When starting a sentence with the word «since», add a comma after the first clause (group of words containing a subject and a verb).
When starting a sentence with the word «since«, add a comma after the first clause (group of words containing a subject and a verb).
Since Mary is a doctor, she can prescribe drugs.
Since Mary is a doctor she can prescribe drugs.
We do not generally need a comma before «since» in mid-sentence.
I should skip dessert since I’m trying to lose weight.
I’ve been studying German since 2020.
Contents
- 1. How to Use Since in a Sentence
- 2. Commas in the Middle of a sentence
- 3. Starting a Sentence with ‘Since’
- 4. References
1. How to Use ‘Since’ in a Sentence
«Since» can be:
- A preposition to refer to a time in the past. Prepositions are followed by a noun or a pronoun (e.g., «I’ve been married since 2015.»)
- A subordinating conjunction to explain the reason for something (e.g., «My brother can achieve it since he has experience.»), or to indicate a period from a time in the past («I’ve been doing this since I arrived here.») Note that subordinating conjunctions, unlike prepositions, are followed by a subject and a verb.
- An adverb to mean «ago» or between then and now (e.g., «She went to the mall this morning, and I haven’t seen her since.»)
2. Commas in the Middle of a sentence
In the middle of a sentence, we do not commonly use a comma in front of «since«.
I’d like to travel to Japan since its culture is truly unique.
It’s been raining since yesterday.
Albert has lived in Rome since 2015.
Isabella has been looking for a job since she left school.
I wonder where my niece is. I haven’t seen her since Tuesday.
There are particular situations, however, where commas may be required. For example, use commas to set apart non-essential information.(1)
Alice is planning to return to Madrid, maybe next month, since she has developed an emotional attachment to the Spanish culture.
I love her, despite our relationship stumbles, since she has been respectful and patient.
The Spanish government debt, already high since the financial crisis, exploded during the 2020 debacle.
3. Starting a Sentence with ‘Since’
As mentioned before, we can use «since» to introduce a group of words containing a subject and a verb (clause).
Since my sister is an excellent cook, she prepared a delicious meal.
In this situation, if the clause introduced by «since» comes at the beginning of a sentence, we must add a comma after the first clause.
Since I want to learn a new language, I registered for a Chinese course.
Since I want to learn a new language I registered for a Chinese course.
More examples:
Since they’re going to arrive next week, we have plenty of time to prepare for the meeting.
Since copper is still the material of choice for electric power, the demand of copper is growing by leaps and bounds.
Since the current situation seems a perfect setup for yield curve control, the European Central Bank will probably implement this policy next year.
Instead of introducing a clause, you can use «since» to introduce a noun phrase. Phrases, unlike clauses, do not contain a subject and a verb.
Since 1980 the US GDP has been declining.
The comma after short introductory phrases like these can be easily omitted if the sentence is clear.(2)
Since then I have been learning marketing.
Since 2018 Rebecca has been working here.
4. References
(1) Strunk JR., William; White, E.B. The Elements of Style. Chapter 1 — Elementary Rules of Usage.
(2) Kaufman, Lester; Straus, Jane. The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation. Chapter 2 (punctuation).
“Since” can be an expression of time, and it can mean “because”.
“Since” as a time expression
When used to express time, the word “since” means:
— from a time in the past until the present
— from a time in the past until another time in the past.
1. From a time in the past until the present
Because of its relationship with time “since” must be used with the correct verb tense. Have a look at these examples of a common mistake:
WRONG
He is out of the office since you last phoned.
As you may recall, the Paris office assists us with this project since it started.
Mr Jones is employed by the Company since September 2016.
In these three sentences the writers have made the mistake of using the Present Simple tense (is / assists / is employed) instead of the Present Perfect tense.
RIGHT
He has been out of the office since you last phoned.
As you may recall, the Paris office has assisted us with this project since it started.
Mr Jones has been employed by the Company since September 2016.
Note that these examples follow this pattern:
Present Perfect tense in the main clause and Past tense (or a date in the past) after “since”.
More examples:
No Public Authority or third party has raised any claims or allegations under Clause 4.1 since the Agreement was signed.
Since he joined the firm as a junior associate in 1998, he has become one of the most highly regarded lawyers in his field.
(Since joining… is an alternative structure that may be used in this type of sentence.)
In all sentences of this type you must use the Present Perfect tense in the main clause. However, the rule that you use the Past tense after “since” is flexible. Sometimes we can use the Present Perfect here as well. For example:
The department has been extremely busy since we have had an office in Mumbai.
