Meaning & use
since then
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Meaning
adverb
From a particular past time until the present.
Grammar: Acts as a time adverb; often used with the present perfect or past perfect.
Patterns
- since then + present perfect
- present perfect + since then
She moved to Canada in 2010 and has lived there since then.
I broke my leg last year; since then, I haven't been able to run.
He apologized, but things have been awkward since then.
Common combinations
- ever since then
- He got a new job and has been much happier ever since then.
- since then, have/has
- Since then, she has written three novels.
- not ... since then
- We haven't spoken since then.
- from then until now
- From then until now, the city has changed a lot.
Synonyms and how they differ
- from that time on
- More formal and slightly more emphatic; 'since then' is more common in everyday speech.
- ever since
- Emphasizes continuity from that time; often used without 'then' but can be combined as 'ever since then'.
Commonly confused: since then or from then?
since then vs from then
'From then' often needs 'on' or 'until' (e.g., 'from then on'), while 'since then' already includes the meaning 'until now'.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence:
Choose one answer.
'Since then' works with the present perfect to mean 'from that time until now'. Option B uses the simple past, which does not fit the ongoing meaning. Option C incorrectly adds 'from'. Option D is not grammatical.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “since then”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.