"... for the last month."

IreneRead said:

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.

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Rover_KE said:

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).

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Odessa Dawn said:

Why? To me, there is a difference between since and for. Since has to be followed by specific time. While for has to be followed by a length of time.


Examples:


I have not visited the UsingEnglish Forum since last month/last year.

I have been a member to this form, for example, for 7 months.


Just to be clear with, I am not saying that Rover's version is not natural, and I have my fingers cut if I type anything goes against his wishes since he is from the most giving people. But, to be honest with you, this is the first time I have seen that for can be used in such a way. Therefore, as it has been put well, "We make our world significant by the courage of our questions and by the depth of our answers." – Carl Sagan

Thank you.
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P.S.: Please note that I have posted this question in a new thread although it is relevant to this one. But emsr has told me not to hijack others' posts.

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