since like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "since like" is not standard in written English and may be considered informal or colloquial.
It can be used in casual conversation or informal writing to express a sense of time or similarity, but it is not appropriate for formal contexts. Example: "I've been interested in photography since like last summer."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Downside: I haven't even thought about work since like September.

The New Yorker

Nuclei have a positive electric charge, and since like charges repel, there is an energy barrier to be overcome.

The Guardian

It's funny: I've been running my own on-demand service since like 2002: it's called Usenet.

TechCrunch

Since, like, forever.

Vice

It's the age-old question, since, like, forever.

Vice

Kanye West has been talking about G.O.O.D. Music since, like, 1967.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

The European institutions in Brussels do, since they like more power.

The Economist

You can ask your child for help since they like thinking up of new games.

WikiHow

Let it sunbathe while on your finger since they like to sunbathe.

WikiHow

Since they like dark places, all or most of the crickets will gather there.

WikiHow

Since Frank Sinatra liked hot cherry peppers, he ordered some.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, avoid using "since like". Opt for more precise alternatives like "since approximately" or "since about".

Common error

Avoid using "since like" in academic papers, business reports, or formal presentations. It can detract from the credibility of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "since like" functions as a temporal marker, indicating a point in the past from which something has continued or been true. However, it is typically used in informal contexts to express an approximate timeframe.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "since like" is a common, yet informal, way to indicate a starting point in time, often used to express approximation. Ludwig AI identifies it as acceptable in casual contexts but advises against its use in formal writing. When precision is required, alternatives such as "since approximately" or "since about" are more suitable. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it's essential to consider your audience and the context before incorporating this phrase into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

since approximately

Replaces "like" with a more formal adverb of approximation.

since about

Uses "about" instead of "like" for a slightly more standard phrasing.

from around

Indicates a temporal starting point, similar to "since" but with a slight shift in focus.

ever since

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the time period being referenced.

subsequent to

Replaces "since" with a more formal term indicating sequence.

following

A more concise and formal alternative to indicate time sequence.

as of

Indicates a specific point in time from which something has been true.

in the time since

Emphasizes the duration of time that has passed.

because

Focuses on the reason or cause rather than the specific time frame.

seeing as

Indicates a reason or justification, similar to "because" but slightly more informal.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "since like"?

"Since like" is generally appropriate in informal contexts such as casual conversations or personal writing where a relaxed tone is acceptable.

What can I say instead of "since like" in formal writing?

In formal writing, you can use alternatives like "since approximately", "since about", or "from around" to maintain a professional tone.

Is "since like" grammatically correct?

While commonly used, "since like" is not considered grammatically standard in formal English. Ludwig AI identifies it as acceptable, but only in informal contexts.

How does the meaning of "since" change when I add "like"?

Adding "like" to "since" softens the temporal reference, making it an approximation rather than a precise point in time. It introduces a casual and less precise connotation.