What is difference between for and since
by Yogi P - October 19, 2023
Difference between for and since
The words ‘for’ and ‘since’ are commonly used in English but are easily confused. This confusion is mainly due to the varied usages of each word and the fact that they are both open to being used in various contexts in which they can cause ambiguity if used incorrectly.
In the following article, we will discuss the meanings and usage of each word, in order to understand how to use them accurately.
For
For is a preposition which is used with a noun or noun phrase to indicate a period of time. It can also be used to talk about the aim, purpose, or use of something.
Usage as a Preposition:
As a preposition, for is used to describe a period of time, and is always followed by a noun or noun phrase.
- I’ve been living here for five years.
- The window is open for visitors to come in.
Usage as a Conjunction:
For can also be used as a conjunction to show cause and effect, exchanged in favour of the phrase ‘so that’. Its purpose is to introduce an explanatory clause, which indicates a desired result.
- He took a taxi for he wouldn’t be late.
- She studied hard for she wanted to get good grades.
Since
Since is a conjunction which is used to indicate a point in time, from which a particular event began.
Usage with a Point in Time:
When since is used to indicate a point in time, it is usually followed by a point or period of time which is related to the beginning of a certain event. This point in time can be either specified or implied.
- I’ve been living here since three years.
- She has been sick since yesterday.
Usage with Clauses:
Since can also be used to introduce a clause which contains an explanation for the event being discussed. It acts as an empathy link between the two parts of the sentence.
- She hasn’t been to school since she was feeling ill.
- He’s been avoiding me since I shouted at him.
Difference Between For and Since – Meaning and Usage:
As seen from the descriptions above, there are several differences between for and since. Firstly, for is a preposition which is used to refer to a period of time, whereas since is a conjunction which is used to refer to a point in time.
Both of these words can also be used to introduce clauses which offer further explanation or context to the sentence, but for does this by providing an aim or purpose for an action, whereas since connects an event in the past with its current effect.
Examples of Difference Between For and Since
To gain a better understanding of how to use for and since correctly, here are a few examples of each:
- For – I went to the store for I had run out of milk.
- Since – I haven’t eaten anything since lunchtime.
- For – We hid under the bed for the thunder had scared us.
- Since – He’s been sick since last night.
Overview table of Difference Between For and Since
| Aspect | For | Since |
|---|---|---|
| Usage | Indicates the duration of an action or event, often used with a specific time period (e.g., for three days, for a year) | Indicates the starting point in time when an action or event began |
| Example | She worked for five hours. | She has been working since morning. |
| Time Reference | Present, past, or future to indicate a specific duration | Typically used for actions that started in the past and continue to the present |
| Prepositions | “For” is a preposition and can be followed by a specific duration (e.g., for two weeks) | “Since” is a conjunction and is followed by a specific starting point in time (e.g., since 9 AM) |
| Synonyms | Throughout, over, a period of time | From, starting from, beginning at, ever since |
Activity to Enhance Understanding:
To gain a better grasp of the differences between for and since, try going through newspapers or online articles and identifying instances in which these words are used.
Note the words used and analyze the context of the sentence to figure out whether for or since has been used correctly. See if you can find any examples of incorrect usage as well.
Conclusion:
It is important to understand the nuances between for and since in order to use them accurately in writing. For is a preposition which can refer to both a period of time, and also to an aim or purpose, while since is a conjunction which indicates a point in time when an event started.
As long as you understand these distinctions, you will be able to use these words correctly in any context.
