Since then

USAGE SUMMARY

"Since then" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to a specific point or event in the past that has since been followed by other events. For example, "Ever since I moved to the city, I've made lots of new friends. Since then, my life has changed for the better."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Since then?

The New York Times

"Since then, it's changed".

The New York Times

Since then — silence.

The New York Times

Since then, it's doubled.

The New Yorker

Since then, nothing.

The Economist

Since then, reality has intruded.

The New York Times

Since then, much has changed.

BBC

Since then, things have improved.

The Economist

Since then, it has plummeted.

The New Yorker

Since then they have stabilised.

The Economist

Since then, nothing has happened.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Since then" to clearly indicate a change or development following a specific event or point in time, ensuring your audience understands the sequence.

Common error

Avoid using "Since then" without explicitly stating or clearly implying the initial event or time. Without a clear reference, the phrase loses its meaning and can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Since then" is as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase provides temporal context, indicating that the action or state described by the verb or clause occurred after a specific point in time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Since then" is a highly versatile and commonly used adverbial phrase that serves to establish a clear temporal relationship between events. Ludwig AI confirms that it's used to indicate what has occurred or changed after a specific point in time, making it essential for conveying chronological sequences. Its usage spans across various contexts, including news, formal writing, and even scientific discourse, with authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Economist frequently employing it. When using "Since then", ensure you have a clear reference point to avoid ambiguity. While phrases like "subsequently" or "thereafter" can serve as alternatives, "Since then" maintains a broad appeal and is suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Subsequently

Focuses on the immediate following period or event, offering a more formal tone.

Thereafter

Indicates a time after a specific event, similar to "Since then" but with a slightly more formal or literary tone.

Following that

Emphasizes the sequence of events with a direct chronological connection.

From that point on

Highlights the start of a new period after a specific event.

Afterward

A shorter, more concise way to indicate something that happened after a previous event.

From then on

Emphasizes the continuation of a state or action from a specific past time.

In the aftermath

Specifically refers to the period immediately following a significant event, often implying consequences or changes.

In the wake of

Similar to "in the aftermath", but can also suggest a wider range of consequences or influences stemming from the initial event.

Consequently

Focuses on the result or effect of a previous action or event.

As a result

Emphasizes the causal connection between a prior event and its outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "Since then" in a sentence?

Use "Since then" to indicate what has happened after a specific event or time. For example, "The company launched its new product in January. "Since then", sales have increased significantly."

What are some alternatives to "Since then"?

You can use alternatives such as "subsequently", "thereafter", or "following that" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to start a sentence with "Since then"?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to start a sentence with "Since then" to clearly indicate the temporal relationship. Just ensure the context makes the reference point clear.

What is the difference between "Since then" and "Ever since"?

"Since then" refers to the period after a specific event, while "Ever since" emphasizes the continuous nature of the subsequent events or state. For example, "The team won the championship. "Since then", they've been training hard" versus "Ever since the accident, he has been afraid of driving."