For and Since

With the words “for” and “since” to talk about something that began in the past and continues to now.

For example: I’ve studied at this school since last June.

She’s lived in West Palm Beach for 2 months.

1. SINCE + POINT IN TIME

Use the present perfect with “since” + point in time (since 5:00, since Monday, since 1994) to show when something

started.

I’ve worked at this job since last year.

He’s lived in Madrid since March.

They’ve been married since 1985.

FOR + LENGTH OF TIME

Use the Present perfect with “for” + length of time (for ten minutes, for two weeks, for years, for a long time) to show

how long a present condition has lasted.

I’ve worked at this job for one year.

He’s lived in Florida for 9 months.

They’ve been married for a long time.

a. She has worked as a secretary since 1991. b. They have been married ________ a few years. c. They have lived in Manchester ________ a long time. d. He’s written 5 books ________ I met him. e. We haven’t seen them ________ several weeks. f. I haven’t been to the beach ________ last summer. g. Have you used the phone ________ you arrived? h. We haven’t heard any noise ________ many hours. i. Has she studied hard ________ yesterday?

Complete the following sentences with since or for.

a. I / not / play / tennis / last summer. I haven’t played tennis since last summer. b. I / know / her / more than ten years. c. I / not / eat / anything / lunchtime. d. You / live / in this town / a long time? e. Jill / be / a good friend / we were at school together. f. You / see / Jack / the party last week?

Write sentences using the Present Perfect form and since or for.