How to Use “Since” and “For” in English

Are you confused about when to use "since" and when to use "for"?
You're not alone — this is one of the most common problems for English learners! But don’t worry: by the end of this post, you’ll understand exactly how to use both words confidently.
Let’s make it easy (and fun)!

What's the difference?

💡 Think of it like this:
Since = When did it start?
For = How long has it lasted?

“Since” = from a specific time until now

Use “since” to show when something began.
The time can be a year, a month, a specific date, or even an event.

Examples:

• I’ve studied English since 2022.

• She’s lived here since March.

• We’ve been friends since high school.

• I haven’t seen him since last week.

🧠 Tip: “Since” usually works with the present perfect:
have/has + past participle
Ex: I have been tired since this morning.

“For” = a length of time

Use “for” when you want to say how long something has happened.
This could be minutes, hours, days, years, or even a long time.

Examples:

• I’ve studied English for 2 years.

• She’s lived in Canada for 6 months.

• We’ve been friends for a long time.

• I haven’t eaten for 5 hours!

🧠 Tip: “For” is also usually used with present perfect:
Ex: I have worked here for 3 years.

Common Mistake

In Japanese, you can use ～から (kara) for both “since” and “for,” which makes it tricky in English!

🚫 Wrong: I’ve lived in Tokyo since 3 years.
✅ Correct: I’ve lived in Tokyo for 3 years.

🚫 Wrong: I’ve lived in Tokyo for 2020.
✅ Correct: I’ve lived in Tokyo since 2020.

📝 Mini Practice Time!

Choose the correct word: for or since?

1. I’ve known him ___ 2018.

2. She has lived here ___ 3 months.

3. We’ve been friends ___ childhood.

4. He has studied Japanese ___ a long time.

5. I haven’t eaten ___ this morning!

Answers: 1. since. 2. for. 3. since. 4. for. 5. since.

How did you do? 😄

🧩 Challenge: Create Your Own Sentences!

Try making your own sentences using “since” and “for.” Here’s a format to help you:

• I’ve studied ___ for ___.

• I’ve lived in ___ since ___.

• I’ve had this bag since ___.

• I’ve known my best friend for ___.

✍️ Want me to check your answers? Leave them in the comments or send me a message!

Final Thoughts

Now you know the difference between “since” and “for”! 🎉
Keep using them in real sentences to make it natural. Try writing a short diary entry in English using both — it really helps!

And remember, mistakes are part of learning. The more you practice, the easier it becomes. 💪

Disclaimer:

English has many exceptions, and sometimes native speakers break the rules too! The explanations here are meant to give you a strong foundation, but don’t worry if you come across something different in real life. With practice and exposure, it will all start to feel more natural!