FOR and SINCE.

How about quickie for old time’s sake?

I’m not talking about anything strange… Relax. It’s about a short explanation, say, about the use of ‘for’ and ‘since’ with Present Perfect and Past Simple.

Miami (photo for the internet)

We use ‘for’ and ‘since’ with the Present Perfect tense. The first one is about ‘the starting point’ (when something has started) and the latter is about ‘the duration’ (the length, if you like) of something.

A: How long have you lived in Miami?

B: I’ve lived here for six months. I love it here.

C: I’ve lived here since last year. I’m really happy here.

B and C still live in Miami.

A: How long did you live in Miami?

B: I lived there for two years.

B and doesn’t live in Miami anymore – B lived there for two years (particular time in the past).

It is possible to use ‘for’ with both Present Perfect and Past Simple, but we use ‘since’ only in the present perfect.  

Let’s practice, shall we?

How long have you had your current hairstyle?

“I have had my current hairstyle for two years.” or “I have had my current hairstyle since 2011.”

How long have you studied at your current school?

How long have you known your best friend?

How long have you been awake today?

Class dismissed – I told you it was just a quickie, right?