Since vs. For: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 24, 2024
Since is used to indicate the starting point of actions or events in time, while For is used to specify the duration of actions or events.
Key Differences
Since is typically employed to refer to a specific point in time from which an action, event, or condition began and continues to the present. For example, "Since 2010, the company has grown significantly." In contrast, For indicates the duration of time that something has been happening. For instance, "For ten years, the company has been growing."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
Usage in Sentences: When using Since, it specifies the commencement time of an action or state and is often used with perfect tenses. "I have lived here since January." For, however, denotes the length of time an action has continued and can be used with various tenses. "I have lived here for three months."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
Temporal Contexts: Since is fitting when the focus is on the starting point of actions or situations. "She has been teaching at the university since last fall." Whereas For is suitable when emphasizing the duration or amount of time of an ongoing situation or action. "She has taught at the university for over a year."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
Grammatical Structure: Since can function as a preposition, conjunction, or adverb, relating to time. "Since the storm, power has been out." For acts primarily as a preposition, indicating duration of time. "They waited for two hours."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
Variations in Use: While Since is limited to contexts involving time, For has more varied uses, including reasons or purposes. "He was punished for his mistakes."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Temporal Reference
Point in time when something started
Duration of time something has been happening
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
Example Usage
"Since 2005, technology has advanced rapidly."
"For 15 years, technology has been advancing."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
Grammatical Function
Used as preposition, conjunction, or adverb
Primarily used as a preposition
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
Sentence Structure
Often with perfect tenses
Can be used with various tenses
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Jan 24, 2024
Variability
Specific to time contexts
Broader usage including reasons and purposes
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
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Since and For Definitions
Since
After a particular time in the past.
I haven't seen her since the party.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 03, 2024
Since
From a particular time in the past until now.
She has been teaching there since January.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 03, 2024
Since
Because; considering that.
Since you're not interested, I'll go alone.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 03, 2024
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Since
From then until now or between then and now
They left town and haven't been here since.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
Used to indicate the object, aim, or purpose of an action or activity
Trained for the ministry.
Put the house up for sale.
Plans to run for senator.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Since
After some point in the past; at a subsequent time
My friend has since married and moved to California.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
Used to indicate the object of a desire, intention, or perception
Had a nose for news.
Eager for success.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
Used to indicate the recipient or beneficiary of an action
Prepared lunch for us.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Since
During the period subsequent to the time when
He hasn't been home since he graduated.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Since
Continuously from the time when
They have been friends ever since they were in grade school.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Since
Inasmuch as; because
Since you're not interested, I won't tell you about it.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
Used to indicate equivalence or equality
Paid ten dollars for a ticket.
Repeated the conversation word for word.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Since
From a specified time in the past.
I met him last year, but haven't seen him since.
A short/long time since
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
Used to indicate correlation or correspondence
Took two steps back for every step forward.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Since
From: referring to a period of time ending in the present and defining it by the point in time at which it started, or the period in which its starting point occurred.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
Used to indicate amount, extent, or duration
A bill for five dollars.
Walked for miles.
Stood in line for an hour.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Since
Continuously during that period of time.
I have known her since last year.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
Used to indicate a number of attempts
Shot three for four from the foul line.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
Used to indicate an actual or implied listing or choosing
For one thing, we can't afford it.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Since
From a definite past time until now; as, he went a month ago, and I have not seen him since.
We since become the slaves to one man's lust.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
Used to indicate appropriateness or suitability
It will be for the judge to decide.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Since
In the time past, counting backward from the present; before this or now; ago.
How many ages since has Virgil writ?
About two years since, it so fell out, that he was brought to a great lady's house.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
Notwithstanding; despite
For all the problems, it was a valuable experience.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Since
When or that.
Do you remember since we lay all night in the windmill in St. George's field?
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Since
From the time of; in or during the time subsequent to; subsequently to; after; - usually with a past event or time for the object.
The Lord hath blessed thee, since my coming.
I have a model by which he build a nobler poem than any extant since the ancients.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
Considering the nature or usual character of
Was spry for his advanced age.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Since
Seeing that; because; considering; - formerly followed by that.
Since that my penitence comes after all,Imploring pardon.
Since truth and constancy are vain,Since neither love, nor sense of pain,Nor force of reason, can persuade,Then let example be obeyed.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Since
Continuously from or counting from.
