For vs. Since: What's the Difference?
Understanding the distinction between for and since is key to expressing durations of time accurately. For is used to denote the length of time an action has been occurring, regardless of the start time. In contrast, since is specifically used to indicate the point in time from which the action started. Both terms are pivotal for expressing time frames but are applied in different scenarios.
How do you use the word for in a sentence?
The word for is used when we want to specify the duration of an action or event. It is not tied to a specific start time but tells us how long something has been happening. For can be used with all tenses and typically answers the question of 'how long?'
Examples of for in a sentence
- She has been studying for three hours.
- They traveled for weeks to reach their destination.
- I have been living in this city for over a decade.
How do you use the word since in a sentence?
The word since is specifically used to reference the start point of an action or event that continues into the present. It often follows a perfect or perfect continuous tense verb and is typically used when the focus is on the continuation from a certain time rather than the duration.
Examples of since in a sentence
- He has been working at the company since 2005.
- Since the start of winter, the nights have been very cold.
- I haven't seen her since last year.
For and since definition, parts of speech, and pronunciation
For definition:
Used to indicate the duration of time that something has been happening. It can also imply the purpose of an action.
For parts of speech:
For pronunciation:
For is pronounced as /fɔːr/ in British English and /fɔr/ in American English.
Since definition:
Indicates the point in time when an action or event began and continues into the present. It may also mean 'because' or 'given that' when used as a conjunction.
Since parts of speech:
Since pronunciation:
Since is pronounced as /sɪns/ in both British and American English.
Used to indicate the duration of time that something has been happening. It can also imply the purpose of an action.
For parts of speech:
- For as a preposition: I will be on vacation for a month.
- For as a conjunction (although less common): They were grateful for what little they had.
For pronunciation:
For is pronounced as /fɔːr/ in British English and /fɔr/ in American English.
Since definition:
Indicates the point in time when an action or event began and continues into the present. It may also mean 'because' or 'given that' when used as a conjunction.
Since parts of speech:
- Since as a preposition: She has changed a lot since childhood.
- Since as a conjunction: Since it's raining, we must postpone the picnic.
Since pronunciation:
Since is pronounced as /sɪns/ in both British and American English.
For vs. since in a nutshell
To summarize, use for when discussing the length of time a situation lasts, without a specific start point. Since is your go-to term for specifying the beginning of a continuous action or event. While for could stand for a period that extends into the past or future, since anchors an occurrence to a particular moment and carries it through to the present. Understanding these nuances ensures precise communication and mastery over expressions of time.
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