Difference Between Since and For

For non-native learners, learning the nuances and subtleties of the English language can take time and effort. Using "since" and "for" is one frequent cause of misunderstanding. Even though both terms are used to discuss time, their usage and potential meanings vary. This article will examine the distinctions between "since" and "for" and offer examples to help make sense of their usage.

Since and For Definition

Let's describe "since" and "for" first before discussing how they are used and how they differ:

• The conjunction "since" denotes the beginning of existence. When something happened in the past and is still accurate in the present, it is said to have occurred.
• The word "for" denotes a period. It designates a period that has already passed or will soon pass.

Using Since

A starting point in time is indicated by the word "since," which has several distinct meanings. The word "since" is frequently used as follows:

• To refer to a particular period: "I've been living here since 2010."
• To demonstrate a cause-and-effect connection: "I've lost 10 pounds since I started working out regularly."

Using "since" correctly is crucial to avoid ambiguity when indicating a specific starting place. Here are some pointers on how to use "since" in this context:

• Use "since" to refer to a particular point in time, such as a date, event, or moment.
• If an action or circumstance began at a particular point in the past and is still ongoing in the present, use "since" with the present perfect tense to make that clear.
• Using "since" without mentioning a specific event might not be obvious what starting point you're referring to.

Examples

1. Since 2010, I have called this place home.
2. Since kindergarten, we have been close pals.
3. Since the new CEO's hiring, the business has employed her.

Since Instances

Here are some instances of the word "since" being used in various contexts:

• Cause and Effect: "Since I stopped smoking, my health has significantly improved."
• Expressing Consent or Acknowledgment: "Let's work together to achieve it since we all want the same result."
• Referring to a Current Issue: According to the time reference, I've been employed by this business since 2015.
• Providing a Justification or Reasoning: "Since it's already late, we should probably head home now."

Below is an elaborated version:

1. Describing a Cause-and-Effect Connection

Since it is frequently used to convey a cause-and-effect connection, here are some pointers for phrasing this with "since":

• "Since" introduces a cause or reason for a deed or circumstance.
• "Since" should be used after a clause that describes the source or motivation.
• If you use the word "since" without elaborating on the connection, it may not be obvious why the two occurrences are related. Be clear about the relationship between cause and Effect.

Examples

1. I'll bring an umbrella since it's pouring.
2. I decided to take a walk since I finished my work early.
3. We had to reschedule our vacation since we missed our flight.

2. Expressing Consent or Acknowledgment

• To indicate agreement: "Since we're all on board, let's carry out the plan."
• To describe a persistent condition: I've been fatigued since I woke up this morning.

Since it can also be used to express agreement or recognition, here are some pointers for phrasing this with "since":

• To acknowledge or concur with a remark made, use "since".
• If you agree with the speaker's viewpoint or opinion, use the word "since" to express your agreement.
• Be clear about the conversation's context before using the word "since," as doing so can make it difficult to understand what you recognize or agree with.

Examples

1. "I believe the event should be canceled since it's poor weather."
2. "I concur with you since it's supposed to rain all day."
3. "Since I also have trouble eating spicy food, I can see where you're coming from."
4. "I think that's a good idea since I had a bad experience with traffic last time."

3. Referring to a Current Issue

Since it can also be used to describe an ongoing circumstance, here are some pointers for phrasing this with "since":

• To show that a current event began at a particular point in the past and is still occurring in the present, use "since" with the present perfect tense.
• If you want to talk about something that has been going on since the past and is still going on today, you should use the word "since."
• If you use "since" without mentioning how long the situation has been going on, it may not be obvious how long it has been going on.

Examples

1. English is a subject I've studied since I was young.
2. She started working on this endeavor since a year ago.
3. Since their marriage ten years ago, they have resided in this home.

4. Providing a Justification or Reasoning

Since it can also be used to give a justification or explanation, here are some pointers for phrasing this with "since":

• Since it introduces a reason or justification for a circumstance or occurrence.
• Use "since" after a sentence that gives the justification or justifications.
• If you use "since" without elaborating on the relationship, it may be difficult to understand how the circumstance or event relates to the reason or explanation.

Examples

1. I can't come to lunch with you since I have an appointment at 2 o'clock.
2. I am unable to consume this dish since I have a peanut allergy.
3. The stores are shuttered today since it is a holiday.

Using For

The preposition "for" designates a period. It can be applied in a variety of ways, including:

• To say something has been going on for a while: "I have been waiting for an hour."
• To indicate a period that will occur in the future: "I have two weeks off planned."

Indicating a particular period.

The word "for" is frequently used to denote a period. Here are some pointers on how to use "for" in this manner:

• The word "for" can be used to denote how long a situation or action continued.
• With a time phrase like "one hour," "three days," or "a month," use "for."
• If you use "for" without mentioning the beginning or conclusion of the duration, it may be difficult to understand what you are referring to.

Examples

1. For the past two hours, I have been waiting for you.
2. For two weeks, they will be on holiday.
3. She has spent five years for learning.

