since when

USAGE SUMMARY

"since when" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to ask a question about when something began. For example, "Since when have you been interested in photography?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

FRANCES: Since when?

The New York Times - Magazine

Created since when?

The New York Times

Lengthening since when?

The New Yorker

Since when?" the ad asks.

The New York Times

Since when did spacecraft bounce?

Independent

Since when has it been going on?

The Economist

And since when is Jerusalem a settlement?

The New York Times

But since when is that so important?

The New York Times

But since when is money just money?

The New Yorker

Since when is 'swan' a proper noun?

The New Yorker

Since when do you grill hair?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "since when" to express surprise or disbelief about a new development or assertion. It's more impactful when challenging something unexpected.

Common error

Avoid using "since when" in statements or declarative sentences; it's primarily an interrogative phrase. Using it otherwise can lead to misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "since when" functions as an interrogative adverbial phrase. It challenges the timing or validity of a statement, expressing surprise or skepticism. As Ludwig AI indicates, it questions when something began.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "since when" is a versatile phrase used to question the timing or validity of a statement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts. When writing, ensure the interrogative tone is maintained to avoid misinterpretation. Alternative phrases can provide a more formal approach, but "since when" remains a concise and effective way to challenge assertions. The examples provided underscore its prevalence in expressing surprise or skepticism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when did that start

Directly questions the commencement of the event or trend.

from what point

Focuses on identifying the specific starting point or moment in time.

from which moment

Similar to 'from what point' but can imply a more specific or critical juncture.

when did that become the case

Questions the time when a specific condition or situation started to exist.

at what time did this begin

Emphasizes the beginning of an action or state, questioning the origin of it.

how long has this been happening

Highlights the duration of the situation or behavior.

how long since this began

Asks about the elapsed time since the beginning of the questioned event.

how long has this been going on

Queries the duration and continuity of the current situation.

on what occasion did that arise

Focuses on the specific instance or event that initiated the situation.

what's the origin of that

Shifts the focus to the cause or source of the action or statement.

FAQs

How is "since when" used in a sentence?

"Since when" is used to express surprise or challenge the validity of a statement or action, like in: "Since when are you an expert in this field?"

What's a more formal alternative to "since when"?

In formal contexts, you might use phrases like "from what point did this begin?" or "when did this become the case?" as alternatives to "since when".

Is "since when" grammatically correct?

Yes, "since when" is grammatically correct as an interrogative expression, used to question the origin or validity of something. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

What does "since when" imply?

"Since when" implies a challenge or surprise regarding the current state of affairs, suggesting that the situation is new or unexpected. Alternatives include phrases like "when did that start" or "how long has this been going on".