Cruz Medoza, M. (2016).
Have you ever listened to expressions like: “I have been waiting for you during four hours? “I’ve been here since yesterday”…
Did you notice the difference between each one? If you still have questions about it, in this topic you will learn how to use the time expressions for and since.
It is important that you know the usage of these two prepositions because in our daily speech we talk about events and the periods of time.
In this topic you’re going to answer several exercises focused on these prepositions in order to improve the usage of them in the correct way so that you can tell experiences correctly.
By the end of the topic, you will
• Be able to identify the prepositions For and Since in Present Perfect sentences to talk about the duration of the activities and travel experiences.
Look at the following information, it will help you to understand better the use of for and since.
FOR and SINCE are used to say how long…
FOR + period
Period means, duration of time, for example: 5 minutes, 3 weeks, 4 years.
FOR: from the beginning of a period until the end of it.
(You can use FOR with all tenses).
Example: They have been waiting outside Anne Frank’s house for 2 hours.
s.a. (2013). Trip Report. [photo].
Taken from: http://clearedready.blogspot.mx/2013/06/trip-report-amsterdam-2013-anne-franks.html
Examples: Listen to the sentences by clicking on the audio icon:
SINCE + the start of a period
Beginning of a period means a precise moment in time, for example, 7 o’clock, 9th March, Friday.
SINCE: from a point in the past until now.
(You use since with perfect tense).
Example: I have lived in Berlin since December.
s.a. (2015). Berlin. [photo]. Taken from: https://pixabay.com/en/the-bundestag-flag-monument-berlin-647939/2013-anne-franks.html
Examples: Listen to the sentences by clicking on the audio icon:
Activity 1
Around the worldIn the following text you will read about Eduardo’s job, you have to think which preposition better fits according to the context of the reading.
Read the text and drag the correct answer in the spaces provided.
Activity 2
What have you done?We are exploring prepositions For and Since in this activity. You are going to listen to some sentences in the present perfect listen carefully so, can catch updates and prepositions.
Listen to the audio and drag the answers into the blank spaces.
Click here to hear audio:
Activity 3
MemoriesThink about your latest trips, remember all the details, keep on mind those memories and follow the instructions below.
Write a paragraph about travel experiences that you have had. Use present perfect tense and prepositions for and since as needed.
Please, make sure it has the characteristics contained in this checklist.
Activity 4
InterviewAs you know, it is essential to know about culture and general information. So, in the following activity, you will have to surf the Net and look for an image of a famous person (your favourite or another you want to know about).
Your task is to interview him/her. This means that you have to search and find relevant information.
Look at the questions below: Write them down and use them to find the information you need to answer those questions. Don't forget that you have to record your interview.
Here are the questions:
Please, make sure it has the characteristics contained in the rubric, then as a self-evaluation compare your interview to this example.
Exercise 1
Check your knowledgeExercise 2
Length of timeExercise 3
Complete the following rulesComplementary