For Instances

Here are some instances of the word "for" being used in various contexts:

• Describe a task's intent: "I have been studying for three hours."
• Regularity: "I spend an hour at the gym every day."
• The act of exchanging something for another: "I traded my car for a motorcycle."

Below is an elaborated version

1. Describe a Task's intent

Eg: "I'm studying for my exam."

2. Regularity

The phrase "I work out at the gym for an hour every day" denotes a regular event.

3. The Act of Exchanging Something for Another

Eg: "I traded my bike for a skateboard."

Note: Be aware that the preposition "for" frequently precedes a duration, such as "an hour," "a week," or "five years."

The Distinction Between Since and For

Although "since" and "for" are used to discuss duration, their usage and meanings are distinct. The main variations between the two are as follows:

1. Starting Point Versus Duration

"Since" designates a particular moment, whereas "for" designates a period.

2. Time Reference

"Since" is frequently used to denote a specific point in the past, whereas "for" typically denotes a period that begins in the past and goes into the present or future.

3. Cause-and-Effect Versus Purpose

"Since" is frequently used to denote a cause-and-effect connection, whereas "for" is frequently used to denote an action's goal.

4. Occurrence Versus Agreement

In contrast to "for," which is frequently used to denote the frequency of occurrence, "since" can convey agreement or introduce a reason.

5. Particular Versus General

"For" can refer to a general period, and "since" is typically used to refer to a particular occurrence or situation.

The Significance of Properly Using Since and For

To communicate in English clearly and effectively, you must use the words "since" and "for" properly. Confusion and misunderstandings can result from the improper use of these terms. For example, using "since" to show the duration of time instead of a starting point can make it unclear when an event started. It may not be obvious how long an event has occurred if the word "for" denotes the beginning rather than the end of something.

Examples of Common Mistakes in Using Since and For

Here are some examples of common mistakes in using since and for:

1. Confusing the Meanings

One common mistake is using since and for interchangeably. Since refers to a specific point in time while for refers to a period. For example, "I've been waiting since 3 pm" instead of "I've been waiting for 3 hours."

2. Incorrect Preposition

Another mistake is using the wrong preposition. For example, saying "I've been studying since two hours" instead of "I've been studying for two hours."

3. Incorrect Verb Tense

Another mistake is using the wrong verb tense. For example, saying "I've been knowing her since last year" instead of "I've known her since last year."

4. Missing Verb

A common mistake is omitting the main verb after since or for. For example, saying "Since last week, raining a lot" instead of "Since last week, it has been raining a lot."

5. Using Since and For Together

Another mistake is using since and for together in the same sentence. For example, saying, "I've been waiting since for 3 hours" instead of "I've been waiting for 3 hours."

6. Using Since and For with the Wrong Time Reference

Another mistake is using since or for with the wrong time reference. For example, saying "I've been living in this city for 2020" instead of "I've been living in this city since 2020."

To avoid these common mistakes, it is important to understand the correct usage of since and for and practice using them in different contexts.

Using Since and For in Different Verb Tenses

Here are some examples of using since and for in different verb tenses:

1. Present Perfect

In the present perfect tense, we use since or forto describe actions or events that started in the past and continue up to the present.

Examples

1. I have been studying English for five years.
2. She has been working at the company since 2010.

2. Past Simple

In the simple past tense, we use since or for to describe actions or events that started and ended in the past.

Examples

1. I studied Spanish for two years in high school.
2. They have been married since 2005.

3. Present Continuous

In the present continuous tense, we use since or for to describe actions or events that started in the past and are still ongoing.

Examples

1. I have been living in this city for six months.
2. He has been studying math since last year.

4. Past Continuous

In the past continuous tense, we use since or for to describe actions or events that were ongoing in the past.

Examples

1. They had been working on the project for two weeks when it was canceled.
2. I had been waiting for the bus since 2 pm.
3. The correct usage of since and for depends on the verb tense and the sentence context.

It's important to practice using these prepositions with different verb tenses to improve your understanding and fluency in English.

Common Idiomatic Expressions with Since and For

Here are some common idiomatic expressions with since and for:

1. Since Day One

This expression means from the beginning of something. For example: "She has been working hard since day one of her new job."

2. For the Time Being

This expression means for now or temporarily. For example: "I'm staying with my parents for the time being until I find a new place to live."

3. Since Time Immemorial

This expression means since the beginning of time or a long time ago. For example: "The tradition of celebrating the harvest festival has been around since time immemorial."

4. For Good

This expression means permanently or for a long time. For example: "He decided to quit smoking for good after years of trying to quit."

5. Since Ages/For Ages

These expressions mean for a very long time. For example: "I haven't seen my best friend since ages" or "We've been waiting for ages for the train to arrive."

6. Since the Dawn of Time

This expression means since the beginning of history. For example: "The debate about the meaning of life has been going on since the dawn of time."

7. For a Rainy Day

This expression means to save something for a future time of need. For example: "I'm saving this money for a rainy day."

8. Since You Ask

This expression means since you brought up the topic. For example: "Since you ask, I think we should postpone the meeting until next week."

Overall, idiomatic expressions with since and for are common in English and can add richness and variety to your language use. Understanding and using these expressions correctly can also help improve your fluency and communication skills.