Time Expressions

What is the difference between "for" and "since" in English time expressions?

"For" and "since" are the two most commonly confused time expressions in English. The key difference is simple: for tells you how long something has lasted, while since tells you when something started. Both are most frequently used with the present perfect tense.

For — Duration

Use with a period of time

"I have lived here for five years."

Since — Starting Point

Use with a specific moment

"I have lived here since 2019."

How do you decide whether to use "for" or "since" with different tenses?

While "for" and "since" are most commonly associated with the present perfect, both words can appear with several different tenses. The tense you choose depends on whether the action is still continuing or has finished. Understanding this interplay is essential for mastering time expressions at B1–B2 level.

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How do you use "already" in English time expressions?

"Already" is used to say that something happened sooner than expected. It is almost always used in affirmative sentences. In British English, "already" appears between the auxiliary verb and the past participle. In American English, it can also appear at the end of the sentence. In questions, "already" expresses surprise that something has happened so soon.

British English

• "I have already eaten."
• "She has already left."
• "They have already arrived."

American English

• "I already ate."
• "She already left."
• "I've eaten already."

Surprise questions with "already"

When do you use "yet" in English and where does it go?

"Yet" is used in questions and negative sentences to talk about something that is expected but has not happened. It always goes at the end of the sentence. "Yet" signals that the speaker expects the action to happen eventually — it just hasn't happened so far.

Common errors with "yet"

How do you use "still" in English time expressions?

"Still" means a situation is continuing up to the present moment — often longer than expected. It goes before the main verb (but after "be" as a main verb). "Still" can be used in affirmative sentences, questions, and negatives, but the position and meaning change slightly in each case.

Affirmative — before main verb

"She still works at the bank."

"He is still sleeping."

Questions — before main verb (surprise/expectation)

"Are you still waiting?"

"Do you still live in London?"

Negatives — before "not" or before main verb (stronger than "yet")

"I still haven't finished." (stronger disappointment)

"She still doesn't understand."

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How do you use "just" as a time expression in English?

As a time expression, "just" means "a very short time ago." In British English, it is used almost exclusively with the present perfect and goes between the auxiliary and the past participle. In American English, it can appear with the simple past. "Just" is not to be confused with its other uses meaning "only" or "exactly."

What is the difference between "no longer" and "not anymore" in time expressions?

Both "no longer" and "not... anymore" (also "not... any more" in British English) express that a situation has changed — something that was true in the past is no longer true now. The key difference is register: "no longer" is more formal and goes before the main verb, while "anymore" is more informal and goes at the end of the sentence.

What are the most common mistakes with English time expressions?

Even advanced learners make persistent errors with time expressions. The most frequent mistakes involve using "for" instead of "since" (or vice versa), placing "yet" in the wrong position, using "already" in negatives, and choosing the wrong tense with "still."

How do time expressions work with different tenses in English? (B2 level)

At B2 level and above, time expressions interact with a wider range of tenses and can shift meaning depending on context. Understanding these nuances will improve both your reading comprehension and your writing accuracy significantly.

One of the most practical skills for time expressions is knowing exactly where each word goes. Here is a complete position guide for the most important time adverbs.