The word “since” is a versatile term in English, serving as both a preposition and a conjunction to indicate time or reason. However, relying solely on “since” can make your writing and speech sound repetitive.
Expanding your vocabulary with alternative expressions not only enriches your language but also allows you to convey nuances more effectively. This article explores various ways to express the same ideas as “since,” providing detailed explanations, examples, and practice exercises to help you master these alternatives.
Whether you are an English language learner or a native speaker looking to refine your communication skills, this guide will equip you with the tools to express temporal and causal relationships with greater precision and flair.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of “Since”
- Structural Breakdown of “Since”
- Temporal Usage: Alternatives for “Since” (Time)
- Causal Usage: Alternatives for “Since” (Reason)
- Examples
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of “Since”
“Since” is a word with dual roles in the English language, functioning both as a preposition and a conjunction. As a preposition, “since” indicates a point in time from which something has continued. As a conjunction, it connects two clauses, indicating either a temporal relationship (time elapsed from a past event) or a causal relationship (a reason or explanation).
Temporal Function: When used to indicate time, “since” specifies the starting point of an action or state that continues to the present. For example, “I have lived here since 2010″ means that the speaker started living in that location in 2010 and still lives there.
Causal Function: When used to indicate reason, “since” introduces a clause that explains why something is the case. For example, “Since it was raining, I took an umbrella” means that the speaker took an umbrella because it was raining.
Structural Breakdown of “Since”
Understanding the structure of sentences using “since” is crucial for using it correctly and for recognizing how to substitute it with other expressions. The structure varies depending on whether “since” is used to indicate time or reason.
Temporal Structure:
- Present Perfect/Perfect Continuous + since + Past Simple: This is the most common structure. It indicates an action that started in the past and continues to the present. Example: “I have been working here since January.”
- Past Simple + since + Past Simple: This structure is used when talking about a duration between two past events. Example: “It has been a long time since we last met.”
Causal Structure:
- Since + Clause 1, Clause 2: “Since” introduces the reason (Clause 1), followed by the result (Clause 2). Example: “Since he was tired, he went to bed.”
- Clause 2 + since + Clause 1: The result (Clause 2) is stated first, followed by the reason (Clause 1) introduced by “since.” Example: “He went to bed since he was tired.”
Temporal Usage: Alternatives for “Since” (Time)
When “since” is used to indicate time, several alternative expressions can be used to convey the same meaning, often with slightly different emphasis or formality.
From the Time
This phrase emphasizes the starting point of an action or state. It is often used to highlight the duration of time that has passed.
Structure: From the time + [event in the past], [present perfect/perfect continuous tense]
Example: From the time I started learning English, I have improved significantly.
Ever Since
“Ever since” is a stronger form of “since,” emphasizing the continuous nature of the action or state from a specific point in the past to the present.
Structure: Ever since + [event in the past], [present perfect/perfect continuous tense]
Example: Ever since she moved to Italy, she has been learning Italian.
As of
“As of” indicates a specific date or time from which a change or condition takes effect. It’s often used in formal contexts.
Structure: As of + [date/time], [statement about the new condition]
Example: As of January 1st, all employees will receive a salary increase.
Following
“Following” is a more formal way to indicate “after” or “subsequent to” a specific event or time. It often implies a direct consequence or sequence.
Structure: Following + [event/time], [subsequent event/state]
Example: Following the meeting, a decision was made to proceed with the project.
Subsequent to
This is a very formal alternative to “since” or “after,” often used in legal or official contexts. It indicates that something happened after a specific event.
Structure: Subsequent to + [event], [subsequent event/state]
Example: Subsequent to the investigation, new safety protocols were implemented.
After
“After” is a common and versatile alternative, indicating that one event occurred later in time than another. It’s generally more straightforward and less formal than “subsequent to.”
Structure: After + [event], [subsequent event/state]
Example: After the rain stopped, the sun came out.
Causal Usage: Alternatives for “Since” (Reason)
When “since” is used to indicate a reason or cause, several other conjunctions and phrases can be used to express the same relationship.
Because
“Because” is the most common and straightforward alternative to “since” when indicating a reason. It directly explains why something is the case.
