Understanding "Since," "For," and "Ago" in English: A Comparison with "Pour," "Durant," and "Depuis" in French

Have you ever found yourself hesitating between "since," "for," and "ago" in English? These tiny words can be surprisingly tricky—especially when you're trying to compare them with the French terms "pour," "durant," and "depuis." Don't worry; you're not alone! The good news is that with a little practice, you'll master these essential expressions in no time. Let’s dive in and clear up the confusion! 🚀

"Since," "For," and "Ago" in English

Let’s start with how these words are used in English:

• "Since": Refers to a specific point in time when an action started and is often used with the present perfect tense.

  • Example: I have lived here since 2010.

  • Key idea: "Since" pinpoints when something began.

• "For": Indicates the length or duration of time an action has taken place.

  • Example: I have lived here for 10 years.

  • Key idea: "For" describes how long something has been happening.

• "Ago": Refers to a point in the past, counting backward from the present moment.

  • Example: I moved here 10 years ago.

  • Key idea: "Ago" answers the question "How long before now?"

"Pour," "Durant," and "Depuis" in French

Now, let’s look at their French equivalents:

• "Depuis": Much like "since," it indicates a starting point in the past continuing to the present.

  • Example: Je vis ici depuis 2010.

  • Key idea: "Depuis" answers "since when?"

• "Pour": Often used for planned durations, especially in the future.

  • Example: Je reste ici pour une semaine.

  • Key idea: "Pour" works for future time, unlike "for" in English.

• "Durant": Refers to a specific period of time, similar to "during" in English.

  • Example: Durant mon séjour, j’ai visité Paris.

  • Key idea: "Durant" focuses on the time frame of an action.

• "Il y a": Equivalent to "ago" in English, indicating how far back something occurred.

  • Example: Je suis arrivé ici il y a dix ans.

  • Key idea: Answers "How long ago?"

Comparing Usage

English	French	Example in English	Example in French
Since	Depuis	I’ve lived here since 2010.	Je vis ici depuis 2010.
For	Pour/Durant	I stayed for two weeks.	Je suis resté pour deux semaines.
Ago	Il y a	I moved here 10 years ago.	Je suis arrivé ici il y a dix ans.

Common Errors and How to Avoid Them

• Mistake 1: Saying "since 10 years."

  • Correct: I’ve lived here for 10 years.

  • Why? "Since" is for a starting point, not a duration.

• Mistake 2: Using "pour" instead of "depuis."

  • Correct: Je vis ici depuis 10 ans.

  • Why? "Depuis" is for ongoing actions, while "pour" is often used for future plans.

The difference between "since," "for," and "ago" in English—and their French counterparts "depuis," "pour," and "il y a"—can seem daunting at first, but practice makes perfect! Remember, it’s all about understanding the time frame you’re referring to: starting points, durations, or points in the past.

Why not try journaling about your day in both languages? It’s a fun way to practice these terms in context. You’ve got this! 💪

Practice Exercises

Part 1: Fill in the blanks with "since," "for," or "ago":

1. She has been studying French ______ 2018.

2. We’ve been friends ______ five years.

3. He started his new job three months ______.

4. They haven’t seen each other ______ last summer.

5. I moved to this city two years ______.

6. The project has been running smoothly ______ three weeks.

7. He’s been living in New York ______ he was a teenager.

8. They bought that house 10 years ______.

9. This restaurant has been popular ______ decades.

10. The meeting started ______ an hour ago.

Part 2: Translate these sentences into French:

1. I’ve been working at this company for 10 years.

2. He visited his grandparents three days ago.

3. They’ve lived in Lyon since 2010.

4. We’ve been waiting for the bus for 20 minutes.

5. She left the party an hour ago.

6. They’ve been married since 2015.

7. I studied French for two years in high school.

8. He called me five minutes ago.

9. The festival has taken place every year since 2001.

10. She’s been traveling for the past three months.

Part 1 Answers:

1. Since

2. For

3. Ago

4. Since

5. Ago

6. For

7. Since

8. Ago

9. For

10. Ago

Part 2 Answers:

1. Je travaille dans cette entreprise depuis 10 ans.

2. Il a rendu visite à ses grands-parents il y a trois jours.

3. Ils habitent à Lyon depuis 2010.

4. Nous attendons le bus depuis 20 minutes.

5. Elle a quitté la fête il y a une heure.

6. Ils sont mariés depuis 2015.

7. J’ai étudié le français pendant deux ans au lycée.

8. Il m’a appelé il y a cinq minutes.

9. Le festival a lieu chaque année depuis 2001.

10. Elle voyage depuis trois mois.