Understanding the preposition “since” is crucial for expressing duration and cause-and-effect relationships in English. This article provides a comprehensive guide to using “since” effectively, covering its definition, structural breakdown, various usages, common mistakes, and advanced applications.
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this resource will help you master the nuances of “since” and improve your overall English proficiency.
This article is designed for English language learners of all levels, teachers seeking clear explanations for their students, and anyone who wants to refine their understanding of English grammar. By exploring numerous examples and practical exercises, you’ll gain the confidence to use “since” accurately and fluently in your writing and speaking.
Table of Contents
- Definition of “Since”
- Structural Breakdown
- Types of “Since”
- Examples of “Since” in Sentences
- Usage Rules for “Since”
- Common Mistakes with “Since”
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
Definition of “Since”
The word “since” functions as a preposition, a conjunction, and an adverb in the English language. Understanding its different roles is essential for using it correctly.
Primarily, “since” indicates a point in the past from which something has continued until the present. It also expresses a reason or cause, similar to “because” or “as.” Its versatility makes it a valuable tool for expressing time and causality.
As a preposition, “since” is followed by a specific point in time. As a conjunction, it introduces a clause that provides a reason or specifies the starting point of a duration. As an adverb, it refers to a time after a specific event.
Structural Breakdown
The structure involving “since” varies depending on its function. When “since” is used as a preposition, the structure is straightforward: “since + [point in time]”. For example, “since Monday” or “since 2010.” When “since” acts as a conjunction indicating time, it connects two clauses, often with the past perfect or past simple tense in the “since” clause and the present perfect in the main clause: “[Main Clause (Present Perfect)] + since + [Past Simple/Past Perfect Clause]”. When “since” acts as a conjunction indicating reason the structure is “Since + [clause providing reason], [Main Clause (result)]”.
Here’s a breakdown of the common structures:
- Preposition: since + [specific point in time]
- Conjunction (Time): [Main Clause (Present Perfect/Perfect Continuous)] + since + [Past Simple/Past Perfect Clause]
- Conjunction (Reason): Since + [Cause Clause], [Effect Clause]
Understanding these structures will help you construct grammatically correct sentences using “since”. The correct tense usage is particularly important when “since” is used to indicate time.
Types of “Since”
“Since” as a Preposition
When “since” functions as a preposition, it is followed by a noun or noun phrase that specifies a point in time. It indicates the starting point of a duration that continues to the present.
The main clause typically uses a perfect tense to show that the action or state began in the past and continues to the present. For example, “I have been waiting since 9 AM.”
The prepositional use of “since” is often used to specify when something started, without necessarily stating when or if it will end. It is most often associated with perfect tenses to show continuity.
“Since” as a Conjunction
As a conjunction, “since” connects two clauses. It can indicate either time or reason.
When indicating time, one clause specifies the starting point, and the other describes the action or state that has continued from that point. The clause beginning with ‘since’ typically uses the past simple or past perfect tense.
When indicating reason, “since” introduces the cause or explanation for the statement in the main clause, similar to “because”.
The conjunctive use of “since” is versatile, allowing for complex sentences that express both temporal and causal relationships. Note the placement of comma, which is important when ‘since’ begins the sentence.
“Since” as an Adverb
While less common, “since” can also function as an adverb, meaning “from that time until now” or “after a particular past time.” In this usage, it often appears at the end of a sentence or clause. This form is often used to emphasize the continuous nature of a past action or state.
This usage is less common than the prepositional or conjunctive uses, but it’s still important to recognize it.
An example of this usage would be: “He left the company last year and hasn’t been heard from since.”
