In this lesson, we will explore the correct use of for, since, and ago in English. These words are essential for talking about time in the past and present. Let’s dive in!
For
What is “for” used for?
We use for to talk about a duration of time. It answers the question: How long has something been happening?
Examples:
- I have lived in New York for five years.
- She has been studying English for two hours.
Common Time Expressions with “for”:
| Duration | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| A few minutes | I have been waiting for a few minutes. |
| Several years | They have known each other for several years. |
| A long time | He has worked here for a long time. |
Since
What is “since” used for?
We use since to refer to a specific point in time in the past. It answers the question: When did something start?
Examples:
- I have lived in New York since 2015.
- She has been studying English since she was a child.
Common Time Expressions with “since”:
| Specific Point in Time | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| A year | I have been working here since last year. |
| A date | He has been married since January 1st. |
| An event | They have been friends since they met at school. |
Ago
What is “ago” used for?
We use ago to talk about a time in the past, measured from the present moment. It always refers to a time before now.
Examples:
- I visited Paris two years ago.
- She called me an hour ago.
Common Time Expressions with “ago”:
| Time Expression | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Minutes/hours/days | He left five minutes ago. |
| Weeks/months/years | They moved to London three months ago. |
Key Differences Between “For,” “Since,” and “Ago”
To summarize, here’s a quick comparison:
| Word | Used With | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| For | Duration of time | I have studied for three hours. |
| Since | Specific point in time | I have studied since 3 PM. |
| Ago | Time before now | I studied three hours ago. |
Recap
- Use for to talk about a duration of time.
- Use since to refer to a specific point in time in the past.
- Use ago to describe a time before now.
Now you’re ready to use these words confidently in your conversations! Keep practicing, and soon you’ll master them. 😊
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