Use for with a period of time you can count, such as for five years or for a long time, and since with the exact starting point, such as since 2018 or since Monday. Both describe duration from the past to the present with the present perfect tense.
Grammar Rule
For indicates a period of time; since indicates the exact starting point.
For and Since: Rules and Examples
| Word | Used for | Example |
|---|---|---|
| for | a period of time (countable) | I have lived here for five years. We have known each other for a long time. |
| since | an exact starting point | She has worked here since 2018. He has been sick since Monday. |
Remember: if you can count the time, use for; if you can point to a moment on the calendar, use since.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below choosing correctly between for and since. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
Present Perfect Simple – For and Since
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between for and since?
For is followed by a period of time that can be counted, such as for five years, while since is followed by the exact starting point, such as since 2018.
Can for and since both be used with the present perfect?
Yes, both are common with the present perfect to describe duration from a past point up to now, as in I have lived here for five years or since 2015.
What kind of words follow since?
Since is followed by a specific point in time, such as a year, a day of the week, or an event, as in since Monday or since I moved here.
How can you check if you should use for or since?
Ask if the expression names a length of time, which needs for, or a fixed starting point, which needs since.