Structure: Because + [reason], [result]
Example: Because it was cold, I wore a coat.
As
“As” can also be used to indicate reason, similar to “since” and “because.” It often places slightly less emphasis on the reason than “because” does.
Structure: As + [reason], [result]
Example: As it was getting late, we decided to go home.
Seeing That
“Seeing that” is a more informal way to introduce a reason or explanation. It suggests that the reason is obvious or evident.
Structure: Seeing that + [reason], [result]
Example: Seeing that everyone is here, we can begin the meeting.
Inasmuch As
“Inasmuch as” is a formal expression that introduces a reason or justification. It often implies a degree or extent to which something is true.
Structure: Inasmuch as + [reason], [result]
Example: Inasmuch as he is qualified, he will be considered for the position.
Given That
“Given that” indicates that a particular fact or situation is being taken into account as a reason or basis for something else.
Structure: Given that + [reason], [result]
Example: Given that the weather is bad, we should postpone the picnic.
Considering That
“Considering that” is similar to “given that,” highlighting that a particular fact or situation is being considered as a reason.
Structure: Considering that + [reason], [result]
Example: Considering that he has no experience, he did a good job.
Due to the Fact That
This phrase is a more formal way to introduce a reason, emphasizing that the result is a direct consequence of the stated fact.
Structure: Due to the fact that + [reason], [result]
Example: Due to the fact that the flight was delayed, we missed our connection.
On Account Of
“On account of” is another way to indicate a reason or cause, often used in more formal contexts.
Structure: On account of + [reason], [result]
Example: On account of the heavy traffic, we arrived late.
Examples
To illustrate the usage of these alternatives, the following tables provide various examples categorized by temporal and causal functions.
Table 1: Temporal Usage – Alternatives for “Since” (Time)
This table illustrates how to replace “since” when it’s used to indicate time. Each row provides an example sentence using “since” and then alternative sentences using the expressions discussed above.
| Original (Using “Since”) | Alternative 1 (From the time) | Alternative 2 (Ever Since) | Alternative 3 (As of) | Alternative 4 (Following) | Alternative 5 (Subsequent to) | Alternative 6 (After) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I have been learning Spanish since last year. | From the time I started learning Spanish last year, I have been improving. | Ever since last year, I have been learning Spanish. | ||||
| She has lived in Paris since 2015. | From the time she moved to Paris in 2015, she has been living there. | Ever since 2015, she has been living in Paris. | As of 2015, she has been a resident of Paris. | |||
| The company has been profitable since the new CEO took over. | From the time the new CEO took over, the company has been profitable. | Ever since the new CEO took over, the company has been profitable. | Following the CEO’s takeover, the company became profitable. | |||
| We haven’t seen each other since graduation. | From the time we graduated, we haven’t seen each other. | Ever since graduation, we haven’t seen each other. | After graduation, we haven’t seen each other. | |||
| The project has been on hold since the funding was cut. | From the time the funding was cut, the project has been on hold. | Ever since the funding was cut, the project has been on hold. | Following the funding cut, the project was put on hold. | Subsequent to the funding cut, the project was put on hold. | ||
| The store has been closed since the fire. | From the time of the fire, the store has been closed. | Ever since the fire, the store has been closed. | Following the fire, the store has been closed. | Subsequent to the fire, the store has been closed. | After the fire, the store has been closed. | |
| He has been working on this book since 2020. | From the time he started in 2020, he has been working on this book. | Ever since 2020, he has been working on this book. | As of 2020, he has been dedicated to this book. | |||
| They have been practicing together since they met. | From the time they met, they have been practicing together. | Ever since they met, they have been practicing together. | After they met, they have been practicing together. | |||
| The price of gas has increased since last month. | From last month, the price of gas has been increasing. | Ever since last month, the price of gas has been increasing. | As of last month, the price of gas has changed. | |||
| She has been feeling much better since she started exercising. | From the time she started exercising, she has been feeling much better. | Ever since she started exercising, she has been feeling much better. | Following her beginning to exercise, she has started feeling much better. | After she started exercising, she has been feeling much better. | ||
