articles

[IreneRead]

Could you explain the difference in article usage in the following sentences:

1) He hasn't smoked a cigarette since last month.
2) He hasn't smoked a cigarette for the last month.

Are those sentences correct?

Thank you in advance.

[Rover_KE]

They are correct.

1 means that the last time he smoked was on 31st January.

2 means that the last time he smoked was on 22nd January (as today is 22nd February).

[Tdol]

1 I'd say that this could be any time in January.

[IreneRead]

Thanks a lot! Could you also clear up the article usage? Is it possible to say "...since the last month"?

[bhaisahab]

Thanks a lot! Could you also clear up the article usage? Is it possible to say "...since the last month"?

No.

[IreneRead]

Why not? Is there any rule? What information lies behind the article/no article in the sentences?

[billmcd]

Why not? Is there any rule? What information lies behind the article/no article in the sentences?

".....since the......." would typically be used for an event (e.g. since the party, the meeting, the accident etc.) or a specific date (e.g. the 24th of January)