We use for and since to say how long.
For refers to a period of time.
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			 now 
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| 2008 | 
			 for three years 
		 | 
		
			 2011 
		 | 
	||
Since refers to a point in time.
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			 now 
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| since 2008 | 
			 2011 
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For and since are often used with the present perfect to talk about actions that began in the past and continue now.