English grammar
Ago or for — and 'ago' goes at the end
Say how long ago something happened, and for how long.
From the scene A week ago
In short
Put ago after the time: a week ago. Use for + a length of time and since + a starting point.
Your turn
Which one goes with ago at the end?
Options: a week ago (NOT "before a week") · for two days now (NOT "since two days") · an hour ago
Show answer
ago at the end → an hour ago
How it works
Ago goes AFTER the time expression: a week ago, an hour ago.
Good to know
For + a length of time says how long something has gone on: for two days now. Never say "before two days" or "since two days".
Good to know
Since needs a starting point: since Monday.
back from now: ago a week ago (NOT "before a week")
Nuria
It all started a week ago.
Hace una semana que empezó todo esto.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
It all started (blank).
Options: for two days now · a week ago · an hour ago
Show answer
Nuria
It all started a week ago.
Hace una semana que empezó todo esto.
ago at the end an hour ago
Javi
Don Ramón called me an hour ago.
Me llamó Don Ramón hace una hora.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Don Ramón called me (blank).
Options: an hour ago · a week ago · for two days now
Show answer
Javi
Don Ramón called me an hour ago.
Me llamó Don Ramón hace una hora.
how long: for for two days now (NOT "since two days")
Javi
Yes... for two days now.
Sí... desde hace dos días.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Yes... (blank).
Options: an hour ago · for two days now · a week ago
Show answer
Javi
Yes... for two days now.
Sí... desde hace dos días.
up to a time: until until summer
Nuria
And until when? Until summer?
¿Y hasta cuándo? ¿Hasta el verano?
Your turn
What fills the gap?
And until when? (blank)?
Options: An hour ago · Until summer · A week ago
Show answer
Nuria
And until when? Until summer?
¿Y hasta cuándo? ¿Hasta el verano?
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| back from now: ago | a week ago (NOT "before a week") |
|---|---|
| ago at the end | an hour ago |
| how long: for | for two days now (NOT "since two days") |
| up to a time: until | until summer |
More lines from the story
- JaviI've come to change the lock.Vengo a cambiar la cerradura.
- JaviI know... for years now!Lo sé... ¡desde hace años!