English grammar
Since + present perfect; from… to for the past
Say how long something has been going on.
From the scene I've worked there since March
In short
For something still true, use the present perfect + since + a starting point. A finished period takes the past simple.
Your turn
Which one goes with still going on?
Options: I have worked there since March (not "I work") · for two years (not "since two years") · I have been studying English since June
Show answer
still going on → I have been studying English since June
How it works
For something that started in the past and is still true, English uses the present perfect + since.
Your turn
Pick the word that fits the line.
And the lift, Ramón? We have been waiting for it (blank)... nineteen eighty!
Options: until · since · for
Show answer
And the lift, Ramón? We have been waiting for it since... nineteen eighty!
¿Y el ascensor, Ramón? Lo esperamos desde... ¡mil novecientos ochenta!
Good to know
I have worked there since March — not "I work there since March".
Good to know
Since goes with a starting point, for with a period: since June, for two years (never "since two years").
Good to know
A finished period takes the past simple: I worked there from January to September.
since + starting point I have worked there since March (not "I work")
Nuria
I have worked there since March. Until Friday, I hope.
Trabajo allí desde marzo. Hasta el viernes, espero.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank). Until Friday, I hope.
Options: I have worked there since March · I have been studying English since June · For two years
Show answer
Nuria
I have worked there since March. Until Friday, I hope.
Trabajo allí desde marzo. Hasta el viernes, espero.
still going on I have been studying English since June
Nuria
And I have been studying English since June.
Y estudio inglés desde junio.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
And (blank).
Options: I have been studying English since June · I have worked there since March · For two years
Show answer
Nuria
And I have been studying English since June.
Y estudio inglés desde junio.
a length of time for two years (not "since two years")
a finished period from January to September (finished → past simple)
Nuria
I worked there from January to September last year.
Trabajé allí desde enero hasta septiembre del año pasado.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
I worked there (blank) last year.
Options: I have been studying English since June · from January to September · I have worked there since March
Show answer
Nuria
I worked there from January to September last year.
Trabajé allí desde enero hasta septiembre del año pasado.
the end point until Friday
Nuria
I have worked there since March. Until Friday, I hope.
Trabajo allí desde marzo. Hasta el viernes, espero.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
I have worked there since March. (blank), I hope.
Options: Until Friday · I have been studying English since June · For two years
Show answer
Nuria
I have worked there since March. Until Friday, I hope.
Trabajo allí desde marzo. Hasta el viernes, espero.
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
| since + starting point | I have worked there since March (not "I work") |
|---|---|
| still going on | I have been studying English since June |
| a length of time | for two years (not "since two years") |
| a finished period | from January to September (finished → past simple) |
| the end point | until Friday |
More lines from the story
- RamónDates? Here is one: the rent, by the fifth.¿Fechas? Aquí tengo una: el alquiler, hasta el día cinco.
- ElenaAnd the lift, Ramón? We have been waiting for it since... nineteen eighty!¿Y el ascensor, Ramón? Lo esperamos desde... ¡mil novecientos ochenta!
- ElenaVery good. "Since March" sounds very professional.Muy bien. «Desde marzo» suena muy profesional.