For and Since

¡Hola! Olá! Welcome to our friendly guide on using "for" and "since" in English, specifically designed for Spanish and Portuguese speakers. These two words can cause confusion for learners, as they are used to express different concepts related to time. This guide aims to help you understand the differences and similarities between using "for" and "since" in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. We'll go through various examples and compare them to give you a better understanding. Let's get started!

I. "For" and "Since" in English

1.1. "For" in English

In English, "for" is used to indicate a duration or period of time. It is often followed by an expression of time, such as "two hours," "three days," "a week," etc.

Example: I have been studying English for three years.

1.2. "Since" in English

In English, "since" is used to indicate a specific point in time when an action started and has continued up to the present. It is often followed by a time expression or a clause with a past simple verb.

Example: I have been living here since 2018.

II. "For" and "Since" in Spanish and Portuguese

2.1. "For" in Spanish (por/durante) and Portuguese (por/durante)

In both Spanish and Portuguese, "for" can be translated as "por" or "durante." Both words are used to indicate a duration or period of time.

Examples:

Spanish: He estado estudiando inglés durante tres años. / He estado estudiando inglés por tres años.

Portuguese: Tenho estudado inglês durante três anos. / Tenho estudado inglês por três anos.

2.2. "Since" in Spanish (desde) and Portuguese (desde)

In both Spanish and Portuguese, "since" can be translated as "desde." "Desde" is used to indicate a specific point in time when an action started and has continued up to the present.

Examples:

Spanish: Vivo aquí desde 2018.

Portuguese: Moro aqui desde 2018.

III. Examples and Comparisons

3.1. "For" Examples

English: She has been working here for two months.

Spanish: Ella ha estado trabajando aquí durante dos meses. / Ella ha estado trabajando aquí por dos meses.

Portuguese: Ela tem trabalhado aqui durante dois meses. / Ela tem trabalhado aqui por dois meses.

3.2. "Since" Examples

English: We have known each other since high school.

Spanish: Nos conocemos desde la secundaria.

Portuguese: Nos conhecemos desde o ensino médio.

Conclusion

In this guide, we explored the use of "for" and "since" in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, comparing their structures and uses. Understanding these similarities and differences will help you better express duration and specific points in time in relation to actions or events. Keep practicing, and you'll master the use of "for" and "since" in no time! ¡Buena suerte! Boa sorte!