for + period of time; since + moment in the past

for + period of time; since + moment in the past

Ø We use for+ period of time (2 hours, 3 days, 20 years, etc. ) and we use since+ the moment in the past when something started.

· I’ve been here for hours.

· She’s been my teacher for three years.

· I’ve been unemployed since May.

· I’ve lived in this town since I was born.

Past simple or present perfect?

When did it happen?

Ø We use the present perfect (NOT past simple) to talk about past experiences and actions when we don’t sayor don’t know whenthey happened.

· I’ve lost my keys.

· We‘ve been to a very nice restaurant.

Ø We use the past simple (NOT present perfect) when we mention or ask about when something happened, or when the time is known by the speaker and the listener. We often use a past expression (last week, yesterday, when I was a child, etc. )

· We arrived yesterday. (NOT. )

· When did the accident happen?

Giving details in past simple

Ø We use the present perfect to introduce a past event or experience, but if we continue talking and we give details, then we use the past simple.

A: I‘ve been to the cinema.
B: What did you see?
A: I saw a very good film by…

A: Oh, you‘ve broken your arm.
B: Yes, I have.
A: How did it happen?

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