Tenses · CEFR B1
“I am living here since” or “I have lived here since”?
Incorrect
I am living here since 2020
Correct
I have lived here since 2020
Use the present perfect with since and for: “I have lived here since 2020” or “I have been living here since 2020”. “I am living here since 2020” is incorrect.
The rule
When an action started in the past and is still true now, English uses the present perfect (have lived) or present perfect continuous (have been living).
The present simple or continuous (I live / I am living) only describes now, so it cannot connect to a starting point with since.
For state verbs (know, have, be, like), use present perfect simple: “I have known her since school.”
Examples
✗ I am living in Dublin since March.
✓ I have been living in Dublin since March.
✗ I work here for two years.
✓ I have worked here for two years.
✗ I know him since 2015.
✓ I have known him since 2015.
Why learners make this mistake
In Spanish (vivo aquí desde…), French (j’habite ici depuis…), German (ich wohne hier seit…) and Italian the present tense is used, so learners translate directly.
Remember
Past → now connection? Use HAVE + past participle.
Frequently asked questions
- Which is better: “have lived” or “have been living”?
- Both are correct. The continuous stresses the ongoing activity or that it may be temporary; the simple is more neutral.
Last updated