Level A2

Present Perfect: for/since for duration

I have lived here for three years.

I have lived here for three years. Three years is a length, so for comes in front.

Forms

• I have lived here for three years. — three years is a length of time, so for
• I have lived here since May. — May is the moment it started, so since
• She has worked here for two days. — two days is a length again, so for

A common mistake

Wrong: I have lived here since three years.

Right: I have lived here for three years.

A common mistake is since three years. Three years is counted as a length, so we say I have lived here for three years.

More examples

We have been friends since 2019.

A year on the calendar is a moment: We have been friends since 2019.

He has been ill for a week.

A week is a length: He has been ill for a week.