Mastering Time with 'For' and 'Since': A Guide for ESL Learners

Mastering Time with 'For' and 'Since'

Welcome to our lesson on the "Difference Between For and Since," two commonly confused prepositions used to express time in English. Understanding how to use these words correctly is crucial for ESL learners to convey duration and starting points of actions accurately. By the end of this lesson, you will grasp the nuances between 'for' and 'since,' enabling you to speak and write more fluently.

Learning Objectives:

• Distinguish between 'for' and 'since' when expressing time.
• Apply 'for' and 'since' correctly in sentences.
• Enhance comprehension and communication skills in English.

Difference Between For and Since

For (Period)

1. Meaning: Refers to the duration of time.
   • Example: "I have lived here for ten years."
2. Example: "She has been studying for 15 minutes."
3. Example: "We've been friends for nine months."
4. Example: "He's worked there for twenty years."
5. Example: "I will love you for the rest of my life."

Since (Point)

1. Meaning: Indicates the starting point of an action that continues to the present.
   • Example: "I have known her since last Tuesday."
2. Example: "It has been raining since half past six."
3. Example: "They have been married since January."
4. Example: "We've been on hold since 2001."
5. Example: "She's been fascinated by the Middle Ages since she was a child."

Mixed Uses

1. Example: "I've been waiting for you since noon (point), which is now over three hours (period)."
2. Example: "He's been playing the piano for five years (period), since he was seven years old (point)."
3. Example: "They have been protesting for six days (period), since the new law was announced (point)."

Conclusion and Summary

In this lesson, we've uncovered the key differences between 'for' and 'since,' which are essential prepositions for discussing time in English. 'For' is used to express the duration of an action, while 'since' points to the moment an action began. Mastering the use of these words will significantly improve your English fluency and comprehension.

To solidify your understanding, consider creating visual aids, such as timelines to represent 'since' and clocks or hourglasses for 'for.' Sticky notes with example sentences around your study space can serve as practical reminders. Practice using 'for' and 'since' in your daily conversations or writing exercises to reinforce their correct usage.

We encourage you to share your learning journey and connect with fellow learners on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/learningenglishfree.co.uk for more grammar tips and English learning resources. Your progress inspires us, and we're excited to support you every step of the way!