Ago, For and Since
Choose ago for distance from now, for for duration, and since for a starting point.
Learning Objective
Ago, For and Since
Use ago, for, and since with the correct time meaning and tense.
Clear Explanation
Ago measures back from now and usually occurs with the past simple. For introduces a duration. Since identifies the point when a continuing situation began.
Form and Structure
time period + ago; for + duration; since + starting point
“I moved here two years ago.”
For is not limited to the present perfect: I lived there for five years is correct when the period is finished.
Meaning and Use
Ago
Place ago after a period of time to say how far in the past something happened.
“The lesson started ten minutes ago.”
For
Use for with a length of time in several tenses.
“They stayed for a week.”
Since
Use since with the starting point of a situation that continues to a later reference point.
“I have been awake since six o’clock.”
Common Errors and Meaning Traps
I arrived since two hours.
I arrived two hours ago.
Use ago for a completed event measured back from now.
She has lived here since three years.
She has lived here for three years.
Three years is a duration, so use for.
We have known them for 2019.
We have known them since 2019.
2019 is a starting point, so use since.
Guided Practice
Use the grammar in context
“We waited for thirty minutes.”
“She has worked here since June.”
Write three true time sentences: one with ago, one with for, and one with since.
Quick Recap
Ago measures back from now and usually occurs with the past simple. For introduces a duration. Since identifies the point when a continuing situation began.
Place ago after a period of time to say how far in the past something happened.
For is not limited to the present perfect: I lived there for five years is correct when the period is finished.
Use ago for a completed event measured back from now.
Independent Mastery Check
Complete these four checks before taking the quiz. If one feels difficult, return to the matching section and try again.
Explain the core rule in your own words without looking back at the lesson.
Find the target form in “I moved here two years ago.” and explain what it communicates in this context.
Explain why “I arrived two hours ago.” is the recommended revision for “I arrived since two hours.”.
Write three true time sentences: one with ago, one with for, and one with since.
Continue at A1-A2 Level
Aim for at least 5 out of 6 in the quiz below. For every missed answer, read the explanation, return to the relevant section, and try the quiz again.
Which statement best explains Ago, For and Since?
Now Put It Into Practice — Out Loud
Reading grammar is step one. Saying it fluently is step two. Cambridge Veritas AI analyses your speaking in real time — pronunciation, fluency, grammar, and vocabulary.
4,500+ students assessed · 87 countries · Start free
📚 Know someone learning English? Share this lesson with them!
WhatsApp