Examples of “Since” in Sentences
Examples as a Preposition
The following table provides examples of “since” used as a preposition, followed by a specific point in time. Notice how the main clause usually employs a perfect tense to indicate continuity from that point to the present.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| I have lived in this city since 2010. | Indicates that the speaker started living in the city in 2010 and continues to live there. |
| She has been working at the company since January. | Indicates that she started working at the company in January and is still employed there. |
| They haven’t seen each other since the party. | Indicates that their last meeting was at the party, and they haven’t met since then. |
| We have been studying English since last year. | Indicates that the speaker started studying English last year and is still studying it. |
| He has been feeling unwell since yesterday. | Indicates that he started feeling unwell yesterday and continues to feel that way. |
| The restaurant has been open since 6 PM. | Indicates that the restaurant opened at 6 PM and is currently open. |
| The price of gas has increased since last week. | Indicates that the price of gas increased last week and remains higher. |
| I haven’t eaten meat since I became a vegetarian. | Indicates that the speaker stopped eating meat when they became a vegetarian and hasn’t eaten it since. |
| She hasn’t spoken to him since their argument. | Indicates that they had an argument, and she hasn’t spoken to him since then. |
| The project has been on hold since the funding was cut. | Indicates that the project was put on hold when the funding was cut and remains on hold. |
| He has been practicing the piano since he was a child. | Indicates that he began playing the piano as a child and continues to practice. |
| We have known each other since elementary school. | Indicates that their friendship started in elementary school and continues to the present. |
| She has been collecting stamps since her grandfather gave her his collection. | Indicates that she began collecting stamps after receiving her grandfather’s collection and continues to do so. |
| They have been renovating their house since the summer. | Indicates that they started renovating their house in the summer and are still working on it. |
| I have been trying to reach you since this morning. | Indicates that the speaker began trying to contact the listener this morning and is still trying. |
| The computer has been malfunctioning since the last update. | Indicates that the computer started malfunctioning after the last update and continues to do so. |
| She has been writing her novel since 2018. | Indicates that she started writing her novel in 2018 and is still working on it. |
| They have been living abroad since their retirement. | Indicates that they moved abroad after they retired and continue to live there. |
| I haven’t had a vacation since my last job. | Indicates that the speaker’s last vacation was before their last job and they haven’t had one since. |
| She has been volunteering at the animal shelter since she retired. | Indicates that she started volunteering after she retired and continues to do so. |
| We have been following this news story since it broke. | Indicates that they started following the news when it first came out and continue to follow it. |
| He has been growing his beard since last winter. | Indicates that he started growing his beard last winter and continues to let it grow. |
| The museum has been displaying the exhibit since its opening. | Indicates that the museum started displaying the exhibit when it opened and continues to do so. |
| I have been learning to code since I enrolled in the course. | Indicates that the speaker began learning to code after enrolling in the course and is still learning. |
Examples as a Conjunction (Time)
The following table illustrates the use of “since” as a conjunction to indicate time. One clause establishes the starting point, while the other describes the action or state that has continued from that point.
Note the tense usage.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| I have been feeling much better since I started exercising. | Indicates that the speaker’s health improved after they began exercising. |
| She hasn’t been the same since she lost her job. | Indicates that her personality or mood changed after she lost her job. |
| They have been working on this project since the manager approved it. | Indicates that they began working on the project after the manager approved it. |
| We haven’t had a decent vacation since we had kids. | Indicates that their last good vacation was before they had children. |
| He has become quite proficient in Spanish since he moved to Spain. | Indicates that his Spanish skills improved after he moved to Spain. |
| The garden has flourished since we started using organic fertilizer. | Indicates that the garden’s growth improved after they started using organic fertilizer. |
| I haven’t slept well since the neighbors started having loud parties. | Indicates that the speaker’s sleep quality decreased after the neighbors started having parties. |
| She has been more confident since she took the public speaking course. | Indicates that her confidence increased after she completed the course. |
| They have made significant progress since they hired a new consultant. | Indicates that their progress improved after they hired the consultant. |
| We haven’t experienced any problems since we upgraded the software. | Indicates that they haven’t had issues since they upgraded the software. |
| He has been much happier since he adopted the dog. | Indicates that his happiness increased after he adopted the dog. |
| The economy has been improving since the government implemented new policies. | Indicates that the economy’s performance improved after the policies were implemented. |
| I haven’t been back to my hometown since I left for college. | Indicates that the speaker hasn’t visited their hometown since they left for college. |
| She has been more creative since she started painting. | Indicates that her creativity increased after she began painting. |
| They have been more productive since they reorganized the office. | Indicates that their productivity improved after they reorganized the office. |
| We haven’t had a power outage since the new generator was installed. | Indicates that they haven’t experienced a power outage since the generator was installed. |
| He has been more outgoing since he joined the hiking club. | Indicates that his sociability increased after he joined the club. |
| The business has been growing since they launched their online store. | Indicates that the business’s growth improved after they launched the store. |
| I haven’t felt this relaxed since I went on vacation last year. | Indicates that the speaker hasn’t felt this relaxed since their last vacation. |
| She has been more focused since she started meditating. | Indicates that her focus improved after she began meditating. |
| They have been saving money since they decided to buy a house. | Indicates that they started saving money after they decided to buy a house. |
| We haven’t had a complaint since we improved our customer service. | Indicates that they haven’t received complaints since improving customer service. |
| He has been more involved in the community since he retired. | Indicates that his community involvement increased after he retired. |
| The website’s traffic has increased since they redesigned it. | Indicates that the website’s traffic improved after the redesign. |
| I haven’t been to a concert since the pandemic started. | Indicates that the speaker hasn’t attended a concert since the start of the pandemic. |
Examples as a Conjunction (Reason)
In the following examples, “since” is used as a conjunction to introduce a reason or explanation. Similar to “because,” it connects a cause-and-effect relationship between two clauses.
