English B1 – Intermediate

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Welcome back! In the previous lessons, we talked about finished experiences. Today, we look at things that started in the past and continue right now.

We call this the “unfinished past.” For example, “I have lived in this city for five years.” This means I moved here five years ago, and I still live here today!

To do this correctly, we need to master two words: For and Since.

Use ‘For’ for a period of time (a number + time word). Use ‘Since’ for a specific starting point in time.

Think of it this way: For is for duration (how long?), and Since is for the birthday of the action (when did it start?).

If I say “I’ve been a teacher since 2010,” that is the starting point. If I say “I’ve been a teacher for 16 years,” that is the total amount of time.

Let’s jump into the lesson and see how these two words change your timeline!

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Lesson 3: How Long?

Duration with ‘For’ and ‘Since’

1. The “How Long” Blueprint

When we want to know the duration of a current state or action, we follow this specific pattern:

THE QUESTION

How long + have/has + subject + past participle?
“How long have you lived here?”

TWO WAYS TO ANSWER

Option A: Using FOR
(The total period)

“I have lived here for six months.”

Option B: Using SINCE
(The starting point)

“I have lived here since January.”

2. Dialogue: The Coffee Shop Catch-up

Real Talk

Emma: “Hey Liam! I haven’t seen you for ages! How is your new job going?”

Liam: “It’s going great, thanks! I’ve been there since last November.”

Emma: “Wow! And how long have you known your manager? I heard she’s very strict.”

Liam: “Actually, I’ve known her for about five years. We worked together at my old company.”

Emma: “That’s lucky! I’ve been at my job since I graduated, and I think it’s time for a change.”

FOR

Focuses on Quantity

… for 10 minutes
… for two weeks
… for a long time

SINCE

Focuses on Start Point

… since 8 o’clock
… since Monday
… since I was born

🗣️ Rhythm & Flow

Listen for how “for” is often reduced to a quick “fər” sound, while “since” is pronounced clearly.

1. “How long have you worked there?”

2. “I’ve worked there for three years.”

3. “He’s been here since nine o’clock.”

💡 Teacher’s Note: For + All?

Be careful! We don’t use for with the word “all” (e.g., all day, all my life).

❌ “I’ve been here for all day.”

✅ “I’ve been here all day.”

📝 Practice: Ask & Answer

Complete the response to the question provided:

1. Q: How long have they been married?
A: They ____________________ (be) married __________ 1998.

2. Q: How long has she had that car?
A: She ____________________ (have) it __________ ages!

3. Q: How long have you known him?
A: I ____________________ (know) him __________ we were kids.

🔎 Click to Reveal Answers

1. have been / since
2. has had / for
3. have known / since

Mastering the clock and the calendar! You’re unstoppable.