It's been years since we last met.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 03, 2024
Since
In the period following the time when.
The company has expanded rapidly since its founding.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 03, 2024
For
Because, as, since.
I had to stay with my wicked stepmother, for I had nowhere else to go.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
Towards; in the direction of.
The astronauts headed for the moon.
Run for the hills!
He was headed for the door when he remembered.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
In order to help, benefit, gratify, honor etc. (someone or something).
Everything I do, I do for you.
We're having a birthday party for Janet.
The mayor gave a speech for the charity gala.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
To be used or treated in a stated way, or with a stated purpose.
This is a new bell for my bicycle.
The cake is for Tom and Helen's anniversary.
These apples here are for eating. The rest are for throwing away.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
Supporting, in favour of.
All those for the motion, raise your hands.
Who's for ice-cream?
I'm for going by train
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
Because of.
He wouldn't apologize; and just for that, she refused to help him.
She was the worse for drink.
I like her for lots of reasons.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
Intended to cure, remove or counteract; in order to cure, remove or counteract.
This medicine is for your cough.
I need to spray my house for termites.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
Over (a period of time).
I've lived here for three years.
They fought for days over a silly pencil.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
Used to introduce a subject within a to-infinitive clause.
It is unreasonable for our boss to withhold our wages.
All I want is for you to be happy.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
In the role or capacity of; instead of; in place of.
I used a hay bale for a bed.
He's got a turnip for a brain.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
In exchange for; in correspondence or equivalence with.
I got five hundred pounds for that old car!
He matched me blow for blow.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
In order to obtain or acquire.
I am aiming for completion by the end of business Thursday.
He's going for his doctorate.
Do you want to go for coffee?
People all over Greece looked to Delphi for answers.
Can you go to the store for some eggs?
I'm saving up for a car.
Don't wait for an answer.
What did he ask you for?
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
By the standards of, usually with the implication that those standards are lower than one might otherwise expect; considering.
Fair for its day.
She's spry for an old lady.
He's very mature, for a two-year old.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
(usually in the phrase 'for all') Despite, in spite of.
For all his expensive education, he didn't seem very bright.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
Indicating something desired or anticipated.
O for the wings of a dove.
Ah! for wings to soar
And now for a slap-up meal!
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
(in expressions such as 'for a start') Introducing the first item(s) in a potential sequence.
Go scuba diving? For one thing, I can't even swim.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
Due or facing (a certain outcome or fate).
He totally screwed up that project. Now he's surely for the sack.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
Out of; used to indicate a fraction, a ratio
In term of base hits, Jones was three for four on the day
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
(cricket) Used as part of a score to indicate the number of wickets that have fallen.
At close of play, England were 305 for 3.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
(obsolete) Indicating that in prevention of which, or through fear of which, anything is done.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
Used in various more-or-less idiomatic ways to construe individual verbs, indicating various semantic relationships such as target, purpose, result, etc.; see also the entries for individual phrasal verbs, e.g. ask for, look for, stand for, etc.
To account for one's whereabouts
To care for a relative
To settle for second best
To allow for mistakes
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
(nonstandard) So (that), in order to
He took the swing shift for he could get more overtime.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
In the most general sense, indicating that in consideration of, in view of, or with reference to, which anything is done or takes place.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
Indicating the antecedent cause or occasion of an action; the motive or inducement accompanying and prompting to an act or state; the reason of anything; that on account of which a thing is or is done.
With fiery eyes sparkling for very wrath.
How to choose dogs for scent or speed.
Now, for so many glorious actions done,For peace at home, and for the public wealth,I mean to crown a bowl for Cæsar's health.
That which we, for our unworthiness, are afraid to crave, our prayer is, that God, for the worthiness of his Son, would, notwithstanding, vouchsafe to grant.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
Indicating the remoter and indirect object of an act; the end or final cause with reference to which anything is, acts, serves, or is done.
The oak for nothing ill,The osier good for twigs, the poplar for the mill.
It was young counsel for the persons, and violent counsel for the matters.
Shall I think the worls was made for one,And men are born for kings, as beasts for men,Not for protection, but to be devoured?
For he writes not for money, nor for praise.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
Indicating that in favor of which, or in promoting which, anything is, or is done; hence, in behalf of; in favor of; on the side of; - opposed to against.
