A2preposition 1K

Since

UK /["/sɪns/"]/ US /["/sɪns/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

from a time in the past until a later past time, or until now

Listen to definition

In simple words: From a specific time in the past until now.

Examples

• She's been off work since Tuesday.
• We've lived here since 2006.
• I haven't eaten since breakfast.
• He's been working in a bank since leaving school.
• Since the party she had only spoken to him once.
• ‘They've split up.’ ‘**Since when?**’
• That was years ago. I've changed jobs **since then**.
• Since when did he ever listen to me?

Usage notes

Use 'since' to indicate the starting point of an action or situation that continues to the present. It is often used in the present perfect tense. Avoid using 'since' with future events.

Grammar pattern

since + point in time

Memory hint

Think of 'sin' as the starting point of trouble, which continues until now.

Collocations

• since then
• since childhood
• since last year

Synonyms

• from
• after
• as of

Antonyms

• until
• before

Common mistakes

• Using 'since' with a future time reference.
• Confusing 'since' with 'for'.
• Incorrectly placing 'since' in the sentence.