back to starting page of tense

Q1) Translate following sentences into your mother tongue.

1)      I shall have been working in this office for five years by 2012.

2)      He will have been living here for two years by September.

3)      She will have been cooking since 2 p.m.

4)      Will he have been playing since evening?

5)      Mohan will have been studying abroad for two years by next month.

6)      Boy will have been walking since morning.

7)      Will you have been running for three hours by 9 p.m.?

8)      Farmers will have been ploughing for many hours by the afternoon?

9)      They will have been practicing for enough time before competition.

10)  Bus will have been running for three hours by 9 pm.

11)  He will have been hunting for 2 days by tonight.

12)  She will not have been dancing for three hours at lunch break.

13)  We shall have been listening to his speech for one hour by 10a.m.

14)  Teacher will not have been coming for 10 days by Saturday.

15)  Metro will have been running for two years in next January.

Q2) Write 15 sentences in future perfect continuous tense

For further practice see

Future perfect continuous (practice)-2

Past continuous (practice)-2

Rules of Past continuous tense

Back to starting page of tenses

Q1) Translate following sentences into your mother tongue

1)      Villagers were migrating to cities.

2)      Islands were submerging in the sea.

3)      Our car was passing through a bridge.

4)      Fountains were looking very beautiful.

5)      His niece was going abroad.

6)      Priest was living in the house.

7)      Many people were struggling in poverty.

8)      Flood was spreading in the whole city.

9)      Child was swinging in the cradle.

10)  Police was chasing the thief.

11)  Now we were crossing the river.

12)  Child was making fun of beggar.

13)  Principal Sir was hosting the flag.

14)  She was reciting the poem on the stage.

15)  Our team was participating in the competition.

Q2) Write 15 sentence in past continuous tense

Also see Past continuous(practice)-1

Past continuous (practice)-1

Rule of past continuous tense

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Q)Translate following sentences into your mother tongue.

1)      Children were bathing in the river.

2)       People were walking here and there.

3)      Temperature was increasing.

4)      They were not talking with each other.

5)      TVs were selling like hot cakes.

6)      I was revising my lesson.

7)      Someone was knocking at the door.

8)      Pollution is increasing rapidly in our country.

9)      Carpenter was making a beautiful table.

10)  Wasp was flying in the room.

11)  Bus was running at full speed.

12)  Gardener was watering the plants.

13)  Child was cutting teeth.

14)  Farmer was not ploughing the field.

15)  We were waiting for the bus.

Q2) write 15 sentences   in Past Continuous tense

For further practice see

past continuous practice -2

practice exercises for tenses

1)      Present Indefinite (practice )  1   |   2

2)      Present continues (practice)   1   |   2

3)      Present Perfect ( Practice )   1   |   2

4)      Present perfect continuous (Practice)   1   |   2

5)      Past Indefinite (practice )   1   |   2

6)      Past continuous ( Practice )  1  |   2 

7)      Past perfect ( Practice )  1   |   2 

8)      Past perfect continuous ( Practice )  1   |   2

9)      Future Indefinite ( Practice )  1   |   2

10)  Future continuous ( practice )   1   |   2

11) Future Perfect (practice)  1   |   2

12) Future Perfect continuous (Practice)   1   |   2

Future perfect continuous

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Future Perfect Continuous Tense

The future perfect continuous tense indicates actions that will be ongoing but not yet completed at a specified future time. This article explores its usage, rules, and sentence structures.

Key Rules:

1. Verb Form: Utilize the first form of the verb with 'ing' added.
2. Helping Verbs: Use 'shall have been' for 'I' and 'we,' and 'will have been' for all other subjects.
3. Time Indicators: Use 'since' for the time of the beginning of the action and 'for' for the duration of the action.

Sentence Structures:

1. Affirmative Sentence: Subject + shall have been / will have been + verb + object.
2. Negative Sentence: Subject + shall / will + not have been + verb + object.
3. Interrogative Sentence: Shall / will + subject + have been + verb + object?
4. Negative Interrogative Sentence: Shall / will + subject + not have been + verb + object?

Examples:

Affirmative:

1. He will have been dancing for one hour.
2. They will have been studying for the exam since morning.
3. The chef shall have been cooking the meal for three hours by dinner time.
4. The athletes will have been training for the marathon for several weeks.
5. She will have been working on the project for a month by next Monday.

Negative:

1. She will not have been sewing since morning.
2. They shall not have been practicing football for the entire day.
3. He will not have been waiting for the bus for too long.
4. The birds will not have been chirping since dawn.
5. We shall not have been traveling for more than an hour.

Interrogative:

1. Shall I have been waiting for you two hours by 10 a.m.?
2. Will they have been studying for the test all night?
3. Will she have been playing the piano for an hour by the time we arrive?
4. Shall he not have been swimming for an hour?
5. Will they have been rehearsing for the play since last week?

Negative Interrogative:

1. Will he not have been staying in the hotel for two days?
2. Shall we not have been discussing the proposal for hours?
3. Will the workers not have been constructing the building for several months?
4. Shall she not have been practicing yoga for an hour?
5. Will they not have been preparing for the competition since last month?

FAQ:

1. When do we use the future perfect continuous tense?
• We use the future perfect continuous tense to describe actions that will be ongoing over a period of time in the future, leading up to a specific point or action.
2. What are some common time indicators used with the future perfect continuous tense?
• Common time indicators include 'since' for the time of the beginning of the action and 'for' for the duration of the action.
3. Can contractions be used in the future perfect continuous tense?
• Yes, contractions like 'won't have been' (will not have been) and 'shan't have been' (shall not have been) can be used in negative sentences for informal writing or speech.

For practice see

Future perfect continuous (practice)-1

Future perfect continuous (practice)-2

Future perfect (practice) -2

Rules of future perfect

Back to starting page of tenses

 Q1) Translate following sentences into your mother tongue

1)      They will have reached their village before sunset.

2)      I shall have left the city before he wakes up.

3)      They will have reached the Jaipur in July.

4)      Winter will have killed homeless people before government takes any action.

5)      Monkey will have damaged the garden before the owner comes.

6)      He will have got the result before next Sunday.

7)      He will have recovered from his disease soon.

8)      I shall have done your work at earliest.

9)      Vendor will have sold all vegetables before evening.

10)   Thief will have escaped before anyone notice.

11)  Director will have ruined before she completes her make up.

12)  Ravana will have burnt before we reaches there.

13)  Food will have cooked before we take bath.

14)  Mother will have cleaned the house even before we wake up.

15)  Jet will have crossed him even before he notices.

Q2) write15 sentence in future perfect tense.

Also see future perfect (practice)-1

Future Perfect (practice)-1

Rules of future Perfect tense

Back to starting Page of tenses

Q1) Translate following sentences into your mother tongue.

1)      I shall have completed my project by Monday.

2)      Mother will have made food before the guests come.

3)      Exams will have finished before Holi.

4)      Construction of the building will not have completed before rain starts.

5)      He will have been spent all money before project completes.

6)      I shall have read the book tonight.

7)      Will he have finished the novel before Wednesday?

8)      Farmers will have harvested the crop before winter.

9)      Train will have left before he reaches the station.

10)  They will have reached home before rain starts.

11)  We shall have paid our dues before the last date.

12)  I shall have submitted my projects by sometimes in the next month.

13)  Will you have shifted to new house before your marriage?

14)   They will not have finished the work before deadline.

15)  Government will have issued voter cards before next election.

Q2) write 15 sentences   in future perfect tense.

For further practice see

future perfect (practice) -2