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Since, For, During

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(2nd of 2)

Depuis is used in reference to time and means both "for" and "since." In the affirmative, it requires the present tense, because it expresses an action or condition which started in the past and is still going on in the present.:
 

Elle est à Paris depuis deux jours.
She's been in Paris for two days.
Depuis combien de temps êtes-vous à Washington?
How long have you been in Washington?
Je suis ici depuis deux ans. 
I've been here for two years.

Note that depuis combien de temps means "for how long."

Pour is used in reference to duration and means "for." It is generally used with the Present or the Future tense:
 

Je vais à Paris pour un an.
I'm going to Paris for a year.
Elle est ici pour une semaine.
She's staying for a week.

Pendant also refers to duration and can mean both "for" and "during." It is used with the passé composé to indicate that an action or condition ended in the past.
 

Elle s'est cassé la jambe pendant les vacances de Noël.
She broke her leg during Christmas vacation.
Elle y a travaillé pendant une semaine.
She worked there for one week.

Note the difference in meaning in the following examples:
 

Elle y travaille depuis une semaine.
She's been working there for a week.
Elle y travaille pour une semaine.
She is working there for a week. (It's a one-week engagement)
Elle y travaille pendant la semaine de Pâques.
She's working there during Easter week.(during a particular week)


Examples of Since, For, During

  • Depuis quand êtes-vous malade?
  • Depuis hier soir.
  • Pierre part en vacances pour deux semaines.
  • Pendant le mois d'août les français partent en vacances.