For, since, from
B1 IntermediateLearn how to use 'for', 'since', and 'from' to describe the duration or starting point of an action or state.
Overview
These prepositions help us talk about time. For describes a period or length of time. Since identifies a specific starting point in the past for an action that continues now. From marks the beginning of a period, often used with 'to' or 'until' to show a range.
For vs. Since vs. From
Use for with time periods like 'two hours' or 'six months'. Use since with specific dates or events like '2010' or 'I left school'. Use from when you want to state the beginning and end of a scheduled event.
| Preposition | Focus | Example |
|---|---|---|
| for | Duration (how long) | for three days |
| since | Starting point (past to now) | since Monday |
| from | Starting point (any time) | from 9:00 to 5:00 |
Grammar Patterns
Subject + Verb + for/since/from + Time Expression
Since is almost always used with the Present Perfect or Past Perfect. For can be used with any tense to show duration. From is frequently paired with 'to' or 'until'.
Examples
Common mistakes
I have been here since two hours.
I have been here for two hours.
Use 'for' with a duration of time, not 'since'.
I am working here since 2020.
I have been working here since 2020.
When using 'since' to talk about a start date, use the Present Perfect tense.
Practice
We have been waiting ___ 2:00 PM.
Show answer
since
Answer:since
Why:2:00 PM is a specific starting point in time, so 'since' is required.
She stayed at the hotel ___ three weeks.
Show answer
for
Answer:for
Why:Three weeks is a duration or length of time, so 'for' is the correct choice.
The shop is open ___ 8:00 AM until 6:00 PM.
Show answer
from
Answer:from
Why:The sentence shows a range with a start and end point, so 'from' is used.