Ch 4 · Lesson 21French · Chapter 4 · Lesson 21 · Grammar primer
Depuis: for and since, in the present
- French keeps the verb in the present for something still going on.
The short version
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If the action is still running, French treats it as a present fact however long it has gone on. is I have been learning French for three years, with a plain present . Reaching for the here is the big error.
depuis: "since" or "for", with the present
marks an action that started in the past and is still going on. English says have lived or have been learning; French keeps the plain present, because the action is still happening.
.- I've lived here for two years..- I've been learning French for a year..- She's been waiting for an hour.2020.- We've worked here since 2020.
What follows decides the English, not the French tense:
- A point in time gives since:
2015, - A length of time gives for:
Asking how long
Ask with (how long) or (since when), and keep the present:
- ?- How long have you been learning French?- ?- Since when have you lived here?.- I've lived here for two years.
ça fait ... que
Speech often puts the length of time first with ... . The meaning and the present tense stay the same:
.- I've been learning French for three years.!- I've been waiting for an hour!
Going further: The four at a glance and the rest of the guide, when you want them. This lesson does not need them.
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