Since I was

USAGE SUMMARY

"Since I was" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is used to introduce a clause that explains the cause or reason for something that happened previously. For example: "Since I was young, I have loved to read books."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Since I was curious, I bought them.

The New York Times

"Since I was eighteen," she replied.

The New Yorker

Since I was last here, anyway.

The New York Times

Since I was a little kid.

The New York Times

Since I was 5 years old".

The New York Times - Magazine

Since I was 18. .

Huffington Post

A. Since I was in high school.

The New York Times

I've worked since I was 14.

The New York Times

"I know her since I was six.

The New Yorker

Not since I was 18.

The Guardian

Ever since I was little.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Since I was", ensure the following clause logically connects to the initial statement, providing a clear explanation or consequence.

Common error

Avoid shifting tenses inconsistently after "Since I was". Ensure the verb tense in the main clause aligns with the time frame established in the "Since I was" clause.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Since I was" primarily functions as a subordinating conjunction, introducing a dependent clause that provides a reason or a temporal starting point. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to introduce a clause that explains the cause or reason for something that happened previously.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Since I was" functions as a causal connector, introducing a dependent clause that explains the reason or origin of a statement. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used in written English. As evidenced by the numerous examples from Ludwig, its neutral register makes it versatile for use in diverse contexts, especially within news and media. When using "Since I was", ensure that the subsequent clause logically follows and maintains consistent verb tenses to avoid common writing errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

From a young age

Directly states the starting point as the speaker's early years.

Ever since childhood

Focuses on the continuous nature of something from a young age.

Starting in my youth

Emphasizes the beginning point of an action or state.

From my youth

Emphasizes the time period from one's younger years.

Throughout my youth

Spans the entire period of the speaker's youth.

From my earliest days

Highlights the very beginning of one's life.

In my childhood

Highlights events happening during the speaker's early years.

When I was a child

Sets the context in the speaker's childhood.

As a youngster

Highlights the speaker's young age at the time.

As long as I remember

Indicates a long-standing condition or memory.

FAQs

How do I correctly use "Since I was" in a sentence?

Use "Since I was" to introduce a dependent clause that provides the reason or starting point for something. For example, "Since I was a child, I have loved reading."

What is a good alternative to "Since I was"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "From when I was", "Ever since I was", or "In my youth". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "Since I was"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. However, ensure the sentence includes a main clause to complete the thought. Example: "Since I was young, /s/I+have+always+enjoyed reading."

What's the difference between "Since I was" and "When I was"?

"Since I was" implies a causal relationship or a duration from a specific point in the past, whereas "When I was" simply indicates a time frame without necessarily implying a direct cause. For example, "Since I was sick, I couldn't attend the meeting" versus "When I was in London, I visited the Tower Bridge".