For and since are often given as the key words which signal that present perfect tense should be used. It is not 100% true but it makes life easier for elementary and lower intermediate students.
However, sometimes it is difficult for learners to know which word they should use. The rule is simple. FOR is used when we give the length of the time (for three days) and since is used when we give the beginning of the time (since Monday). You can see the graphical explanation of this rule below.
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In this post you can find an interactive video, where the grammar is explained and tested by the experts from BBC learning English.com, a mind map explaining the difference between FOR and SINCE graphically and a quiz with a game to practise the correct usage of the words For and SINCE.
FOR and SINCE – interactive video
[/su_heading] [su_spacer] Play the following video and answer the questions. If you succeed, you can play the game Highway race.[su_spacer] [su_button url=”https://engames.eu/present_perfect_for_since/for_since_interactive_video (web)/index.html” target=”blank” background=”#9bef2d”]For and SINCE – interactive video[/su_button] [su_spacer][su_heading]
FOR and SINCE – mind map
[/su_heading][su_spacer] In the mind map there is the graphical explanation of the usage of the words FOR and SINCE.FOR – we give the length of the time. SINCE – we give the beginning of the time.
FOR and SINCE – games
[/su_heading] There are two games for you.FOR and SINCE – quiz
There are 22 items in this quiz. If you answer more than 60% of all the questions correct (that is not so difficult) you can play the game called Rock, Paper and Scissors. In this game you win if you give a Rock and your opponent scissors, you give a paper and your opponent gives rock and finally, you win if you give scissors and your opponent gives a paper.
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[su_button url=”https://engames.eu/present_perfect_for_since/since and for_quiz (web)/index.html” target=”blank” background=”#ef2dea”]For and Since – Quiz[/su_button]
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SINCE and FOR – fling the teacher game
This game is slightly more difficult as you mustn’t make a mistake to win. You have to answer all the questions correctly to build the machine and fire your teacher 🙂 You can use up to three helps which are displayed on the screen.
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[su_button url=”https://engames.eu/present_perfect_for_since/since_for_fling_the_teacher.swf” target=”blank” background=”#ef2dea”]For and Since – Fling the teacher[/su_button]
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