We explain that what is the difference between since and for with table. Since and For are commonly used prepositions in the English language. These two words are used with similar meanings but not for the same purposes. They work accordingly on the past perfect simple and the past continuous and relate to what happens.
English learners often have a hard time using these two words at the right time. Since and para are mainly used to measure time and are easily confused as people use different prepositions in the native language.
So the main difference between from and to is that – since it is used to describe the starting point of actions, events or states and to is used to measure the duration of the duration.
For is used when we are trying to refer to how long something lasts. The present tense refers to a period that extends into the future.
While Since refers to when things began and are used with the present perfect or the past perfect.
Comparison table between from and to (in tabular form)
Comparison parameter since for
| Use | The word is used both as a preposition and as a conjunction. | For is used as a preposition, but rarely as a conjunction. |
| Weather | It is used with the present with present or past perfect until a later past tense until now. | It is a strong form of preposition, used to indicate the person who intends to receive or benefit from something. |
| Hour | It is always used with the perfect present or past tense for a specific period in the past. | It is sometimes used after an adjective or before a noun indicating an unspecified period. |
| Like a conjunction | It is used as a conjunction with present perfect, past perfect or simple past in the main clause, until a later past event or until now. | It is a rare but strong form of conjunction that is not found at the beginning of a sentence. |
| Other use | It is also used as an idiom and an adverb in some sentences. | It is sometimes used as an idiom but not as an adverb. |
When to use the word since?
Since it is a very essential word in the English language. It is used both as a preposition and as a conjunction.
It is used with the present with present or past perfect until a later past tense until now.
It is always used with the perfect present or past for a specific period in the past.
It is used as a conjunction with present perfect, past perfect or simple past in the main clause, until a later past event or until now.
Use of “from” in verb tense:
- Present perfect continuous: I have been studying since 5 and now I am tired.
- Past Perfect Continuous: I had been studying since 5 o’clock and I was getting tired.
- Past Perfect: I’ve known him since February.
Long time use:
- It’s been two months since I met her.
- Four years have passed since the last tsunami.
When to use the word for?
It is a strong form of preposition, used to indicate the person who intends to receive or benefit from something.
It is sometimes used after an adjective or before a noun indicating an unspecified period.
It is a rare but strong form of conjunction that is not found at the beginning of a sentence.
Use of «para» in verb tense:
Saying for goes with any grammar tense.
- Present Perfect Continuous: Has lived in India for three months.
- Past tense: I worked at the gas station for five years.
- Present perfect: he has lived in Turin for a long time.
- Future tense: You will be in the hospital for at least a week.
- Present tense: they exercise for more than two hours a day.
Use of “para” in time:
- How long have you been here?
- I have lived here for ten years.
Main differences between since and for
The key differences between them are listed below:
- The word from is used both as a preposition and as a conjunction. For is used as a preposition, but rarely as a conjunction.
- Since it is also used as an idiom and adverb in some sentences. For is sometimes used as an idiom, but not as an adverb.
- It is always used with the perfect present or past for a specific period in the past. It is sometimes used after an adjective or before a noun indicating an unspecified period.
- It is used with the present with present or past perfect until a later past tense until now. It is a strong form of preposition, used to indicate the person who intends to receive or benefit from something.
- The formula to use For is: for + a period. The formula for Since is: from + a particular time point.
Final Thought
So which one do you think is the most suitable for you, for or since then? Always make sure that both terms relate to grammar and that they expect you to use them correctly.
Since it is used for a specific period and can also be used as idioms and conjunction. Whereas for is used for the unspecified period and is rarely used as an idiom and conjunction.
Common people often confuse it and its usage does not always match. Even people with good knowledge are expected to confuse you frequently.
So now you have a clear concept of these two grammatical terms. Use it wisely!
