but since when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but since when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express surprise or disbelief about a situation or statement that seems inconsistent with prior knowledge or expectations. Example: "You say you're an expert in this field, but since when have you worked on similar projects?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But since when is money just money?

The New Yorker

But since when is that so important?

The New York Times

But since when did that represent conservatism?

The Washington Post

But since when was sex itself straightforward?

The Guardian - Books

But since when was sex orderly?

The Guardian - Opinion

But since when has fairness stopped a joke?

The Economist

But since when are remembering and voting mutually exclusive?

The New York Times

But since when was sports simply a question of math?

The New York Times - Sports

Pardon me, but since when was cellulite a disease?

Independent

But since when does the world listen to Africans?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But… since when do criminals or terrorists really -care- about following the law?

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but since when" to express surprise or challenge an assumption that seems to contradict previous knowledge or expectations. It's effective for pointing out inconsistencies in arguments or situations.

Common error

Avoid using "but since when" to introduce completely unrelated questions or topics. The phrase should directly relate to a previous statement or shared understanding that is being challenged.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but since when" primarily functions as an interrogative conjunction, used to introduce a question that expresses surprise, skepticism, or challenges a previously held assumption. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct. For example, "But since when did practicality become the only goal of our educational system?"

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but since when" is a versatile interrogative conjunction used to express surprise or challenge a previous assumption. As verified by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's more appropriate for informal or conversational writing. To maximize its impact, use it to directly challenge a previous statement or shared understanding. Related phrases, such as "when did that start" or "since when did that become acceptable", can provide alternative ways to express a similar sentiment. Be mindful of using it to introduce unrelated topics to avoid confusion. With 58 real-world examples available, Ludwig confirms the phrase’s active usage and utility in expressing skepticism and inviting further explanation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

since when did that become acceptable

Highlights the questioned acceptability of something.

when did the rules change

Highlights a shift in previously established rules or norms.

when did that start

Focuses on the initiation point of an unexpected event or behavior.

how long has that been the case

Questions the duration of a surprising situation.

when did that turn into a thing

Informally questions the rise in popularity or significance of something.

how did that become a thing

Similar to 'when did that turn into a thing', focusing on the process of adoption or popularization.

what brought that about

Asks about the cause or catalyst behind a surprising event or situation.

what's the origin of that

Focuses on the background or circumstances that led to an unexpected condition.

how long has this been going on

Emphasizes a situation's prolonged and unexpected persistence.

how did things get to this point

Expresses a broader sense of bewilderment at the development of a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "but since when" in a sentence?

Use "but since when" to express surprise or disbelief about a situation that contradicts a previous understanding. For example, "You're suddenly interested in sports, but since when have you ever watched a game?"

What's the difference between "but since when" and "when did that happen"?

"But since when" implies a challenge to a previous understanding or expectation. Alternatives like "when did that happen" simply inquire about the timing of an event without necessarily expressing disbelief.

What can I say instead of "but since when"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "since when did that become acceptable", "how long has that been the case", or "when did the rules change".

Is it appropriate to use "but since when" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "but since when" is generally more suitable for informal or conversational contexts. For formal writing, consider using a more direct and less rhetorical question.