Question 1

What is the easiest way to choose for or since?

Accepted Answer

Ask what kind of time phrase follows the gap. If it is a duration, use "for": "for two hours", "for six weeks", "for a long time". A duration answers "How long?" If it is a starting point, use "since": "since Monday", "since 2020", "since I was ten". A starting point answers "Since when?" The tense is often present perfect because the situation started in the past and continues now. The time phrase, not the main verb alone, gives the answer.

Question 2

Can I use for and since with the present perfect?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Present perfect with "for" or "since" is very common when a situation began in the past and is still true now: "I have lived here for three years" and "I have lived here since 2023." Use "for" to measure the length of the situation. Use "since" to name the beginning. The verb can describe living, knowing, working, studying, waiting, or owning something. In negatives, the idea is also possible: "We have not spoken for weeks" or "We have not spoken since May."

Question 3

Why is since I was a child correct?

Accepted Answer

"Since I was a child" is correct because the clause names the starting point of a situation. It does not give a length of time; it tells when the situation began. For example, "She has loved music since she was a child" means her love of music began in childhood and continues now. Use "for" when you give the length directly: "She has loved music for many years." A clause after "since" often contains a past simple verb because it refers to the moment or period when the continuing situation started.

For vs Since - Easy Exercises

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For vs Since - Medium

For vs Since - Hard

For vs During - Easy

-ed vs -ing Adjectives

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Present Perfect