I’ve been feeling much better since I’ve been taking more exercise.
We use the Past tense after “since” when we refer to a point in time in the past, and we use the Present Perfect after “since” when we refer to a period of time from the past until the present. We could rewrite the above two examples to refer to points in time (and use the Past tense after “since”) as follows:
The department has been extremely busy since we opened an office in Mumbai.
I’ve been feeling much better since I started taking more exercise.
2. From a time in the past until another time in the past
“Since” can also be used to express time from a starting point in the past until an end point in the past. Such sentences may follow this pattern:
Past Perfect tense in the main clause and Past tense after “since”.
We were sorry to lose MaxCo when they ceased operations in Poland in 2016. They had been a client of ours since they entered the country in 2003.
In 2013 I was asked to direct the company’s promotional film. I had not done anything like that since I worked in TV advertising in 1993.
When I arrived I realised that they had been in the meeting since 9 am.
It is also possible to use the pattern Past Perfect tense in the main clause and Past Perfect tense after “since”. For example:
It had been 20 years since I had directed any kind of film.
3. “Ever since”
You can add stress to “since” by adding “ever”.
Our two senior partners have known each other ever since they were at primary school.
He moved to London in 1994 and he has been living there ever since.
4. Do NOT use “since” to express present time, future time or general time
Note that in all the above examples, “since” is used to describe past time. When used to express time, “since” can ONLY be used in this way.
WRONG
Present
We want the office to start operating since now, or by the end of June at the latest.
Future
I’ll be in the bar since 7 o’clock this evening.
General time
The licence-granting procedure should not take longer than 90 days since the submission of the application.
Instead use “from”:
RIGHT
Present
We want the office to start operating from now, or by the end of June at the latest.
Future
I’ll be in the bar from 7 o’clock this evening.
General time
The licence-granting procedure should not take longer than 90 days from the submission of the application.
5. Do NOT use “since” to express duration
WRONG
The Landlord may terminate the Agreement with immediate effect if the Tenant is in arrears with payments since three months.
Although we would usually expect a decision within six weeks of making an application, the Claimant has now been waiting since ten weeks.
Instead use “for”:
RIGHT
The Landlord may terminate the Agreement with immediate effect if the Tenant is in arrears with payments for three months.
Although we would usually expect a decision within six weeks of making an application, the Claimant has now been waiting for ten weeks.
Another common mistake
WRONG
He worked at Microsoft since 2003 to 2006.
RIGHT
He worked at Microsoft from 2003 to 2006.
Do not use “since” with “to”. Use “from” and “to” or “from” and “until”. Another example:
He worked at the company from the moment he qualified until his retirement.
WRONG
According to the statement, no accidents at work or on the way to or from work have occurred since 2006 until now.
RIGHT
According to the statement, no accidents at work or on the way to or from work have occurred since 2006.
Because “since” — and the Present Perfect tense — incorporate “until now” into their meanings, including “until now” in the above sentence is not necessary.
“Since” meaning “because”
We do not recommend the course of action you propose since there is a risk that the employee will refer the matter to court.
This usage of “since” is rather formal, and may be ambiguous in some sentences because “since” is more commonly used to express time. Consider this example:
We have analysed the tax aspects of the transaction since we were instructed to do so.
This could mean “We have analysed the tax aspects because we were instructed to do so” or “We have been analysing the tax aspects from the time we were instructed to do so”.
As a result, I recommend using “because” or “as” instead of “since”.
Examples of how to use the word “since” in a sentence. How to connect “since” with other words to make correct English sentences.
since (prep, conj, adv): from a particular time in the past until a later time, or until now; because; as; from a particular time in the past until a later time, or until now
Use “since” in a sentence
| Since we had no sugar, we used honey instead. |
| She has been working in the Institute since 1999. |
| I’ve been here since July. |
| They’ve been best mates since they were kids. |
| This region has changed significantly since 2010. |
| I’ve been here since Saturday. |
| I haven’t seen him since last year. |
| She has been working here since 2012. |
| I haven’t eaten since breakfast.
Back to “3000 Most Common Words in English” |
Asked by: Laron Strosin
Score: 4.5/5
(3 votes)
It’s been a while since I had a good deer roast. It’s been a long time since we all went out to eat together. We haven’t sparred since . She’d been trying to get her hands on it since arriving.
How do you use since in a sentence?
Preposition I haven’t seen him since yesterday. I haven’t eaten since breakfast. Since the party, she has not spoken to him at all. The company has been in its present location since the beginning of the century.
