since about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "since about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when talking about something that began or started at a certain point in time or around a certain point in time. For example, "I have been living in this city since about 2009."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Since about season four.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The man hadn't thought of Shevlin since about 1925.

The New Yorker

He had been videotaping the orchestra since about 2002.

The New York Times

Since about the 12th century they have mostly been Muslim.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Aids seems to have been around only since about 1978.

The Economist

Jet ejector pumps have been used since about 1850.

Encyclopedia Britannica

NOx emissions have exceeded SO2 emissions since about 1980.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I HAVE been flying for business since about 1980.

The New York Times

The periwig or peruke had been fashionable since about 1670.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Those disadvantages have lessened since about the 1970s.

The New York Times

I have suspected its existence since about the fourth grade.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "since about" when precision is not critical, but ensure the general timeframe is accurate and verifiable.

Common error

Avoid using "since about" excessively in formal writing where precise dates or durations are expected. Provide specific dates or verifiable data whenever possible to enhance credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "since about" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating an approximate starting point in time. It modifies the verb by specifying when an action or state began, as evidenced by Ludwig examples indicating events and conditions that have persisted from a specified timeframe.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

19%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "since about" is a versatile phrase used to indicate an approximate starting time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. While acceptable in most situations, formal writing might benefit from more precise language. When using "since about", ensure the context provides sufficient clarity, and be mindful of the potential for ambiguity in formal settings. Alternatives like "approximately since" or "around the time of" can provide subtle variations in tone and emphasis. Ultimately, "since about" is a useful tool for expressing timeframes when exactness is not critical but accuracy is still desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approximately since

Replaces "since about" with a more formal synonym for "about", but maintains the same meaning.

roughly since

Emphasizes the inexact nature of the starting point, similar in meaning to "since about".

from approximately

Similar to "approximately since", but with a slightly different word order.

ever since approximately

Emphasizes the continuous nature of something from an approximate starting point.

starting around

Highlights the initiation of something near a specific time, similar to "since about".

around the time of

Indicates a less precise timeframe compared to "since about", focusing on the general period.

in the vicinity of

Specifies an approximate starting time, comparable to "since about".

in the neighborhood of

Indicates a rough estimate of when something began, similar to using "about" in "since about".

from the region of

Implies something has occurred from an estimated timeframe.

subsequent to approximately

A more formal and somewhat verbose alternative, implying a time following an estimated point.

FAQs

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

The phrase "since about" is used to indicate a period that began approximately at a certain time. For example, "I've been working here "since about" 2010" means you started working there around the year 2010.

What's the difference between "since about" and "since approximately"?

"Since about" and "since approximately" are very similar. "Approximately" is slightly more formal, but they both indicate an estimated starting time. The choice often depends on the tone you want to convey.

What are some alternatives to using "since about"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "around the time of", "starting around", or "roughly since" to express a similar meaning as "since about".

Is it appropriate to use "since about" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "since about" is generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise language or alternatives like "approximately since" if an approximation is necessary.