Since and For The words ‘since’ and ‘for’ are often confused by English language speakers. There is a simple rule to follow to differentiate between the usage of these two words. SINCE is used to talk about time from a specific period while FOR is used to talk about a length of time. I have been living in New York since 1982. I have been living in New York for twenty years. I have been studying since seven a.m. today. I have been studying for eight hours. My tutor has taught me since January this year. My tutor has taught me for five months.