before or since

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'before or since' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking whether something has ever happened (or not happened) before or since a certain time. For example: "Have you ever been to Greece before or since?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I have never before or since experienced such a careless desire for violence.

The New Yorker

Never seen him before or since and still love Bovril.

BBC

I've never seen that before or since.

Vice

And nobody has done it before or since.

Huffington Post

Never been asked that before or since.

The New York Times

It's never happened before or since.

The Guardian - Music

"I've never done that before or since".

The New York Times - Sports

No one made films like him, before or since.

The Guardian - Film

"Nothing had been built like them before or since".

The New York Times

Gaudí himself was unlike other architects before or since.

The Guardian - Books

I'd never met a girl like her before, or since.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "before or since," ensure that the reference point is clearly defined and understood within the context of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "before or since" when you only intend to refer to the time preceding an event. The phrase is meant to encompass both past and future relative to a specific point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before or since" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying a timeframe both preceding and following a particular event. Ludwig's examples confirm its role in establishing a comprehensive temporal context. As Ludwig AI highlights, its standard usage is indeed correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "before or since" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to denote a timeframe that encompasses both the period preceding and following a specific event. As confirmed by Ludwig, its typical usage is correct and can add precision to writing. Its frequency across various sources, particularly news media, underscores its common usage. When writing, remember that this phrase is meant to define a timeframe that encompasses both the period preceding and following a specific event. Alternative phrases such as "previously or subsequently" can be used depending on the desired tone and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prior to or after

Emphasizes a more formal and precise relationship in time.

previously or subsequently

Replaces "before" with "previously" and "since" with "subsequently", offering a more formal tone.

before that time or after that time

Directly references a specific time, emphasizing a temporal relationship.

earlier or later

Uses simpler terms to indicate time relative to a reference point.

formerly or afterward

Replaces "before" with "formerly" and "since" with "afterward", indicating a change in state or condition.

in the past or future

Offers a broader scope, encompassing all time before and after the present moment.

leading up to or following

Highlights the events or periods that precede and succeed a particular event.

up until then or from that point on

Specifies a clear demarcation of time, focusing on a particular event.

previously or hereafter

Uses "hereafter" to emphasize the future aspect, creating a contrast with the past.

hitherto or subsequently

Uses more archaic and formal terms to convey the passage of time.

FAQs

How can I use "before or since" in a sentence?

Use "before or since" to indicate a timeframe both preceding and following a specific event. For example, "I have never experienced such kindness "before or since" that day".

What does "before or since" mean?

"Before or since" means at any time preceding or following a specified event or time.

Which is correct, "before or since" or "before and after"?

Both "before or since" and "before and after" are correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Before and after" emphasizes the contrast between two distinct periods, while "before or since" suggests a broader timeframe encompassing all time relative to a specific event. You might also consider "prior to or after".

What's a more formal way to say "before or since"?

For a more formal alternative to "before or since", consider using phrases like "previously or subsequently" or "prior to or after".