Meaning & use
since
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Meanings
preposition
From a particular past time or event until now.
Grammar: Used with a perfect tense: I have lived here since 2010. Not used with a simple present for duration.
Patterns
- since + time
- since + event
I haven't seen him since last summer.
She has been working here since 2015.
We've been friends since childhood.
conjunction
Because; for the reason that.
Grammar: Introduces a reason: Since it's raining, we'll stay inside.
Patterns
- since + clause
Since you're here, let's start the meeting.
He didn't come since he was ill.
Since she loves music, she goes to concerts often.
adverb
From a past time until now.
Grammar: Often used with a perfect tense: He left, and I haven't seen him since.
Patterns
- since then
- ever since
He moved away and I haven't seen him since.
She got a new job and has been happy ever since.
We met in 2010 and have been together since.
Common combinations
- since then
- He graduated in 2018 and has worked abroad since then.
- ever since
- She adopted a dog and has been happier ever since.
- since childhood
- They have known each other since childhood.
- since last year
- Sales have increased since last year.
Synonyms and how they differ
- because
- More direct and common in speech; 'since' is slightly more formal and often implies a known reason.
- as
- Similar to 'since' in giving a reason, but can be more formal or literary.
- from
- Used for the starting point but not with a perfect tense: from 2010 to now, not 'since 2010 to now'.
Opposites
Commonly confused: since or for?
since vs for
'For' is used with a length of time (for two years), while 'since' is used with a starting point (since 2020).
Practice
Which sentence is correct?
Choose one answer.
Use 'for' with a duration (three years). 'Since' needs a starting point, e.g., 'since 2020'. The other options mix tenses or use 'since' incorrectly.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “since”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.