| The team has been more successful since the new coach arrived. | From the time the new coach arrived, the team has been more successful. | Ever since the new coach arrived, the team has been more successful. | Following the arrival of the new coach, the team has been more successful. | After the new coach arrived, the team has been more successful. | ||
| We have been using this software since its release. | From the time of its release, we have been using this software. | Ever since its release, we have been using this software. | Following its release, we have been using this software. | After its release, we have been using this software. | ||
| The garden has flourished since the spring rains. | From the time of the spring rains, the garden has flourished. | Ever since the spring rains, the garden has flourished. | Following the spring rains, the garden has flourished. | After the spring rains, the garden has flourished. | ||
| The city has become more vibrant since the festival began. | From the time the festival began, the city has become more vibrant. | Ever since the festival began, the city has become more vibrant. | Following the beginning of the festival, the city has become more vibrant. | After the festival began, the city has become more vibrant. | ||
| They have been renovating the house since last summer. | From last summer, they have been renovating the house. | Ever since last summer, they have been renovating the house. | ||||
| The museum has been more popular since the new exhibit opened. | From the time the new exhibit opened, the museum has been more popular. | Ever since the new exhibit opened, the museum has been more popular. | Following the opening of the new exhibit, the museum has been more popular. | After the new exhibit opened, the museum has been more popular. | ||
| I have been feeling stressed since I started the new job. | From the time I started the new job, I have been feeling stressed. | Ever since I started the new job, I have been feeling stressed. | Following my start of the new job, I have been feeling stressed. | After I started the new job, I have been feeling stressed. | ||
| The company’s stock price has risen since the announcement. | From the time of the announcement, the company’s stock price has risen. | Ever since the announcement, the company’s stock price has risen. | Following the announcement, the company’s stock price has risen. | Subsequent to the announcement, the company’s stock price has risen. | After the announcement, the company’s stock price has risen. | |
| She has been volunteering at the shelter since she retired. | From the time she retired, she has been volunteering at the shelter. | Ever since she retired, she has been volunteering at the shelter. | Following her retirement, she has been volunteering at the shelter. | After she retired, she has been volunteering at the shelter. | ||
| The town has been quieter since the factory closed. | From the time the factory closed, the town has been quieter. | Ever since the factory closed, the town has been quieter. | Following the closure of the factory, the town has been quieter. | Subsequent to the closure of the factory, the town has been quieter. | After the factory closed, the town has been quieter. |
Table 2: Causal Usage – Alternatives for “Since” (Reason)
This table demonstrates how to replace “since” when it’s used to provide a reason or explanation. The alternative sentences provide similar causal relationships using different conjunctions and phrases.
| Original (Using “Since”) | Alternative 1 (Because) | Alternative 2 (As) | Alternative 3 (Seeing That) | Alternative 4 (Inasmuch As) | Alternative 5 (Given That) | Alternative 6 (Considering That) | Alternative 7 (Due to the fact that) | Alternative 8 (On account of) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Since it’s raining, I’ll take an umbrella. | Because it’s raining, I’ll take an umbrella. | As it’s raining, I’ll take an umbrella. | Seeing that it’s raining, I’ll take an umbrella. | Given that it’s raining, I’ll take an umbrella. | Considering that it’s raining, I’ll take an umbrella. | Due to the fact that it is raining, I’ll take an umbrella. | On account of the rain, I’ll take an umbrella. | |
| Since he was tired, he went to bed. | Because he was tired, he went to bed. | As he was tired, he went to bed. | Seeing that he was tired, he went to bed. | Given that he was tired, he went to bed. | Considering that he was tired, he went to bed. | Due to the fact that he was tired, he went to bed. | On account of his tiredness, he went to bed. | |
| Since the store was closed, we went somewhere else. | Because the store was closed, we went somewhere else. | As the store was closed, we went somewhere else. | Seeing that the store was closed, we went somewhere else. | Given that the store was closed, we went somewhere else. | Considering that the store was closed, we went somewhere else. | Due to the fact that the store was closed, we went somewhere else. | On account of the store being closed, we went somewhere else. | |
