The three time anchors: for + duration, since + starting point, ago + distance back; which tenses they pull
I can anchor time with for/since/ago and let each pull its right tense.
Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?
We've had this kettle since our wedding - eleven years, three handles.
We've had this kettle since our wedding - eleven years, three handles.
They moved to the coast three years ago and have been happier since.
They moved to the coast three years ago and have been happier since.
Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?
Three anchors, three logics:
| Word | Takes | Example |
|---|---|---|
| for | a length | for two years, for a week |
| since | a starting point | since 2020, since Monday, since we met |
| ago | distance back (AFTER the phrase) | two years ago |
Tense pull: since almost always lives with the perfect (I've known her since college); ago demands past simple (We met two years ago - never perfect!); for goes both ways: I've lived here for ten years (still) vs I lived there for ten years (over).
Apply this grammar in B1 course exercises
Practice Exercisessince + length
Length → for; point → since
Perfect with ago
ago locks past simple
We've had this kettle since our wedding - eleven years, three handles.
We've had this kettle since our wedding - eleven years, three handles.
since + point, with the duration spelled out after.
They moved to the coast three years ago and have been happier since.
They moved to the coast three years ago and have been happier since.
ago + past simple, then bare since + perfect.
Practice in course
Apply this grammar in B1 course exercises