What is the difference between the phrases "since last week"
and "for the last week"?
These two phrases
might seem to have the exact same meaning, but they are actually used
differently in English grammar. The main difference comes down to whether you
are talking about a specific point in time or a
continuous period of time.
Let's break down
exactly what these terms mean and how to use them correctly.
Point in Time vs. Period of Time
To understand these
phrases, we first need to understand how English handles time in sentences:
·
Point
in Time ("Since"): This refers to the exact moment or specific date when a task or
action began.
·
Period
of Time ("For"):
This refers to a duration or the total amount of time that has passed while
doing an action.
How to Use "Since Last Week"
The word since is always paired with a point in time. Therefore, the phrase "since last
week" points to the specific time in the past when an action started.
Example: I have been writing since last
week.
This means that the
action of writing started last week and is still continuing right now.
(Note: A very common grammar
mistake is saying something like, "I am writing since two hours."
Because "two hours" is a duration of time, not a starting point, you
must use "for two hours" instead!)
How to Use "For the Last Week"
The word for is always paired with a period of
time (a duration). The phrase "for the last week"
indicates how long you have been engaged in an activity. It highlights the
entire chunk of time that has passed.
Example: I have been struggling to
figure out this problem for the last week.
This means that the
struggle has lasted for a duration of one full week leading up to the present
moment.
Summary: Quick Grammar Rules to Remember
When choosing between
these two time expressions, ask yourself what you want to emphasize to your reader:
·
Use "since [point in time]" when you want to
focus on when the action started.
·
Use "for [period of time]" when you want to focus
on how long the action has lasted.
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