Note the comma placement when the sentence begins with ‘since’.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Since it’s raining, we should take an umbrella. | Provides the reason for taking an umbrella: the rain. |
| Since you’re going to the store, can you buy some milk? | Asks for a favor based on the fact that the listener is already going to the store. |
| Since he studied hard, he passed the exam. | Explains the reason for his success on the exam: his hard work. |
| Since she was tired, she went to bed early. | Explains the reason for her early bedtime: her tiredness. |
| Since the restaurant was crowded, we decided to order takeout. | Explains the reason for ordering takeout: the restaurant’s crowdedness. |
| Since the weather is nice, let’s go for a walk. | Suggests going for a walk because of the pleasant weather. |
| Since you already know how to code, learning Python should be easy for you. | Explains why learning Python should be easy: the listener’s existing coding knowledge. |
| Since the bus is late, we might as well walk. | Suggests walking because the bus is delayed. |
| Since everyone is ready, we can start the meeting. | Explains why they can start the meeting: everyone is prepared. |
| Since you’re free this weekend, would you like to help me with the project? | Asks for help based on the listener’s availability. |
| Since he speaks fluent French, he was able to communicate with the tourists. | Explains his ability to communicate with the tourists: his fluency in French. |
| Since she is an experienced teacher, she can handle the challenging class. | Explains why she can handle the class: her experience as a teacher. |
| Since the store is having a sale, we should buy the items we need. | Suggests buying the items because of the sale. |
| Since I have some free time, I’ll help you with your homework. | Offers help based on the speaker’s free time. |
| Since the deadline is approaching, we need to work harder. | Explains the need to work harder: the approaching deadline. |
| Since the tickets are expensive, we should only buy them if we’re sure we can go. | Suggests caution in buying tickets due to their high price. |
| Since you’ve traveled extensively, you can give us some travel tips. | Asks for travel tips based on the listener’s travel experience. |
| Since the recipe calls for fresh ingredients, we should go to the farmer’s market. | Explains the need to go to the market: the recipe’s ingredient requirements. |
| Since the electricity is out, we’ll have to use candles. | Explains the need to use candles: the power outage. |
| Since it’s a holiday, the banks are closed. | Explains why the banks are closed: it’s a holiday. |
| Since you are the team leader, you should make the final decision. | Explains why the listener should make the decision: their role as team leader. |
| Since the computer is running slowly, we should restart it. | Suggests restarting the computer because it’s running slowly. |
| Since she has a medical background, she can provide first aid. | Explains why she can provide first aid: her medical background. |
| Since the event is free, we should definitely attend. | Suggests attending the event because it’s free. |
| Since you know the area well, can you recommend a good restaurant? | Asks for a restaurant recommendation based on the listener’s knowledge of the area. |
Usage Rules for “Since”
“Since” with Perfect Tenses
When “since” indicates a duration of time, it is typically used with perfect tenses (present perfect, past perfect, or future perfect). This is because perfect tenses describe actions or states that started in the past and continue to the present or have relevance to the present.
