How to Use “Since” and “For” Correctly / Cómo usar “since” y “for” correctamente

📌 Introduction / Introducción

The difference between since and for is one of the most common questions in English. In this guide, we explain how to use since and for correctly with examples and practice.

Uno de los errores más comunes en inglés es confundir “since” y “for” al hablar de tiempo. Ambas expresan duración, pero se usan de forma diferente. Vamos a aprender a usarlas bien.

🔍 General Rule

Word	Use for	Español
Since	Specific starting point	Desde un momento específico
For	Duration / period of time	Por un período de tiempo

📝 Examples / Ejemplos

🔷 Using “Since” (Desde…)

• I have lived here since 2010. (Vivo aquí desde 2010.)
• She has worked here since last year. (Ella trabaja aquí desde el año pasado.)
• They have been friends since childhood. (Son amigos desde la infancia.)

🔶 Using “For” (Por…)

• I have lived here for 10 years. (Vivo aquí desde hace 10 años.)
• She has worked here for 3 months. (Ella trabaja aquí desde hace 3 meses.)
• They have been friends for a long time. (Han sido amigos por mucho tiempo.)

❌ Common Mistakes / Errores comunes

• ❌ I have been here for 2010. → ✅ I have been here since 2010.
• ❌ She has studied since 3 months. → ✅ She has studied for 3 months.

🎯 Quick Test / Mini Test

Choose since or for:

1. She has lived here ___ 2015.
2. I have worked here ___ 2 years.
3. They have been friends ___ childhood.
4. We’ve stayed here ___ three days.
5. He has been married ___ 10 years.

✅ Answers / Respuestas

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