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IreneRead

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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

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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

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

IreneRead

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

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IreneRead

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

billmcd

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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)
 
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