Use of ago and since, for grade 3 students, in a very simple manner...

[Ilona]

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #96 "prepositions of time: for, ago, since, on, at", question 9

I've been studying Italian ......... I was five years old.

(a) for
(b) since
(c) ago
(d) on

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #96 "prepositions of time: for, ago, since, on, at", answer 9

I've been studying Italian since I was five years old.

Correct answer: (b) since
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Hi,

I'll be having a demo on thursday using (ago, since and for) Can you please help me explain the use of ago and since, for grade 3 students, in a very simple manner...

Thank you very much!
Ilona

[Alan]

Hi,

'Ago' suggests back in time from now. 'Since' suggests from a point of time to now. 'For' suggests covering a duration or period of time.

Put all three together: Harry came to visit me briefly this morning and he only left about 10 minutes ago. He hasn't been to see me since Christmas but even then he only stayed for about 20 minutes.

Hope this helps

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Here comes 2004...