How Long...? - For, Since and Negatives
A B1 reference for asking How long...? with present perfect simple and continuous, choosing for or since, and describing periods when something has not happened. A short timeline connects duration with starting points.
What’s in the worksheet?
- 1 printable page
- Not needed - explanation and reference sheet
Distinguish an ongoing situation from a period without an event.
Worksheet preview
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Page 1 of 1 · A4 printable PDF
A simple way to teach it
Before the lesson
Keep the single page beside a short personal interview rather than treating it as a test.
- Compare learning English with knowing a friend; ask which examples naturally need been plus -ing.
- Locate Monday and three days on the timeline, then have learners supply their own starting point and duration.
- Read the tennis contrast aloud and ask whether the speaker is describing continuing play or time without playing.
Support and extension
Return to the state-verb examples when learners produce have been knowing. Use the companion question-and-answer sheet for written application.
Suggested approach. Adjust the pace and number of questions to suit your class.
