Understanding the Correct Preposition to Use

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 103 views

**5. I have been waiting for you ___ two hours!**

Understanding the Correct Preposition to Use

When expressing the idea of waiting for someone or something, it's essential to use the correct preposition to convey the intended meaning. In this article, we'll explore the five most common prepositions used in this context: since, for, at, until, and discuss their usage in a series of questions and answers.

Q&A: Choosing the Right Preposition

Q: What is the difference between "since" and "for"?

A: Since is used to indicate a starting point or a duration of time that has passed. For example: "I have been waiting for you since 2 o'clock." This implies that the waiting started at 2 o'clock and has continued until the present moment.

On the other hand, for is used to indicate a duration of time that has passed, but it doesn't necessarily imply a starting point. For example: "I have been waiting for you for two hours." This implies that the waiting has been going on for two hours, but it doesn't specify when it started.

Q: When do I use "at"?

A: At is used to indicate a specific point in time or a specific moment. For example: "I have been waiting for you at the airport for two hours." This implies that the waiting has been going on for two hours, and it's happening at the airport.

Q: What is the difference between "until" and "for"?

A: Until is used to indicate a point in time when something will happen or when a certain condition will be met. For example: "I will wait for you until you arrive." This implies that the waiting will continue until the person arrives.

For is used to indicate a duration of time that has passed, as mentioned earlier. While both prepositions can be used to express waiting, until implies a more specific point in time, whereas for implies a duration of time.

Q: Can I use "since" and "for" interchangeably?

A: While both prepositions can be used to express waiting, they have different connotations and nuances. Since implies a starting point or a duration of time that has passed, whereas for implies a duration of time that has passed without specifying a starting point.

For example: "I have been waiting for you since 2 o'clock" implies that the waiting started at 2 o'clock and has continued until the present moment. On the other hand, "I have been waiting for you for two hours" implies that the waiting has been going on for two hours, but it doesn't specify when it started.

Q: What is the correct preposition to use in the sentence "I have been waiting for you ___ two hours!"?

A: Based on the discussion above, the correct preposition to use in this sentence is for. The sentence should read: "I have been waiting for you for two hours!"

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right preposition to use when expressing waiting can be a challenging task. By understanding the differences between since, for, at, and until, you can convey the intended meaning and avoid confusion. Remember to use since to indicate a starting point or a duration of time that has passed, for to indicate a duration of time that has passed, at to indicate a specific point in time or a specific moment, and until to indicate a point in time when something will happen or when a certain condition will be met.