Can you say: "How long is it since you have known Peter?" Isn't since always followed by the past simple? Thank you for your cooperation.
I corrected the alternative: "How long have you known him for?"
Better yet: How long have you known Peter? OR How long have you known him?
Sra
If you want the verb in simple past tense, then use the verb "meet."
How long has it been since you met Peter?
The simple past is used for a single action in the past; it's over and done with.
The present perfect (with helping verbs "have" or "has") is used for an action that started in the past and continues into the present.
You are correct in your correction. The correct form of the question is: "How long have you known him for?"
When we use "since" in a question, it is typically followed by a specific point in time, often expressed using the past simple tense. For example, "How long is it since you last saw Peter?" or "How long is it since you started working here?" In these cases, we are referring to a specific moment or event in the past.
However, when we want to ask about the duration of a continuous action or state that started in the past and continues up to the present, we use the present perfect tense. So, in your corrected question, "How long have you known him for?" you are asking about the duration of time you have known someone, starting from the past and continuing to the present.
If you need to ask about a specific point in time, you can use "since" followed by the past simple tense. For instance, "Since when have you known Peter?" or "Since when have you been working here?"
It's important to note that both forms are grammatically correct, but their usage depends on the specific information you want to obtain.