Exercise: Complete the following sentences, using “for” or “since.

Example:

I have been practicing the piano ____________ 3 o’clock. → I have been practicing the piano since 3
o’clock.

I have been practicing the piano ____________ 90 minutes. → I have been practicing the piano for
90 minutes.

Jane has been absent from class ____________ Monday.

Jane has been absent from class ____________ several days.

The baby has been walking ____________ two months.

The baby has been walking ____________ January.

We have been in business ____________ 2001.

We have been in business ____________ over five years.

She’s had a pet monkey ____________ last year.

She’s had a pet monkey ____________ months.

Keith has been playing the piano ____________ he was a young child.

Keith has been playing the piano ____ ________20 years.

Exercise: Complete the sentences, using the word in the parentheses and “for” or “ago.”

Example:

I went on vacation (three weeks). → I went on vacation three weeks ago.

I have been on vacation (a week). → I have been on vacation for a week.

We have been driving (six hours).

We drove to California (two months).

Sam went to the library (ten minutes).

Sam has been at the library (three hours).

Jim lived in Hawaii (many years).

Jim has lived in Hawaii (sixty years).

The kids played outside (45 minutes).

The kids played outside (two days).

Time Statements with “Since”, “For” and “Ago”

Complete:

I have been studying English ________ three years.

We have been waiting for delivery ________ last Tuesday.

They arrived here ten days ________

I met him two years ________

I have been trying to get through on the phone ________ the past hour.

The machine broke down an hour ________

I have been driving ________ 1974.

The new art gallery has been open ________ October.

We had to buy a new washing machine a couple of days ________

That politician has been talking ________ six hours.

I haven’t had a cigarette ________ I gave up on my birthday last year.

I have been waiting ________ only a few minutes.

He has been eating in that expensive restaurant ever ________ he got his new job.

I left the firm two years ________

He has been working here ________ the beginning of the month.