| Since you’re not busy, can you help me with this? | Because you’re not busy, can you help me with this? | As you’re not busy, can you help me with this? | Seeing that you’re not busy, can you help me with this? | Inasmuch as you’re not busy, can you help me with this? | Given that you’re not busy, can you help me with this? | Considering that you’re not busy, can you help me with this? | Due to the fact that you are not busy, can you help me with this? | On account of your lack of business, can you help me with this? |
| Since the traffic was heavy, I was late. | Because the traffic was heavy, I was late. | As the traffic was heavy, I was late. | Seeing that the traffic was heavy, I was late. | Given that the traffic was heavy, I was late. | Considering that the traffic was heavy, I was late. | Due to the fact that the traffic was heavy, I was late. | On account of the heavy traffic, I was late. | |
| Since it’s a holiday, the banks are closed. | Because it’s a holiday, the banks are closed. | As it’s a holiday, the banks are closed. | Seeing that it’s a holiday, the banks are closed. | Given that it’s a holiday, the banks are closed. | Considering that it’s a holiday, the banks are closed. | Due to the fact that it is a holiday, the banks are closed. | On account of the holiday, the banks are closed. | |
| Since he studied hard, he passed the exam. | Because he studied hard, he passed the exam. | As he studied hard, he passed the exam. | Seeing that he studied hard, he passed the exam. | Given that he studied hard, he passed the exam. | Considering that he studied hard, he passed the exam. | Due to the fact that he passed the exam, he succeeded. | On account of his hard study, he passed the exam. | |
| Since she likes to read, I gave her a book. | Because she likes to read, I gave her a book. | As she likes to read, I gave her a book. | Seeing that she likes to read, I gave her a book. | Given that she likes to read, I gave her a book. | Considering that she likes to read, I gave her a book. | Due to the fact that she likes to read, I gave her a book. | On account of her love for reading, I gave her a book. | |
| Since the weather is nice, let’s go for a walk. | Because the weather is nice, let’s go for a walk. | As the weather is nice, let’s go for a walk. | Seeing that the weather is nice, let’s go for a walk. | Given that the weather is nice, let’s go for a walk. | Considering that the weather is nice, let’s go for a walk. | Due to the fact that the weather is nice, let’s go for a walk. | On account of the nice weather, let’s go for a walk. | |
| Since you’re the expert, I’ll ask you for advice. | Because you’re the expert, I’ll ask you for advice. | As you’re the expert, I’ll ask you for advice. | Seeing that you’re the expert, I’ll ask you for advice. | Inasmuch as you’re the expert, I’ll ask you for advice. | Given that you’re the expert, I’ll ask you for advice. | Considering that you’re the expert, I’ll ask you for advice. | Due to the fact that you’re the expert, I’ll ask you for advice. | On account of your expertise, I’ll ask you for advice. |
| Since it’s getting dark, we should head back. | Because it’s getting dark, we should head back. | As it’s getting dark, we should head back. | Seeing that it’s getting dark, we should head back. | Given that it’s getting dark, we should head back. | Considering that it’s getting dark, we should head back. | Due to the fact that it’s getting dark, we should head back. | On account of the increasing darkness, we should head back. | |
| Since the deadline is approaching, we need to work faster. | Because the deadline is approaching, we need to work faster. | As the deadline is approaching, we need to work faster. | Seeing that the deadline is approaching, we need to work faster. | Given that the deadline is approaching, we need to work faster. | Considering that the deadline is approaching, we need to work faster. | Due to the fact that the deadline is approaching, we need to work faster. | On account of the approaching deadline, we need to work faster. | |
| Since he didn’t have enough money, he couldn’t buy the car. | Because he didn’t have enough money, he couldn’t buy the car. | As he didn’t have enough money, he couldn’t buy the car. | Seeing that he didn’t have enough money, he couldn’t buy the car. | Given that he didn’t have enough money, he couldn’t buy the car. | Considering that he didn’t have enough money, he couldn’t buy the car. | Due to the fact that he didn’t have enough money, he couldn’t buy the car. | On account of not having enough money, he couldn’t buy the car. | |
| Since she speaks French, she can translate the document. | Because she speaks French, she can translate the document. | As she speaks French, she can translate the document. | Seeing that she speaks French, she can translate the document. | Inasmuch as she speaks French, she can translate the document. | Given that she speaks French, she can translate the document. | Considering that she speaks French, she can translate the document. | Due to the fact that she speaks French, she can translate the document. | On account of her French speaking skills, she can translate the document. |
