For and Since

Distinguish 'for' (duration — how long) from 'since' (starting point — from when) in present perfect and past simple sentences.

For and Since — Duration vs Starting Point

The for / since contrast is tightly linked to the present perfect tense and ranks among the top five most tested grammar points in B1–B2 English exams. Cambridge Learner Corpus data shows that since/for confusion appears in approximately 30% of B1–B2 learner texts that contain present perfect sentences. Substituting from for since is a particularly common error for speakers of Slavic languages.

For — How Long

For is followed by a period of time — a length, not a specific moment:

She's been studying English for five years.
He's been waiting for over an hour.
I worked at that company for three years before I quit. (past simple also fine)

Since — From When

Since is followed by a starting point — a specific moment, date, or event:

I've lived in this city since 2018.
We haven't seen each other since the wedding.
They've known each other since they were children. (since + clause is possible)

The 'From' Error

'From' is used in 'from...to' ranges ('from Monday to Friday', 'from 9 to 5'). Using from alone as a starting point is non-standard in present perfect sentences:

✗ She has lived here from 2019. → ✓ She has lived here since 2019.

Common Mistakes

✗ I have known Maria from ten years. → ✓ I have known Maria for ten years.
✗ I haven't eaten anything from this morning. → ✓ I haven't eaten anything since this morning.
✗ She has lived here from 2019. → ✓ She has lived here since 2019.