We can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
It is for the general good of human society, and consequently of particular persons, to be true and just; and it is for men's health to be temperate.
Aristotle is for poetical justice.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
Indicating that toward which the action of anything is directed, or the point toward which motion is made; ntending to go to.
We sailed from Peru for China and Japan.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
Indicating that on place of or instead of which anything acts or serves, or that to which a substitute, an equivalent, a compensation, or the like, is offered or made; instead of, or place of.
And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
Indicating that in the character of or as being which anything is regarded or treated; to be, or as being.
We take a falling meteor for a star.
If a man can be fully assured of anything for a truth, without having examined, what is there that he may not embrace for tru ?
Most of our ingenious young men take up some cried-up English poet for their model.
But let her go for an ungrateful woman.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
Indicating that instead of which something else controls in the performing of an action, or that in spite of which anything is done, occurs, or is; hence, equivalent to notwithstanding, in spite of; - generally followed by all, aught, anything, etc.
The writer will do what she please for all me.
God's desertion shall, for aught he knows, the next minute supervene.
For anything that legally appears to the contrary, it may be a contrivance to fright us.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
Indicating the space or time through which an action or state extends; hence, during; in or through the space or time of.
For many miles aboutThere 's scarce a bush.
Since, hired for life, thy servile muse sing.
To guide the sun's bright chariot for a day.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
Indicating that in prevention of which, or through fear of which, anything is done.
We 'll have a bib, for spoiling of thy doublet.
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
For me, my stormy voyage at an end,I to the port of death securely tend.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
Because; by reason that; for that; indicating, in Old English, the reason of anything.
And for of long that way had walkéd none,The vault was hid with plants and bushes hoar.
And Heaven defend your good souls, that you thinkI will your serious and great business scant,For she with me.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
Since; because; introducing a reason of something before advanced, a cause, motive, explanation, justification, or the like, of an action related or a statement made. It is logically nearly equivalent to since, or because, but connects less closely, and is sometimes used as a very general introduction to something suggested by what has gone before.
Give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth forever.
Heaven doth with us as we with torches do,Not light them for themselves; for if our virtuesDid not go forth of us, 't were all alikeAs if we had them not.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
One who takes, or that which is said on, the affrimative side; that which is said in favor of some one or something; - the antithesis of against, and commonly used in connection with it.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
For
Indicating the duration of (a period of time).
He's lived here for two decades.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 03, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Are "since" and "for" interchangeable?
No, they have different uses in expressing time.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
Is "for" used only in the context of time?
No, "for" has broader uses, including duration, reasons, and purposes.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
Does "for" always indicate duration?
While often used for duration, "for" can also indicate reasons or purposes.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
Can "since" be a conjunction?
Yes, "since" can act as a conjunction, connecting clauses.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
Can "since" be used with future events?
No, "since" is used to refer to past or present starting points.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
Can "since" be used without specifying a time or event?
No, "since" always requires a specific time or event.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
Is "since" used more in formal or informal language?
"Since" is used in both formal and informal language.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
Is it correct to say "since a few days" or "since few days"?
It's correct to say "since a few days ago" or "since a few days have passed."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
Can "for" be used to express starting points in time?
No, "for" is used to describe the duration of an action or event.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
Can "since" be used for future events?
No, "since" is used for past events extending to the present.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
Can "since" start a sentence?
Yes, "since" can start a sentence, especially when used as a conjunction.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
Can "since" be used at the beginning of a sentence?
Yes, "since" can be used at the beginning of a sentence.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
What is the difference between "for" and "to" when indicating purpose?
"For" is used to specify the intended purpose, while "to" is used to express the destination or target of an action.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
What is the typical word order with "for"?
The typical word order is "subject + verb + for + duration of time."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
Can "for" be used without specifying a duration of time?
No, "for" always requires a specific duration.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
Is "for" used more in formal or informal language?
"For" is used in both formal and informal language.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
Can "for" be used at the beginning of a sentence?
Yes, "for" can be used at the beginning of a sentence.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
Can "for" be used to indicate a purpose or reason?
Yes, "for" can also be used to indicate the purpose or reason behind an action.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
Is "for" used with past, present, and future tenses?
Yes, "for" can be used with all three tenses.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
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Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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