| Since the roads are icy, drive carefully. | Because the roads are icy, drive carefully. | As the roads are icy, drive carefully. | Seeing that the roads are icy, drive carefully. | Given that the roads are icy, drive carefully. | Considering that the roads are icy, drive carefully. | Due to the fact that the roads are icy, drive carefully. | On account of the icy roads, drive carefully. | |
| Since the show is popular, tickets are hard to get. | Because the show is popular, tickets are hard to get. | As the show is popular, tickets are hard to get. | Seeing that the show is popular, tickets are hard to get. | Given that the show is popular, tickets are hard to get. | Considering that the show is popular, tickets are hard to get. | Due to the fact that the show is popular, tickets are hard to get. | On account of the show’s popularity, tickets are hard to get. | |
| Since he is a doctor, he knows a lot about medicine. | Because he is a doctor, he knows a lot about medicine. | As he is a doctor, he knows a lot about medicine. | Seeing that he is a doctor, he knows a lot about medicine. | Inasmuch as he is a doctor, he knows a lot about medicine. | Given that he is a doctor, he knows a lot about medicine. | Considering that he is a doctor, he knows a lot about medicine. | Due to the fact that he is a doctor, he knows a lot about medicine. | On account of being a doctor, he knows a lot about medicine. |
| Since the battery is low, the phone will turn off soon. | Because the battery is low, the phone will turn off soon. | As the battery is low, the phone will turn off soon. | Seeing that the battery is low, the phone will turn off soon. | Given that the battery is low, the phone will turn off soon. | Considering that the battery is low, the phone will turn off soon. | Due to the fact that the battery is low, the phone will turn off soon. | On account of the low battery, the phone will turn off soon. | |
| Since she is fluent in three languages, she got the job. | Because she is fluent in three languages, she got the job. | As she is fluent in three languages, she got the job. | Seeing that she is fluent in three languages, she got the job. | Inasmuch as she is fluent in three languages, she got the job. | Given that she is fluent in three languages, she got the job. | Considering that she is fluent in three languages, she got the job. | Due to the fact that she is fluent in three languages, she got the job. | On account of her fluency in three languages, she got the job. |
| Since it’s late, I think I’ll go home. | Because it’s late, I think I’ll go home. | As it’s late, I think I’ll go home. | Seeing that it’s late, I think I’ll go home. | Given that it’s late, I think I’ll go home. | Considering that it’s late, I think I’ll go home. | Due to the fact that it’s late, I think I’ll go home. | On account of the lateness, I think I’ll go home. |
Table 3: Combining Temporal and Causal Examples
This table combines both temporal and causal examples to show the versatile usage of “since” and its alternatives.
| Original (Using “Since”) | Type of Usage | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Since 2010, I have been working here. | Temporal | Ever since 2010, I have been working here. |
| Since it’s raining, we should stay inside. | Causal | Because it’s raining, we should stay inside. |
| Since the meeting, I’ve had a lot to do. | Temporal | Following the meeting, I’ve had a lot to do. |
| Since he’s an expert, we should ask him. | Causal | As he’s an expert, we should ask him. |
| Since last year, she has been learning French. | Temporal | From the time she started last year, she has been learning French. |
| Since it was cold, I wore a jacket. | Causal | Seeing that it was cold, I wore a jacket. |
| Since then, she has become a successful woman. | Temporal | Ever since then, she has become a
successful woman. |
Usage Rules
To effectively use alternatives for “since,” it’s essential to understand the specific contexts in which each alternative is appropriate. Here are some key usage rules to consider:
- Formality: Some alternatives, like “subsequent to” and “inasmuch as,” are more formal and suitable for academic or professional writing. Others, like “seeing that,” are more informal and appropriate for casual conversation.
- Emphasis: Different alternatives place different levels of emphasis on the reason or time frame. “Ever since” emphasizes the continuous nature of an action, while “because” directly highlights the cause.
- Clarity: Choose the alternative that most clearly conveys your intended meaning. If the reason is obvious, “seeing that” might be a good choice. If you want to emphasize the direct cause, “because” is often the best option.