Can start sentence with since?
The word ‘since’ can be used to begin a sentence. The word ‘since’ functions as an adverb, preposition, or conjunction. No matter how it functions, it…
Can a sentence end with since?
Related to this question: «Since» at the end of a sentence where it was stated that since can be used at the end of a sentence: There were the children to consider. She had told him she wanted a divorce two days ago, and neither of them had slept since.
How do you end a sentence with ever since?
You may also see ever since at the end of the sentence. What it means is starting from that time or thereafter. Examples; He left home three weeks ago and we haven’t heard from him since.
45 related questions found
What is since in grammar?
In English, we use since to refer to a point of time. Since can refer to a point after a specific time or event in the past. Or it can refer to a particular point beginning sometime in the past and continuing until the present time. … The important point is that since is used with a particular point in time.
Where do we use as in a sentence?
We use as to introduce two events happening at the same time. After as with this meaning, we usually use a simple (rather than continuous) form of the verb: As the show increases in popularity, more and more tickets are sold daily. When you get older, moving house gets harder.
How do you put as in a sentence?
As sentence example
- She’s as perfect as she can be. …
- Her face warmed as she thought of it. …
- As she left the kitchen, his voice followed her. …
- The fire snapped as it grew. …
- For a few minutes they held on to each other, kissing as if they hadn’t seen each other in a week. …
- He was very tall— as tall as a man.
How do you use because of this in a sentence?
She felt cheated, stunted, revengeful because of this common fate. Nothing can be done thoroughly because of this hindering folly. It is because of this pioneer work that coulomb deserves so much praise. Few of the tabloids has kind words to say about Selena because of this decision to get back to her ex-boyfriend.
What is the example of since?
An example of since is when you are late because your watch broke. An example of since is the period of time that has passed after yesterday. Continuously from. They have been friends since childhood.
What kind of word is since?
We use since as a preposition, a conjunction and an adverb to refer to a time, and as a conjunction to introduce a reason.
What does since before mean?
‘Since before (or previous) to the coming of whites’ refers to a state or condition that prevailed prior to the named event and acts as a contrast.
Is due to in a sentence?
Simple Example 1: The traffic jam was due to a terrible accident at the intersection. In the above-mentioned sentence, the phrase due to has been used to present the reason for the noun traffic jam. The reason for traffic jam, grammatically a noun entity, is a terrible accident.
How do you use due to the fact in a sentence?
This was partly due to the fact that the award has recently suffered financial difficulties. This is partly due to the fact that regional governments are still working. This rise is partly due to the fact that many more boys are ringing us. The oversight must have been due to the fact that he wasn’t born yet.
Is due to correct grammar?
Technically speaking, “due to” should only be used as an adjective and come after a noun. For instance, you could say: The cancellation was due to rain. “Cancellation” is a noun, and “due to” is describing it. “Because of,” on the other hand, should modify verbs.
How do you use as well as in a sentence?
As-well-as sentence example
- I know you as well as I know anyone else. …
- He could be tender and thoughtful, as well as charming. …
- Send me men who know this city as well as he does. …
- This wasn’t going as well as she had planned. …
- If you knew Mr. …
- He opened the door to the rooms he knew as well as his cabin.
What is a example sentence?
[M] [T] He is still alive. [M] [T] He is still angry. [M] [T] He is still young. [M] [T] He is very honest.
How do you use the word example in a sentence?
You use for example to introduce and emphasize something which shows that something is true.
- … …
- Take, for example, the simple sentence: ‘The man climbed up the hill’.
- A few simple precautions can be taken, for example ensuring that desks are the right height.
Is as in a sentence?
Is-as sentence example. «Jule is as old as you,» Damian said. It really is as spectacular as he described. His place is as busy as a country doctor’s waiting room in flu season.
Can a sentence start with as?
In that case, it is generally OK to start a sentence with «as,» particularly in informal writing. Some purists would argue that one should never start a sentence with a conjunction in formal writing, but the tide is beginning to turn on that former truism.
What we can use instead of because?
because
- ’cause,
- as,
- as long as,
- being (as or as how or that)
- [chiefly dialect],
- considering,
- for,
- inasmuch as,
What is without in grammar?
from English Grammar Today. The preposition without means ‘not having something’ or ‘lacking something’: I can’t drink tea without milk.
What is the difference since and for?
While for represents a specific period or duration of time since is used to denote a particular moment in time. When we use the word ‘since’ to refer to a particular time, the verb used in the main clause, is either in the present/past perfect tense or present/past perfect continuous tense.
