Cough: describing a lasting symptom

The idea

Say have a cough. Use for with a period and since with a starting point.

Examples

• I have had a cough for two days.
• His cough started on Friday.
• Her cough kept her awake.
• Is your cough getting better?
• The doctor asked how long the cough had lasted.
• A dry cough bothered him at work.

Watch out

Do not use since before a duration such as two days.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the correct word. She has had a cough ___ Monday. (since / for)

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   since

   Since introduces Monday, the starting point.

2. Choose the correct word. My cough has lasted ___ a week. (for / since)

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   for

   For introduces the length of time.

3. Choose the correct word. He has a ___ cough with no mucus. (dry / wooden)

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   dry

   Dry describes a cough without mucus.

Use it today

Describe a cough and how long it has lasted.