The past simple tense is often used in the clause introduced by “since” to mark the starting point of the duration.
For example: “I have been working here since 2015.” (Present Perfect Continuous) or “She had finished the project since last week.” (Past Perfect).
Avoiding Redundancy
It’s important to avoid using “since” redundantly. For instance, avoid phrases like “since from” or “ever since since.” These are grammatically incorrect and can confuse the reader.
Stick to using “since” alone to indicate the starting point of a duration or the reason for something.
Incorrect: “I have known him since from 2010.” Correct: “I have known him since 2010.”
Formal vs. Informal Usage
While “since” is generally acceptable in both formal and informal contexts, it’s important to be mindful of the overall tone and register of your writing or speech. In very formal writing, you might opt for “because” or “as” instead of “since” when expressing reason, as they can sometimes sound more sophisticated.
However, “since” is perfectly acceptable in most situations.
In less formal contexts, “since” is frequently used conversationally to explain reasons or to mark the starting point of events.
Common Mistakes with “Since”
One common mistake is using the wrong tense after “since.” Remember to use the past simple or past perfect in the clause introduced by “since” when indicating time. Another frequent error is using “since” with non-continuous verbs when a continuous action is implied.
Also, be careful not to use “since” redundantly with other prepositions or adverbs indicating time.
Here are some examples of common mistakes and their corrections:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| I am living here since 2010. | I have been living here since 2010. | The present perfect continuous is needed to show an action that started in the past and continues to the present. |
| Since from yesterday, I have been sick. | Since yesterday, I have been sick. | Redundant use of “from” with “since” is incorrect. |
| She is happy since she got the job. | She has been happy since she got the job. | The present perfect is needed to emphasize the continuation of her happiness from a past point to the present. |
| Since he is busy, so I will help him later. | Since he is busy, I will help him later. | Avoid using “so” after “since.” It is redundant. |
| I know him since many years. | I have known him for many years. | “Since” needs a specific starting point, not a duration. Use “for” with a duration. |
| They are married since five years. | They have been married for five years. | “Since” requires a specific point in time. “For” is used to indicate a duration. |
| Since the reason is because he was late, he missed the bus. | Since he was late, he missed the bus. | Redundant use of “the reason is because.” “Since” already introduces the reason. |
| Since ever, I liked chocolate. | I have always liked chocolate. | “Since ever” is not a standard English phrase. Use “always” instead. |
| Since he is arriving, we should prepare the room. | Since he is arriving soon, we should prepare the room. | The first clause is awkward. Adding “soon” or rephrasing improves the sentence. |
| Since from the beginning, she was determined. | From the beginning, she was determined. | “Since from the beginning” is redundant. Use “From the beginning” or “Since the beginning.” |
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb, using “since” appropriately.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| I _______ (not see) him _______ last Christmas. | I have not seen him since last Christmas. |
| She _______ (work) here _______ 2018. | She has been working here since 2018. |
| They _______ (live) in this house _______ they got married. | They have lived in this house since they got married. |
| We _______ (not go) to the beach _______ last summer. | We haven’t gone to the beach since last summer. |
| He _______ (study) English _______ he was a child. | He has been studying English since he was a child. |
| _______ the weather is nice, we can go for a picnic. | Since the weather is nice, we can go for a picnic. |
| She _______ (be) very happy _______ she started her new job. | She has been very happy since she started her new job. |
| I _______ (not eat) meat _______ I became a vegetarian. | I haven’t eaten meat since I became a vegetarian. |
| They _______ (renovate) their house _______ the beginning of the year. | They have been renovating their house since the beginning of the year. |
| _______ you’re going to the library, can you borrow this book for me? | Since you’re going to the library, can you borrow this book for me? |
Exercise 2: Correct the Errors
Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences involving “since”.
| Incorrect Sentence | Correct Sentence |
|---|---|
| I am knowing him since 5 years. | I have known him for 5 years. |
| Since from last week, I am feeling sick. | Since last week, I have been feeling sick. |
| She is living here since she was born. | She has been living here since she was born. |
| Since he studied hard, so he passed the exam. | Since he studied hard, he passed the exam. |
| I am not seeing her since the party. | I haven’t seen her since the party. |
| Since the reason is because it rained, the game was canceled. | Since it rained, the game was canceled. |
| They are married since 2010. | They have been married since 2010. |
| Since ever, I loved to read. | I have always loved to read. |
| Since he is arriving tomorrow, we must prepare. | Since he is arriving tomorrow, we should prepare. |
| I am working on this project since two months. | I have been working on this project for two months. |
Exercise 3: Sentence Construction
Construct sentences using “since” based on the given prompts.
