The Great Pre-Intermediate Challenge

My father has had the same car __________ 27 years.

• since

• for

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'since' because it indicates a specific starting point in time (27 years ago) when the father acquired the car. 'For' would imply a duration without specifying when it started.

Tom and Anna have taken dance lessons __________ they were kids.

• since

• for

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'since' because it indicates a starting point in time. Tom and Anna have been taking dance lessons from the time they were kids up to now, which aligns with the use of 'since'.

I have felt sick __________ the past 3 days.

• since

• for

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'for' because it indicates a duration of time. 'For' is used with a period (e.g., 3 days), while 'since' refers to a specific starting point in time.

Valentina has been in class __________ 6 o’clock.

• since

• for

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'since' because it indicates a specific point in time (6 o'clock) when Valentina started being in class. 'For' would imply a duration, which does not fit the context.

He has worked at J.P. electronics __________ 2010.

• since

• for

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'since' because it indicates a starting point in time (2010) and is used with the present perfect tense. 'For' would indicate a duration, which is not appropriate here.

The students have studied this Chapter __________ many weeks.

• since

• for

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'for' because it indicates a duration of time. We use 'for' with a period of time (e.g., many weeks), while 'since' is used to indicate a starting point in time.

My teacher has lived in this neighborhood __________ July last year.

• since

• for

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'since' because it indicates a specific starting point in time (July last year) and is used with the present perfect tense. 'For' would indicate a duration, which is not applicable here.

The security guard has been working __________ yesterday.

• since

• for

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'for' because it indicates a duration of time. The phrase 'has been working for' suggests a continuous action that started in the past and is relevant to the present, which fits the context.

She has studied French __________ she spent her vacation in Paris.

• since

• for

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'since' because it indicates a starting point in time. The sentence implies she has been studying French from the time she spent her vacation in Paris, making 'since' the appropriate word.

My parents have lived in this country __________ they were teens.

• since

• for

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'since' because it indicates a starting point in time. The sentence refers to the time when the parents were teens, making 'since' the appropriate word to show they have lived in the country from that time onward.