since
since: a starting point that can be temporal ('from that time until now/then') or logical ('because / given that').
- The core idea of since is a starting point, not a length of time.
- In time expressions, since often works with the present perfect: since 2020 / since Monday.
- In reason clauses, since introduces the fact a judgment starts from, often with a 'because / given that' tone.
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Examples
Time examples
She has felt better since Tuesday.
Since noon, the office has been unusually quiet.
We have had three meetings since March.
Abstract examples
Since you are here, let's begin with the first example.
Since everyone agrees, we can move to the next step.
Related prepositions
Key differences
Since always points to a starting point. In time, it marks where a span begins and continues. In logic, it marks the fact a judgment starts from. Learners mainly confuse it with after, from, and because.
After means later than a point or event. Since means starting at that point and continuing.
From can mark a starting point in schedules, ranges, or movement. Since is more natural for a time starting point that still matters now.
Because directly answers why something happens. Since can also give a reason, but it often sounds like the speaker is starting from a fact that is already known or accepted.
Quick check questions (decision tree)
Do you mean a starting point in time that continues to now or to another reference moment?
Yes -> use since + a time point or event (since 2020 / since Monday / since breakfast).
Do you only mean later than an event, without the idea of continuation?
Yes -> use after, not since.
Is it a range with both a start and an end point?
Yes -> use from ... to ...; since does not pair naturally with a fixed end point.
Are you giving a reason meaning because / given that?
Yes -> since also works, especially when the reason is treated as known or already accepted.
Do you mean duration length rather than the starting point?
Yes -> use for (for two hours), not since.
Common collocations
Common starting points
Present perfect patterns
Reason / judgment starters
Common mistakes
Avoid: I live here since 2020.
Use: I have lived here since 2020.
Reason: Since often introduces a starting point that continues to now, so English usually uses the present perfect.
Avoid: We left since lunch.
Use: We left after lunch.
Reason: Since does not simply mean 'later than'. Use after when you only want sequence.
Avoid: The shop is open since 9 to 6.
Use: The shop is open from 9 to 6.
Reason: Use from ... to ... for schedule ranges. Since is for a starting point that continues.
Avoid: Since I was tired, because I went home early.
Use: Since I was tired, I went home early. / Because I was tired, I went home early.
Reason: Do not stack since and because in the same clause. Choose one reason marker.
Mini quiz
Question 1
I have known her ___ primary school.
Choose an answer
Question 2
The café has been busy ___ noon.
Choose an answer
Question 3
___ everyone is ready, let's start the lesson.
Choose an answer
Quick FAQ
What is the core meaning of since as a preposition?+
Its core meaning is a starting point. In time, that means 'from that point onward'. In logic, it can also mark the fact or reason a judgment starts from.
Why do many since sentences use the present perfect?+
Because the action or state began in the past and still connects to the present.
What is the difference between since and after?+
After only tells you what comes later. Since tells you where the time span starts and suggests continuation.
What is the difference between since and from?+
From is broader and can describe ranges or movement. Since is especially natural for a time starting point that continues until now or another reference moment.
Can since mean because?+
Yes. Since can introduce a reason, especially when that reason is treated as known or already accepted: Since everyone agrees, we can move on.
What is the difference between since and because?+
Because directly explains why. Since also gives a reason, but it often sounds like the speaker is starting from an already known fact and drawing a conclusion from it.
Why can since mean both time and reason?+
Both uses share the same underlying idea: a starting point. One is a starting point in time; the other is the starting point of a thought, judgment, or decision.
Can since be followed by a date or event?+
Yes. You can say since 2020, since Monday, since breakfast, or since the meeting.