We often use for and since with the present perfect to talk about something continuing up to the present.

FOR + a period

A period is a duration of time, for example: 5 minutes, 2 weeks, 6 years.

For means "from the beginning of the period until the end of the period."

For can be used with all tenses.

SINCE + a point

A point is a precise moment in time, for example: 9 o'clock, January 1st, Monday, my birthday.

Since means "from a point in the past until now."

Since is normally used with perfect tenses.

In the table below you'll find a summary:

[ultimatetables 8 /]

After reading this lesson you may want to do some exercises, then click HERE.