since we started

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "since we started" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to a period of time that began in the past and continues until now. For example, "We have made a lot of progress since we started this project six months ago."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's changed so dramatically since we started.

The New York Times

It's now 10 years since we started playing together.

Independent

"Since we started it, it has really taken off.

The Guardian - Sport

It's been 600,000 since we started counting.

The Guardian - Sport

We've been through four recessions since we started the business.

The Guardian

Much has improved since we started our work.

The Guardian

"There is no description for what we've been through since we started planting corn in March".

The New York Times

Guardian Membership has been continuously deploying since we started the project back in May 2014.

The Guardian

An awful lot has happened since we started this process, prior to 9/11.

The New Yorker

We are partners, too  – we've been together since we started college in Portugal.

Independent

He said: "I've never wanted to work alone since we started together.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "since we started" to clearly mark a time frame that began in the past and continues to the present, ensuring the sentence structure reflects this ongoing connection.

Common error

Avoid using simple past tense with "since we started" if the action or state continues to the present. Use present perfect or past perfect continuous instead to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "since we started" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a time clause. It sets a temporal reference point, indicating that the action or state described in the main clause has been ongoing from that point forward. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

9%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "since we started" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate a time frame that began in the past and continues to the present. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its correct usage. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves to connect past actions with present states or results. When writing, ensure you maintain consistency with verb tenses, usually using the present perfect or past perfect continuous. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives. The phrase is versatile, making it a valuable addition to your writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the time since we began

Stresses the period that has elapsed since the starting point.

from our beginning

Emphasizes the initial point of origin or commencement.

following our initiation

Highlights the act of starting something, implying a deliberate commencement.

after our commencement

Focuses on the formal start or beginning of an activity or project.

since our undertaking

Refers to the period after a task or project was taken on.

post-launch

Specifically refers to the period after a launch or debut.

subsequent to inception

Formally indicates the period after the beginning or formation of something.

ever since day one

Emphasizes the continuous nature of something from its very first day.

from the outset

Highlights the period following the very beginning of something.

from the get-go

Informally points to the period immediately following the start.

FAQs

How do I correctly use "since we started" in a sentence?

The phrase "since we started" introduces a time period that began in the past and extends to the present. Use it to connect a past action or event with a current state or result. For example, "Since we started exercising regularly, we feel much healthier."

What are some alternatives to "since we started"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "from our beginning", "following our initiation", or "after our commencement".

Is there a difference between "since we started" and "when we started"?

"Since we started" emphasizes the continuous period from a past starting point to the present, while "when we started" simply refers to the time of commencement without necessarily implying a continuing action or state.

Can "since we started" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "since we started" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, consider using alternatives like "subsequent to inception" for a more elevated tone.