[Grammar] May I know your answer to this question?

[Silverobama]

Hi,

I have read the novel several times.

I have been living in this city for 15 years.


I guess the above sentences are correct, if so, why there is a "for" in the second sentence while the first one can directly use without a "for"?


Thanks a lot

 

[5jj]

Hi,

I have read the novel several times. . I have been living in this city for 15 years.

I guess the above sentences are correct, if so, why there is a "for" in the second sentence while the first one can directly use without a "for"?

For in the second sentence is used with a period of time, to denote the duration.

 

[lauralie2]

Hi,

I have read the novel several times.

I have been living in this city for 15 years.


I guess the above sentences are correct, if so, why there is a "for" in the second sentence while the first one can directly use without a "for"?


Thanks a lot

Well, in that context 'for' expresses continuity and the reason it is compatible with '15 years' (a continuous span of time) and incompatible with 'several times' (a non-continuous span of time).