Introduction to Time Expressions with 'Since', 'For', and 'Ago'
Welcome to our lesson on expressing duration in English using 'since', 'for', and 'ago'. This topic is essential for accurately describing periods and points in time, a vital skill in everyday communication. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to use these time expressions confidently, enhancing your English speaking and writing skills.
Learning Objectives
- Learn to use 'since', 'for', and 'ago' to express time duration and points.
- Understand the differences in usage of each term.
- Apply these terms in practical, real-world situations.
Understanding Time Expressions
Duration
- Use: Indicates a period of time.
- Example: "It rained for three days." (Duration)
- Explanation: In this sentence, 'for' is used to specify the duration of the rain, which lasted for three days.
2. Duration
- Use: Indicates a period of time.
- Example: "I studied English for six years." (Duration)
- Explanation: Here, 'for' is used to state how long the person studied English, which is a duration of six years.
Using 'Since' is another important time expression used to refer to the starting point of actions or situations. It helps us specify when something began or when a particular point in time started. Let's look at examples:
Using 'Since'
1. Starting Point
- Use: Refers to the starting point of actions or situations.
- Example: "They have been married since 2005." (Starting point)
- Explanation: 'Since' is used to indicate the year 2005 as the starting point of their marriage.
2. Starting Point
- Use: Refers to the starting point of actions or situations.
- Example: "It has not rained since Monday." (Starting point)
- Explanation: Here, 'since' points to Monday as the starting point when the rain stops.
Using 'Ago'
Ago is a time expression used to describe when past events happened, counting back from the present. It helps us specify how long ago something occurred. Let's see some examples:
1. Past Event
- Use: Describes when past events happened, counting back from the present.
- Example: "I bought a bicycle four days ago." (Past event)
- Explanation: 'Ago' indicates that the purchase of the bicycle occurred four days in the past.
2. Past Event
- Use: Describes when past events happened, counting back from the present.
- Example: "The company was founded 30 years ago." (Past event)
- Explanation: In this sentence, 'ago' specifies that the founding of the company took place 30 years in the past.
Conclusion / Summary and Takeaways
In this lesson, you've learned about expressing duration and points in time using 'since', 'for', and 'ago'. Understanding these terms is crucial for clear communication in English.
Key Takeaways:
- 'For' is used for durations.
- 'Since' indicates a starting point.
- 'Ago' is for expressing past events relative to now.
Tips for Remembering:
- Create visual aids like timelines to place these terms in context.
- Practice with sticky notes, writing sentences using 'since', 'for', and 'ago'.
- Apply these expressions in daily conversations or journal entries.
Remember, the more you practice, the easier it becomes to use these expressions naturally. Share your learning and visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/learningenglishfree.co.uk for more resources!