since I began

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "since I began" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a time frame starting from when a specific action or event commenced. Example: "Since I began my new job, I have learned a lot about the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Nothing has changed since I began.

The Guardian - Books

My M.D. is stable and has not become worse since I began taking the Areds.

The New York Times

He added: "I've noticed a big difference since I began doing it this summer.

The New York Times - Sports

Since I began to work with clay I found a real soft touch with fabrics.

The New York Times

Nine months have passed since I began my treatment for P.T.S.D.

The New York Times

I've learned more about its quality since I began considering colleges as a junior.

The New York Times

Also, since I began answering these questions, Stephen King probably published another one.

The New York Times - Books

It has pestered me ever since I began to write, especially for young people.

The Guardian - Books

Ever since I began writing about cities, London's structure has fascinated me.

The Guardian - Arts

In the time since I began writing this, an earthquake came.

The New Yorker

Eight months have passed since I began my quest for cable modem service.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "since I began", ensure the verb tense in the main clause reflects the ongoing effect or state resulting from the action that began. For example, "Since I began exercising, I have felt much healthier."

Common error

Avoid using simple past tense in the main clause when using "since I began". Using present perfect or past perfect emphasizes the continuing relevance of the action. Instead of "Since I began this job, I worked harder", say "Since I began this job, I have worked harder".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "since I began" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a time clause, indicating the starting point of an action or state. Ludwig's examples show its use to specify when a change or development started.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "since I began" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to establish a temporal relationship between a past action and its present consequences. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is common across various contexts, including News & Media and Science. When using "since I began", ensure that the verb tense in the main clause reflects the ongoing effect or state resulting from the action. Common alternatives include "from the time I started" and "ever since I initiated". By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "since I began" to enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

from the time I started

Replaces "since" with "from the time" and "began" with "started", emphasizing the starting point.

from the moment I initiated

Emphasizes a precise starting point with "from the moment" and uses a more formal term "initiated".

ever since I initiated

Adds "ever" for emphasis and replaces "began" with "initiated", suggesting a formal start.

once I commenced

Uses "once" to indicate the start and replaces "began" with "commenced" for a slightly more formal tone.

after I had started

Expresses the same timing but using a past perfect construction with "had started".

subsequent to my starting

Uses more formal vocabulary like "subsequent" and "starting" for a more elevated tone.

following my commencement

Replaces "since I began" with a formal phrase using "commencement", suitable for academic or official contexts.

in the period after I started

Expands the phrase to specify a "period", adding a sense of duration following the start.

dating from when I started

Implies a point in time from which something can be tracked, using "dating from".

since my initiation

Nominalizes the phrase, making "initiation" the subject related to the starting point.

FAQs

How can I use "since I began" in a sentence?

Use "since I began" to indicate a time frame starting from when an action commenced, showing the impact or changes that have occurred. For instance, "Since I began learning to code, my problem-solving skills have improved".

What are some alternatives to "since I began"?

You can use alternatives like "from the time I started", "ever since I initiated", or "following my commencement" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "since I began" and "since I started"?

While "since I began" and "since I started" are often interchangeable, "began" may imply a more formal or deliberate commencement than "started". The choice depends on the context and desired tone, which you can evaluate with resources like Ludwig.

What is the correct tense to use with "since I began"?

Typically, use the present perfect tense in the main clause to show an ongoing effect or state. For example, "Since I began writing, I have become more creative". Avoid simple past unless the action's effect is no longer relevant.