| Prompt | Example Answer |
|---|---|
| Use “since” as a preposition to describe how long you’ve been learning a language. | I have been learning Spanish since January. |
| Use “since” as a conjunction to explain why you are happy today. | Since I received good news, I am very happy today. |
| Use “since” to describe how long you’ve lived in your current city. | I have lived in this city since 2015. |
| Use “since” to explain why you’re going to the grocery store. | Since we need more milk, I am going to the grocery store. |
| Use “since” to describe how long you’ve known your best friend. | I have known my best friend since elementary school. |
| Use “since” to explain why you are studying tonight. | Since I have an exam tomorrow, I am studying tonight. |
| Use “since” to describe how long you’ve been working at your current job. | I have been working at my current job since last year. |
| Use “since” to explain why you are wearing a coat. | Since it’s cold outside, I am wearing a coat. |
| Use “since” to describe how long you’ve been a member of a club or organization. | I have been a member of the hiking club since the summer. |
| Use “since” to explain why you are feeling tired today. | Since I didn’t sleep well last night, I am feeling tired today. |
Advanced Topics
Nuances of Time with “Since”
In more complex sentences, “since” can be combined with other time-related expressions to create nuanced meanings. For example, you can use “ever since” to emphasize the continuous nature of an action or state from a specific point in time.
You can also combine “since” with adverbial phrases of time to add precision to the duration being described. Consider the examples: “Ever since the accident, he has been afraid to drive.” and “I have been working on this project consistently since last month.”
These subtle variations can significantly enhance the clarity and expressiveness of your writing.
Implying Cause and Effect Subtly
While “since” directly indicates a reason, it can also be used to imply cause and effect more subtly. By carefully structuring your sentences, you can suggest a connection between two events without explicitly stating it.
This technique is useful in persuasive writing or when you want to avoid making a strong claim. For example, “Since the new policy was implemented, employee satisfaction seems to have improved.” This sentence suggests a correlation between the policy and employee satisfaction without definitively stating that the policy caused the improvement.
The reader is left to infer the connection.
This indirect approach can be more persuasive in certain contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the difference between “since” and “for”?
“Since” indicates the starting point of a duration, while “for” indicates the length of a duration. For example, “I have lived here since 2010” (starting point) vs. “I have lived here for 14 years” (duration). - Can I use “since” at the beginning of a sentence?
Yes, you can use “since” at the beginning of a sentence when it functions as a conjunction. When “since” begins a sentence, a comma is typically used to separate the “since” clause from the main clause. For example, “Since it’s raining, we should take an umbrella.” - What tenses should I use with “since”?
When indicating time, “since” is typically used with perfect tenses (present perfect, past perfect, or future perfect) in the main clause and past simple or past perfect in the clause introduced by “since.” - Is it correct to say “since from”?
No, “since from” is redundant and incorrect. Use “since” alone. - Can “since” be used in formal writing?
Yes, “since” is acceptable in formal writing, but in some cases, “because” or “as” might be preferred for a more formal tone when indicating reason. - How can I avoid making mistakes with “since”?
Pay attention to the tense usage, avoid redundancy, and practice constructing sentences with “since” in different contexts. Reviewing examples and completing exercises can also help. - Can “since” be used to describe future events?
“Since” is generally used to describe events that have already occurred or are ongoing from a past point. It is not typically used to describe future events. For future events, use “from” or “starting from” instead.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “since” can significantly enhance your English language skills. By understanding its various roles as a preposition, conjunction, and adverb, and by practicing its usage in different contexts, you can express time and causality with greater accuracy and fluency.
Pay attention to tense usage, avoid common mistakes, and continue to explore the nuances of “since” to further refine your proficiency. With consistent practice, you’ll be able to use “since” confidently and effectively in your writing and speaking.