Distinguishing Between For & Since

For vs Since

A clear understanding of the difference between “for” and “since” in English grammar is necessary to avoid using them incorrectly in sentence construction. Both “for” and “since” are used as prepositions and conjunctions. However, it is important to remember that “for” and “since” are two words in the English language that must be understood with distinction. The word “for” is used in the sense of “in favor of,” “to,” or “up to.” Conversely, the word “since” is used in the sense of “because” or “as.” This is the main difference between the two words. Another fact to note about “since” is that it is sometimes also used as an adverb. This article will provide a clear explanation of the difference between “for” and “since.”

What does For mean?

The word “for” is used in the sense of “in favor of,” “to,” or “up to.” Observe the two sentences given below:
– He did everything possible for her.
– She lived for 60 years.

In both sentences, the word “for” is used in the sense of “to” or “in favor of.” Therefore, the meaning of the first sentence would be “he did everything possible in favor of her,” and the meaning of the second sentence would be “she lived up to 60 years.”

What does Since mean?

The word “since” is used in the sense of “because” or “as.” Observe the two sentences:
– I came late since I missed the bus.
– She helped him since he was poor.

In both sentences, the word “since” is used in the sense of “because” or “as.” Therefore, the meaning of the first sentence would be “I came late because I missed the bus,” and the meaning of the second sentence would be “she helped him as he was poor.” It is interesting to note that the word “since” is sometimes used in the sense of “from,” as in the sentences given below:
– He is sick since morning.
– He has been reciting prayers since his childhood.

In both sentences, the word “since” is used in the sense of “from.” Therefore, the meaning of the first sentence would be “he is sick from morning,” and the meaning of the second sentence would be “he has been reciting prayers from his childhood.” It is important to pay special attention to the second sentence. Look at the tense used in the sentence. The verb construction is has + been + verb + ing, which means this is the present perfect continuous tense. “Since” is used very much with the present perfect continuous as a preposition.

What is the difference between For and Since?

Key Takeaways

• The word “for” is used in the sense of “in favor of,” “to,” or “up to.”
• On the other hand, the word “since” is used in the sense of “because” or “as.” This is the main difference between the two words.
• The word “since” is sometimes used in the sense of “from.”
• Since is used with the present perfect continuous tense.

These are the differences between the two words, namely, “since” and “for.”