since

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "since" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a point in time or to explain a reason for something. Example: "Since it was raining, we decided to stay indoors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The sector's membership and lobbying body, the Federation of Black Housing Organisations (FBHO) was disbanded in 2008 and has since been replaced by a slimmed-down BMENational, sheltering under the wing of the NHF.

The Guardian

Clarkson has since said in his column in the Sunday Times that he had suffered a cancer scare two days before the incident.

The Guardian

He has since been identified as a 22-year-old called Daniele - investigators have not released his surname - who, until recently, worked in a nearby factory.

The Guardian

Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: "We are investing in the biggest rail modernisation since the Victorian era and fares have a crucial role to play in funding these improvements.

The Guardian

But things have changed since then.

The New York Times

Because Republicans are trying, for the third time since he took office, to use economic blackmail to achieve a goal they lack the votes to achieve through the normal legislative process.

The New York Times

The company has grown spectacularly since their father, Fred, died, in 1967, and the brothers took charge.

The Economist

Nursultan Nazarbayev has led Kazakhstan as president, since independence in 1991, extending his tenure through a series of constitutional revisions and elections in which he has faced only token opposition.

The Guardian

Since last July the state has opted to use just one massive dose of the sedative pentobarbital as its lethal injection, instead of a cocktail of three different drugs.

The Guardian

The Sudan People's Liberation Army SPLAA) was surrounding our camp for protection since Sudan was mediating the peace talks.

The Guardian

Since launching its US and Australia digital editions in 2011 and 2013 respectively, traffic from outside of the UK now represents over two-thirds of the Guardian's total digital audience.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When starting a sentence with "since", ensure the main clause clearly follows and logically connects to the reason or time frame introduced by "since".

Common error

Avoid using "since" to indicate a duration from the present. "Since" describes a period from a past point until now. Instead of "It's been three years since the accident", consider "It's been three years "ago" that the accident happened".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "since" is to act as a conjunction, linking a dependent clause indicating time or reason to an independent clause. Ludwig AI confirms its varied use in connecting related ideas or events.

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, the word "since" functions primarily as a conjunction to connect clauses indicating time or reason. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While versatile, it's crucial to avoid common errors such as misusing "since" in place of "ago". Alternatives like "because", "as", and "given that" can offer subtle differences in meaning. When starting a sentence with "since", ensure a clear connection to the main clause. Overall, mastering the use of "since" enhances clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

because

Indicates a direct cause-and-effect relationship, often more forceful than "since".

as

Similar to "since" but can also imply simultaneity rather than just causality.

considering that

Similar to "since", but places more emphasis on deliberation or evaluation of the given fact.

given that

More formal alternative to "since", often used in academic or professional contexts.

due to the fact that

More verbose but emphasizes the causal relationship.

for the reason that

Emphasizes the reason behind something, often used for clarification.

seeing that

Informal alternative to "since", suggesting obviousness or acknowledgement of a fact.

on account of

Suggests a reason or explanation, often implying responsibility or blame.

inasmuch as

Highly formal and somewhat archaic alternative to "since", emphasizing the extent or degree to which something is true.

by reason of

Formal and somewhat legalistic alternative to "since".

FAQs

How can "since" be used as a preposition?

"Since" can be used as a preposition to indicate the starting point of a duration. For example: "I have known her "since 2020"".

What is the difference between using "since" and "because"?

Both "since" and "because" indicate causality, but "since" can also refer to time. "Because" is generally used for more direct or emphatic causal relationships. For example: "I stayed home because I was tired" versus "Since you're offering, I'll have some tea".

Can I start a sentence with "since"?

Yes, starting a sentence with "since" is grammatically correct and commonly used to introduce a reason or explanation. Example: "Since it's raining, we should take an umbrella".

What are some alternatives to "since" when indicating time?

When "since" indicates time, you can use phrases like "from", "subsequent to", or "following". For example, instead of "since then", you could say "from that time" or "following that event".