- Sentence Structure: Be mindful of the sentence structure required by each alternative. Some alternatives, like “due to the fact that,” require a more complex structure than others.
Common Mistakes
Even with a good understanding of the alternatives, some common mistakes can occur. Being aware of these pitfalls can help you avoid them.
- Incorrect Tense: Using the wrong tense after alternatives like “since” or “ever since” can change the meaning of the sentence. For example, using the past simple instead of the present perfect can indicate that the action is no longer ongoing.
- Overusing Formal Alternatives: Using overly formal alternatives in casual conversation can sound unnatural. Choose alternatives that match the context and audience.
- Misunderstanding Nuances: Not fully understanding the subtle differences in meaning between alternatives can lead to miscommunication. Always double-check that the alternative you choose accurately conveys your intended meaning.
- Awkward Phrasing: Sometimes, trying to replace “since” with a more complex alternative can result in awkward or convoluted phrasing. If an alternative makes the sentence harder to understand, it’s better to stick with “since” or choose a simpler alternative.
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding of these alternatives, try the following exercises. Rewrite the sentences using the suggested alternatives, paying attention to grammar and context.
Exercise 1: Temporal Usage
- Since 2018, he has been working as a software engineer. (Use: Ever since)
- The city has changed a lot since I last visited. (Use: After)
- Since the new regulations were implemented, the company has seen improvements. (Use: Following)
Answers:
- Ever since 2018, he has been working as a software engineer.
- After I last visited, the city has changed a lot.
- Following the implementation of the new regulations, the company has seen improvements.
Exercise 2: Causal Usage
- Since it was raining, the game was canceled. (Use: Because)
- Since you’re free, can you help me move this table? (Use: As)
- Since he is an experienced teacher, he can handle the class well. (Use: Given that)
Answers:
- Because it was raining, the game was canceled.
- As you’re free, can you help me move this table?
- Given that he is an experienced teacher, he can handle the class well.
Exercise 3: Mixed Usage
- Since the beginning of the year, she has been trying to eat healthier. (Use: From the time)
- Since he was late, he missed the beginning of the movie. (Use: Due to the fact that)
- Since the company merged, it has become more competitive. (Use: Following)
Answers:
- From the time of the beginning of the year, she has been trying to eat healthier.
- Due to the fact that he was late, he missed the beginning of the movie.
- Following the company merger, it has become more competitive.
Advanced Topics
For those looking to further refine their understanding and usage of “since” and its alternatives, here are some advanced topics to explore:
- Subjunctive Mood: Understanding how the subjunctive mood interacts with causal conjunctions can add nuance to your writing.
- Formal vs. Informal Registers: Recognizing and adapting to different registers (formal, informal, technical) will help you choose the most appropriate alternative in any situation.
- Elliptical Clauses: Mastering the use of elliptical clauses (clauses with omitted words) with alternatives to “since” can make your writing more concise and elegant.
FAQ
When should I use “since” instead of its alternatives?
Use “since” when it clearly and effectively conveys your intended meaning and when a more complex or formal alternative is not necessary.
Are there any situations where I should avoid using “since”?
Avoid overusing “since,” especially in close proximity within a text. Also, be cautious when using “since” in very formal contexts where a more precise alternative might be preferred.
How can I improve my ability to choose the best alternative for “since”?
Practice regularly, read widely, and pay attention to how different writers use these alternatives in various contexts. Consider the formality, emphasis, and clarity of each option.
Is “since” always interchangeable with “because”?
While “since” and “because” can often be used interchangeably to indicate reason, “because” is generally considered more direct and emphatic. “Since” can sometimes imply that the reason is already known or understood.
Conclusion
Mastering alternatives for the word “since” can significantly enhance your English communication skills. By understanding the nuances of temporal and causal relationships and by practicing the use of various alternatives, you can express your ideas with greater precision and sophistication.
Whether you choose “because,” “ever since,” “following,” or any other alternative, the key is to select the expression that best fits the context and effectively conveys your intended meaning. Continue to explore and experiment with these alternatives to enrich your vocabulary and elevate your writing and speaking abilities.