since you left

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "since you left" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to indicate the point in time that an action or event started in relation to another action or event. Example: "Since you left, I have been missing you every day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Today is 17 years since you left.

The New York Times

Today makes 16 years since you left.

The New York Times

It's been two years since you left.

The New York Times

The place hasn't been the same since you left.

The New York Times - Travel

It's gone off the boil a bit, I say, since you left.

The Guardian

It's been years since you left us.

The New York Times

It's 8 years since you left us.

The New York Times

10 years since you left us.

The New York Times

It is now 27 years since you left us.

The New York Times

Billy, it has been 11 years since you left us.

The New York Times

It has been 19 long years since you left us.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the time frame when using the phrase. It implies a continuous state or series of events that began at the point of departure.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect verb tenses in the main clause following "since you left". Ensure the tense reflects the ongoing or completed nature of the action. Instead of 'Since you left, I will be sad', use 'Since you left, I have been sad'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "since you left" functions as an adverbial clause of time, indicating that the action in the main clause occurs from the point of someone's departure onward. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "since you left" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase functioning as an adverbial clause of time. According to Ludwig AI, its primary function is to connect a past departure with subsequent events or states. It's suitable for various contexts, from news and media to formal business settings, indicating its versatility. To use it effectively, ensure verb tenses align to accurately convey the ongoing or completed nature of related actions. Common alternatives include "after your departure" and "following your exit", each offering a slightly different nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after you had left

This uses the past perfect to clearly establish the sequence of events.

ever since you've been gone

This alternative emphasizes the continuous nature of the time that has passed.

after your departure

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of leaving.

post your departure

A concise and modern alternative using 'post' to indicate 'after'.

following your exit

This phrase is similar to "after your departure" but uses the word "exit", suggesting a more definitive leaving.

in the wake of your leaving

This phrase implies that your departure had consequences or created a void.

once you had gone

This alternative uses a past perfect construction, emphasizing the completion of the action of leaving.

from the time you departed

This phrase adds a sense of duration, focusing on the period starting when the person left.

subsequent to your leaving

A more formal and somewhat legalistic alternative, emphasizing the sequence of events.

since your absence

This alternative focuses on the state of being away, rather than the act of leaving.

FAQs

How can I use "since you left" in a sentence?

Use "since you left" to indicate that something has occurred or changed from the time someone departed. For example, "Since you left, the office has been quieter."

What's a more formal way to say "since you left"?

A more formal alternative to "since you left" is "after your departure", which emphasizes the act of leaving in a professional context.

Is there a difference between "since you left" and "after you left"?

While both phrases indicate a time relationship, "since you left" often implies a continuous state or consequence, whereas "after you left" simply denotes a point in time. For example, "After you left, I cleaned the house" is a single action, while "Since you left, I've been cleaning the house" implies a repeated action.

What are some common phrases similar to "since you left"?

Other phrases that express a similar meaning include "following your exit", "from the time you departed", and "subsequent to your leaving", each carrying slightly different connotations.