What is due to in grammar?
Due to is an adjective, which describes or modifies a noun. When combined with the rest of the sentence, it functions as an adjectival prepositional phrase. You can’t use due to in the same way as because of. Here are some sentences that use due to when modifying a noun.
Similar words: ever since, long since, single, singer, casino, cousin, missing, housing. Meaning: [sɪns] 
adv.1. from then till now (often prec. by ever): He was elected in 1978 and has been president ever since. 2. between a particular past time and the present; subsequently: She at first refused, but has since consented. 3. ago; before now: long since. prep.4. continuously from or counting from: It has been warm since noon. 5. between a past time or event and the present: There have been many changes since the war. conj.6. in the period following the time when: He has written once since he left. 7. continuously from or counting from the time when: He has been busy since he came. 8. because; inasmuch as: Since you’re already here, you might as well stay..
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(1) oughta be a gentleman, since his name is William. 
(2) I have long since abandoned the notion that higher education is essential to either success or happiness. Hot houses of learning do not always grow anything edible.
(3) Since a politician never believes what he says, he is surprised when others believe him. Charles de Gaulle
(4) The rain has been continuous since this morning.
(5) Children have been routinely immunized against polio since 1958.
(6) It’s yonks since we had a good night out.
(7) Forty years have passed away since they met.
(8) He’s been deaf and dumb since birth.
(9) They’ve been best friends since they were children.
(10) It’s all sewn up(sentencedict.com), since you apologized.
(11) I have been there many times since the war.
(12) He’s been unbearable since he won that prize.
(13) She’s lived there since before the war.
(14) Since you unintentionally I should let it go.
(15) I haven’t heard from him since last January.
(16) He’s got rather plump since I last saw him.
(17) Her father has been missing since September 1992.
(18) Since childhood, her life has revolved around tennis.
(19) He has been an orphan since he was five.
(20) We’ve been pals since we were at school.
(21) Since the war the industry has gradually languished.
(22) She’s been off work since Tuesday.
(23) It’s many years since Mount Vesuvius last erupted.
(24) She has fined down a lot since last year.
(25) We’ve been mates since our school days.
(26) Two weeks have lapsed since they arrived in Paris.
(27) He’s been working in a bank since leaving school.
(28) It’s been ages since we met.
(29) The laws of Nature, that is to say the laws of God, plainly made every human being a law unto himself, we must steadfastly refuse to obey those laws, and we must as steadfastly stand by the conventions which ignore them, since the statutes furnish us peace, fairly good government and stability, and therefore are better for us than the laws of God, which would soon plunge us into confusion and disorder and anarchy if we should adopt them.
(30) Be not angry that you cannot make others as you wish them to be, since you cannot make yourself as you wish to be.
More similar words: ever since, long since, single, singer, casino, cousin, missing, housing, business, supposing, single out, insinuate, increasing, promising, processing, on business, surprising, increasingly, advertising, businessman, surprisingly, once, cancel, fence, cancer, hence, glance, dancer, stance, bounce.
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Since can be used as an adverb, a conjunction and a preposition.
Since as a preposition
As a preposition, since is followed by a noun/noun equivalent which acts as its object.
- She has changed a lot since her marriage.
- Everything has changed so much since our last meeting.
As an adverb
When since is used as an adverb, it is not followed by a noun.
- The boy went missing on Tuesday and hasn’t been seen since.
As a conjunction
Since can also be used as a conjunction. As a conjunction, since is used to connect two clauses. Clauses introduced by since typically show one of the two associations: time or cause/reason
- Since he had not studied hard, he failed his exam.
- Since I had no money, I couldn’t buy anything to eat.
- Since she was tired, she took some rest.
A since-clause introducing reason usually comes at the beginning of the sentence. A since-clause indicating time can come either before or after the main clause.
- She has written many books since she left college. / Since she left college, she has written many books.
Notes
When since is used to talk about time, the verb in the main clause is usually in the present perfect or past perfect (simple or continuous) tense.
- She had been acting in films since she was four.
- I have been working on this project since the end of June.
- It has been raining since morning.
Sometimes the simple present or simple past tense is also used.
Since means ‘starting at a particular point in the past and continuing until now’.
- I have known him since he was born.
- India has been an independent country since 1947.
- It has been several decades since India won a gold medal in Olympic Hockey.
- It has been several centuries since Vasco da Gama landed in India.
Ever since
- She started teaching at twenty and has been doing it ever since.
- Ever since I was a child, I have wanted to become a writer.