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Since and For in Present Perfect Continuous

Learn how to use since and for in Present Perfect Continuous. Understand when to use I have been studying since 8 AM vs. I have been studying for two hours.

What Are 'Since' and 'For' in Present Perfect Continuous?

'Since' refers to the starting point of an action, while 'for' refers to the duration of the action.

Why Is This Important?

Using 'since' and 'for' correctly helps you express time more clearly in Present Perfect Continuous, indicating the duration or the starting point of the action.

How to Use 'Since' and 'For' in Present Perfect Continuous

'Since' is used to indicate the starting point of the action (e.g., since 8 AM). 'For' is used to indicate the duration of the action (e.g., for two hours).

Common Examples

I have been studying since 8 AM. (Since)
She has been working for two hours. (For)

Key Points

  • Use 'since' for the starting point of the action
    • I have been studying since 8 AM.
    • They have been working since Monday.
  • Use 'for' for the duration of the action
    • I have been studying for two hours.
    • She has been working for three days.
  • 'Since' is used with specific points in time, 'for' with periods of time
    • We have been waiting since 9 AM.
    • He has been reading for 30 minutes.

Rules for Using 'Since' and 'For' in Present Perfect Continuous

  • Use 'since' for the starting point of the action

    • I have been studying since 8 AM.
    • She has been working since Monday.
    • They have been living here since last year.

  • Use 'for' for the duration of the action

    • I have been studying for two hours.
    • He has been reading for 30 minutes.
    • They have been waiting for an hour.

  • Use 'since' with specific points in time, and 'for' with periods of time

    • We have been working since 10 AM.
    • I have been jogging for 30 minutes.
    • He has been painting since this morning.

  • Special Cases & Exceptions:

    The difference between 'since' and 'for' is subtle but important to emphasize the specific time or duration.

  • 'Since' is used with points in time (specific dates, times), while 'for' is used with periods (e.g., days, hours, years).

    • Correct: I have been waiting since 9 AM.
    • Correct: I have been waiting for 2 hours.
ExampleTenseUse
I have been studying since 8 AM.Present Perfect Continuous'Since' for a specific point in time
She has been working for two hours.Present Perfect Continuous'For' for the duration of the action
They have been living here since last year.Present Perfect Continuous'Since' for a specific time in the past
I have been studying for two hours.Present Perfect Continuous'For' for a period of time

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with the creators of these videos. These are publicly available resources used to provide additional information on the topic.