For vs. Since

Attribute	For	Since
Usage	Used to indicate a duration of time.	Used to indicate a starting point in time.
Time Frame	Specifies the duration of an action or event.	Specifies the starting point of an action or event.
Present Perfect	Used with present perfect tense.	Used with present perfect tense.
Duration	Indicates the length of time an action or event has been happening.	Indicates the starting point of an action or event that continues until the present.
Examples	I have been studying for two hours.	I have known her since 2010.

Introduction

When it comes to expressing duration or time-related information, two commonly used prepositions in English are "for" and "since." While both prepositions are used to indicate a specific time frame, they have distinct attributes and are used in different contexts. In this article, we will explore the similarities and differences between "for" and "since" to gain a better understanding of their usage.

Usage of "For"

The preposition "for" is primarily used to express the duration of an action or event. It is followed by a period of time, such as minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, or years. "For" is used to indicate how long something has been happening or will continue to happen. For example:

• I have been studying for three hours.
• She will be on vacation for two weeks.
• They have been living in that house for ten years.

As seen in the examples, "for" is used to specify the length of time in which an action or event has occurred or will occur. It emphasizes the duration rather than the starting point of the action or event.

Usage of "Since"

The preposition "since" is used to indicate the starting point of an action or event. It is followed by a specific point in time, such as a date, year, or a specific moment. "Since" is used to express when something began or started. For example:

• I have been waiting since 9 o'clock.
• She has been working here since 2010.
• They have been friends since childhood.

As shown in the examples, "since" is used to highlight the starting point of an action or event. It emphasizes the moment when something began rather than the duration of the action or event.

Comparison of Usage

While "for" and "since" both relate to time, they are used in different contexts and convey different meanings. Here are some key points of comparison:

1. Duration vs. Starting Point

The primary distinction between "for" and "since" lies in their focus on duration and starting point, respectively. "For" emphasizes the length of time an action or event has occurred or will occur, while "since" highlights the specific moment when something began.

2. Present Perfect Tense

Both "for" and "since" are commonly used in the present perfect tense. The present perfect tense is formed by combining the auxiliary verb "have" or "has" with the past participle of the main verb. For example:

• I have lived in this city for five years.
• She has known him since high school.

In these examples, "for" and "since" are used to indicate the duration and starting point, respectively, in the present perfect tense.

3. Specific Time References

While "for" can be used with any period of time, "since" is typically used with specific time references, such as dates, years, or moments. For example:

• I have been waiting for an hour.
• I have been waiting since 9 o'clock.

In the first sentence, "for" is used with a general period of time (an hour), while in the second sentence, "since" is used with a specific starting point (9 o'clock).

4. Past Events

When referring to past events, "for" and "since" can be used interchangeably in some cases. However, there is a subtle difference in their emphasis. "For" focuses on the duration of the event, while "since" emphasizes the starting point. For example:

• They had been married for ten years before they divorced.
• They had been married since 2005 before they divorced.

In the first sentence, "for" emphasizes the duration of their marriage, while in the second sentence, "since" highlights the starting point of their marriage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "for" and "since" are both prepositions used to express time-related information, but they have distinct attributes and are used in different contexts. "For" is primarily used to indicate the duration of an action or event, while "since" is used to highlight the starting point. Understanding the nuances of their usage can greatly enhance our ability to communicate effectively in English.