Definition of SINCE
SINCE Adverb, Preposition and Conjunction
Since is a multifaceted word that can function as an adverb, preposition, and conjunction. It generally relates to the time that has elapsed from a specific point in the past to the present or a point in the future.
SINCE as an adverb
As an adverb, since indicates a time that has passed between a past event and the present moment. For example, “He moved here in 2010 and has lived here ever since,” highlights the continuous nature of the action from the past to now.
Continuity Over Time: In its adverbial form, since emphasizes the duration or continuity of an action or state. For instance, “They have been friends since,” underscores an ongoing friendship from a specific starting point in the past.
SINCE as a proposition
As a preposition, since is used to indicate the starting point of a period. For example, “She has been studying here since Monday,” specifies when the studying began.
Starting Points: Using since as a preposition helps to identify the beginning of an action or event. For example, “They have been married since 2005,” establishes the start of the marriage.
SINCE as a conjunction
As a conjunction, since introduces a subordinate clause and provides a reason or a cause related to time. For example, “Since it was raining, we stayed indoors,” links the cause (raining) to the effect (staying indoors).
Cause and Effect: When used as a conjunction, since connects actions and events, explaining why something happens. For instance, “Since you’re here, let’s start the meeting,” provides a rationale for beginning the meeting.
Temporal and Causal Connections: Since often creates a temporal link between past and present or future events, as well as causal connections explaining reasons for actions. For example, “I haven’t seen him since he moved,” connects the lack of sightings to the moving event.
Everyday Usage: In everyday conversation, since is frequently used to explain when actions began or why events occur. For example, “They’ve been inseparable since they met,” underscores the start of their close relationship.
Literary and Historical Contexts: Since is also common in literature and historical narratives to establish time frames or causes for events. For example, “Since the dawn of time, humans have sought knowledge,” situates human curiosity within a vast temporal context.
In conclusion, since is a versatile word that serves as an adverb, preposition, and conjunction to indicate the passage of time from a specific past point to the present or future, and to explain causes for actions or events. It plays a crucial role in establishing temporal continuity and causal relationships in both everyday language and formal writing.
Examples of SINCE in a sentence
SINCE as an adverb in a sentence
- He moved to New York in 2010 and has lived there ever since.
- I’ve been feeling better since.
- She started playing the piano at age six and has practiced daily since.
- I haven’t seen him since.
- We met in college and have been friends since.
- He quit his job last year and hasn’t worked since.
- She left the country in 2015 and hasn’t returned since.
- I got a promotion last month and have been busier since.
SINCE as an preposition in a sentence
- Since last week, I’ve been working on this project.
- I haven’t eaten meat since last year.
- Since her birthday, she has been happier.
- He has been living in Canada since 2012.
- Since their argument, they haven’t spoken.
- I haven’t visited my hometown since the holidays.
- Since the accident, she has been more cautious.
- Since Monday, the weather has been terrible.
SINCE as an conjunction in a sentence
- Since it was raining, we stayed indoors.
- He has been sad since he lost his job.
- Since you are here, let’s start the meeting.
- She has been more responsible since she adopted a pet.
- Since they moved to the city, their lives have changed.
- Since you missed the class, here are the notes.
- Since we have time, let’s finish the project.
- Since you already know, there’s no need to explain.
Origin of SINCE
The term since has its etymological origins rooted in Old English and reflects temporal and causal concepts associated with a point in time or a reason for an action.
- Old English Roots: Since traces back to Old English as “sīþðan” or “sīððan,” derived from “sīþ” (after) and “ðan” (then). In Old English, “sīþðan” denoted “after that time” or “from that time onward,” emphasizing temporal succession.
- Temporal Connotations: Over time, the term since retained its temporal connotations but also acquired causal implications. It signifies a point in time from which a situation, action, or state has continued or originated.
- Causal Usage: In addition to temporal connotations, since is used to introduce reasons or explanations for actions or states. It indicates a cause-effect relationship, emphasizing the reason or condition that has led to a particular outcome.
- Contemporary Usage: In modern English, since is a versatile word used in various contexts to denote temporal succession or causation. It is commonly employed in both spoken and written language to provide clarity and coherence in expressing temporal and causal relationships.
From its origins in Old English to its contemporary usage, the term since embodies the intertwining of temporal and causal concepts, enriching language with its nuanced expression of temporal succession and causation.
Synonyms
- Because
- As
- In light of
- Given that
- Seeing that
- Inasmuch as
- In view of the fact that
- Owing to the fact that
Antonyms
- Although
- Even though
- Nevertheless
- Despite
- However
- Yet
- Nonetheless
- Notwithstanding
Related
- Because
- For
- Due to
- As a result of
- Consequently
- Therefore
- Thus
- Hence
🌐 🇬🇧 SINCE in other languages
| Spanish 🇪🇸 | Desde |
| French 🇫🇷 | Depuis |
| German 🇩🇪 | Seitdem |
| Chinese (simpl) 🇨🇳 | 自从 |
| Chinese (trad) 🇨🇳 | 自從 |
| Italian 🇮🇹 | Da |
| Portuguese 🇵🇹 | Desde |
| Dutch 🇳🇱 | Sinds |
| Swedish 🇸🇪 | Eftersom |
| Norwegian 🇳🇴 | Siden |
| Finnish 🇫🇮 | Siitä asti kun |
| Romanian 🇷🇴 | De cand |
| Polish 🇵🇱 | Od |
| Hungarian 🇭🇺 | Mivel |
| Czech 🇨🇿 | Od té doby |
| Bulgarian 🇧🇬 | От |
| Ukrainian 🇺🇦 | Оскільки |
| Russian 🇷🇺 | С |
| Turkish 🇹🇷 | O zamandan beri |
| Azerbaijani 🇦🇿 | ildən |
| Armenian 🇦🇲 | Քանի որ |
| Arabic 🇸🇦 | منذ |
| Hebrew 🇮🇱 | מאז |
| Urdu 🇵🇰 | چونکہ |
| Farsi/Persian 🇮🇷 | از آنجا که |
| Hindi 🇮🇳 | से |
| Bengaleli/se 🇧🇩 | থেকে |
| Marathi 🇮🇳 | पासून |
| Telugu 🇮🇳 | నుండి |
| Tamil 🇮🇳 | இருந்து |
| Gujarati 🇮🇳 | ત્યારથી |
| Kannada 🇮🇳 | ಅಂದಿನಿಂದ |
| Odia (Orya) 🇮🇳 | ସେବେଠାରୁ |
| Malayalam 🇮🇳 | മുതലുള്ള |
| Punjabi 🇮🇳 | ਤੋਂ |
| Sinhala/ese 🇱🇰 | පටන් |
| Nepali 🇳🇵 | देखि |
| Burmese 🇲🇲 | ကတည်းက |
| Thai 🇹🇭 | เนื่องจาก |
| Vietnamese 🇻🇳 | Từ |
| Malay 🇲🇾 | Sejak |
| Indonesian 🇮🇩 | Sejak |
| Tagalog 🇵🇭 | Since |
| Japanese 🇯🇵 | 以来 |
| Korean 🇰🇷 | 부터 |
| Oromo 🇪🇹 | Erga |
| Somali 🇸🇴 | Tan iyo markii |
| Amharic 🇪🇹 | ጀምሮ |
| Swahili 🇹🇿 | Tangu |
| Yoruba 🇳🇬 | Niwon |