Time Expressions
Using For and Since
Listen to the text.
🎧 Read/Listen first
I work here for two years. I have lived in this city since 2021. We have a project for next month. I study English for six months. She has a job since last year. They have been friends for a long time. I go to the gym for exercise. He has a car since he was 18.
⚡ Learning goals
- Understand for and since
- Use for and since in sentences
- Talk about time periods
🔑 Key language
- I work here for two years. I study for three hours.
- I have lived here since 2021. She has worked here since last month.
- We have a project for next week. I need this for tomorrow.
⚙️ Rules & Grammar
🟣 Using 'for'
Rule: Use 'for' to talk about a period of time.
Examples: I study for two hours. She works for five days.
Common pitfall + fix: I live for 2021. — I live since 2021.
🟣 Using 'since'
Rule: Use 'since' to talk about a starting point in time.
Examples: I have lived here since 2020. He works here since last year.
Common pitfall + fix: I work since two years. — I work for two years.
🟣 Combining 'for' and 'since'
Rule: Use 'for' with periods and 'since' with points in time.
Examples: I have known her for five years. I have been here since Monday.
Common pitfall + fix: I have known her since five years. — I have known her for five years.
🟣 Questions with 'for' and 'since'
Rule: Ask questions using 'for' and 'since'.
Examples: How long have you worked here for? Since when do you study English?
Common pitfall + fix: How long you work here since? — How long do you work here for?
✍️ Vocabulary
work — To do a job or task..
live — To have a home in a place..
project — A planned piece of work..
study — To learn about a subject..
friend — A person you know well..
🧠 Comprehension check
🧩 Grammar practice
🧩 Guided practice
Mini-dialogue:
I work here for two years. I have lived here since 2021.
Why this matters:
This language helps you talk about time.
Verb & Adjective Pack:
Use 'for' for periods and 'since' for points.