Understanding "Since" in English
Introduction
The word "since" is a crucial part of the English language, primarily used to denote time. It helps to indicate when something began and implies that the action or state continues up to the present or was relevant until a specific point.
Function of "Since"
- Time Reference: "Since" introduces a starting point in time, highlighting the duration or continuity of an action or event.
- Temporal Connector: It connects past events or situations to the present, showing the progression or impact over time.
Examples of "Since" in Sentences
1. Present Perfect Tense
- "I have lived in New York since 2010."
- This sentence means the speaker started living in New York in 2010 and continues to live there up to now.
2. Past Perfect Tense
- "She had been working at the company since 2005 when she got promoted."
- Indicates that her work at the company began in 2005 and was still ongoing at the time of the promotion.
3. Simple Past Tense
- "He moved to London since he graduated from college."
- The phrase shows that the move happened after graduation, establishing a time frame starting from that point.
4. Using "Since" in a Clause
- "They have been friends since they met in high school."
- Here, "since" introduces a clause explaining when the friendship began.
Common Structures with "Since"
| Structure | Example |
|---|---|
| Since + [Specific Point in Time] | "She has been studying English since 2015." |
| Since + [Clause] | "He’s been happier since he changed his job." |
Conclusion
"Since" is an essential temporal tool in English, providing clarity about when actions or events started and emphasizing their duration or ongoing relevance. By using "since," speakers can effectively communicate the continuity of events from a specific point in time to the present or another significant moment.
Practice
- Write a sentence using "since" to describe something you've been doing for a long time.
- Create a sentence with "since" to explain when a major life event occurred.
Feel free to ask any questions or for further examples!