In English, the present perfect tense is often used to talk about actions or situations that started in the past and continue into the present. The duration of these actions or situations can be expressed using “since” and “for.”
SINCE
“Since” is used to indicate the starting point of an action or situation. It is followed by a specific point in time, such as a date or a specific event.
Example:
I have lived in this city since 2010. (The action of living in the city started in 2010 and continues up to the present.)
FOR
“For” is used to indicate the duration of an action or situation. It is followed by a period of time, such as hours, days, months, or years.
Example:
I have been studying English for five years. (The action of studying English started five years ago and continues up to the present.)
Other examples
Here are a few more examples to illustrate the use of “since” and “for” in the present perfect tense:
- I have known him since we were children. (The knowledge of him started when we were children and continues up to the present.)
- She has been working at the company for three months. (The duration of her work at the company is three months and continues up to the present.)
- They have been friends since they met in college. (Their friendship started when they met in college and continues up to the present.)
- He has been playing the piano for two hours. (The duration of his piano playing is two hours, and he is still playing.)
Remember that “since” indicates the starting point of an action or situation, while “for” expresses the duration of that action or situation in the present perfect tense.