Anonymous  [More info] Hello: Using "Since a long time ago" was considered incorrect some years ago, as far as I know. Is it now acceptable? Anonymous

	+1 Jussive  [More info] I wouldn't say it was. 'Since' refers to a point in time. 'For', on the other hand, refers to a period of time and doesn't have to be as well-defined: 'for ages', 'for a long time' 'forever', etc. Jussive Joined on Sun, Sep 25 2005 Full Member 144

	+1 CalifJim  [More info] I doubt that many native speakers accept "since a long time ago" in place of "for a long time", even though it is perfectly understandable. I haven't seen them [*since a long time ago / for a long time]. CJ CalifJim Joined on Mon, Aug 2 2004 California Veteran Member 26,178 "There are no facts, only interpretations" - Nietzsche

	+1 Pinenut  [More info] a long time ago is an adverbial phrase and since is a preposition. Therefore, a phrase made of a preposition followed by an adverbial phrase was not and is not acceptible. pine Pinenut Joined on Fri, Oct 14 2005 Illinois, U.S.A. Full Member 108

	+1 X11  [More info] To some extent you are right, however, "for a long time" contradicts the rule you are using since "for a long time" is an adverbial phrase introduced by the preposition "for" I know it has little to do with the main tread. Jay X11 Joined on Tue, Nov 1 2005 Aarhus, Denmark Full Member 120 Teahupoo - A Spectacle Beyond Imagination

	+1 Jussive  [More info]  Pinenut wrote: a long time ago is an adverbial phrase and since is a preposition. Therefore, a phrase made of a preposition followed by an adverbial phrase was not and is not acceptible. pine An adverbial phrase can be a prepostional phrase eg, 'He did it on time'.   Btw, it's acceptable Jussive

	+1 Pinenut  [More info]  Jussive wrote:  Pinenut wrote: a long time ago is an adverbial phrase and since is a preposition. Therefore, a phrase made of a preposition followed by an adverbial phrase was not and is not acceptible. pine An adverbial phrase can be a prepostional phrase eg, 'He did it on time'.   Btw, it's acceptable Obviously, you did not understand what I said. I said you could not use an advervial phrase such as on tim after another preposition. For example, you can't say, " since on time, after on time, for on time, and since a long time ago" Do you see the difference? I hop you will. pine Pinenut

	+1 Pinenut  [More info]  Jussive wrote: Take the bins out tomorrow. Take the bins out for tomorrow. You obviously need to read you grammar book again. Take the bins out for tomorrow. In your example, out is the particle of the verb, take. and is not a preposition. In other words, out is part of the verb. I don't think you will understand this term. That is why I said you needed to study grammar again. particle = an adverb or preposition that can combine with a verb to form a phrasal verb [from Longman Dictionary] pine Pinenut