Word
Definition
conj. used to give a reason for something. You use it when the person you are talking to already knows the facts you are mentioning.
conj. used to introduce a subordinate clause that provides a reason or explanation for the main clause. Often implies that the reason is already known to the listener or is a logical consequence of the situation.
Examples
“Since it is raining, we should stay inside.”
“Since the office is closed for the holiday, all staff members are working from home today.”
“Since the initial data proved inconclusive, the research team decided to extend the study for another six months to ensure the results were statistically significant.”
Examples
simple
“Since it is raining, we should stay inside.”
contextual
“Since the office is closed for the holiday, all staff members are working from home today.”
complex
“Since the initial data proved inconclusive, the research team decided to extend the study for another six months to ensure the results were statistically significant.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “since” in context.
Verb
01. help since he is busy
“I offered to help since he is busy with the new project.”
verb + that-clause
02. leave since it is raining
“We should leave since it is raining heavily now.”
verb + that-clause
03. rest since you feel tired
“You should rest since you feel tired after the long walk.”
verb + that-clause
04. wait since you are late
“We will have to wait since you are late for the meeting.”
verb + that-clause
Usage
When used as a conjunction of reason, it typically appears at the beginning of a sentence or after a comma.
Pitfall
Since three years I live here.
I have lived here for three years.
Learners often use 'since' to describe a duration of time; 'since' must refer to a specific starting point, while 'for' describes the length of time.
Confusables
Since marks the specific starting point of an action, while for measures the total duration of the period.
RememberSince = Start. For = Full length.
Since marks the start of a period that continues until now, while from marks a starting point without implying the action is still happening.
RememberSince = Still happening. From = Fixed start.
Etymology
From Middle English syns, synnes, contraction of earlier sithens, sithence, from sithen (“after, since”) ( + -s, adverbial genitive suffix), from Old English sīþþan, from the phrase sīþ þǣm (“after/since that (time)”), from sīþ (“since, after”) + þǣm dative singular of þæt. Cognate with Dutch sinds (“since”), German seit (“since”), Danish siden (“since”), Icelandic síðan (“since”) Scots syne (“since”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/since
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0