What are the rules for using the present perfect tense with 'since' and 'for'?

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What are the rules for using the present perfect tense with 'since' and 'for'?

The present perfect tense is used to describe an action or event that started in the past and has a connection to the present. When using the present perfect tense with 'since' and 'for', there are specific rules to follow.

1. 'Since' is used to indicate the starting point of an action or event that is still ongoing. It is followed by a specific point in time, such as a date, year, or time. For example:
- I have been studying English since 2010.
- She has been working at the company since last month.

2. 'For' is used to indicate the duration of an action or event that started in the past and is still ongoing. It is followed by a period of time, such as hours, days, weeks, months, or years. For example:
- They have been living in this city for five years.
- We have been waiting for the bus for over an hour.

3. When using 'since', the verb in the present perfect tense is followed by a specific point in time. However, when using 'for', the verb is followed by a period of time.

4. It is important to note that the present perfect tense is used when the action or event is still relevant to the present. If the action or event is completed or no longer ongoing, the past simple tense should be used instead.

5. Additionally, the present perfect tense is often used with words like 'already', 'yet', 'just', 'ever', and 'never' to indicate experiences or actions that have happened at an unspecified time before now.

It is crucial to understand and apply these rules correctly to convey the intended meaning and accurately use the present perfect tense with 'since' and 'for'.