since

From a time already mentioned until now or another later time.

• He left in June and hasn’t called since.
• They married that year and have lived here ever since.
• The rules have since changed.

How to use it: have/has + past participle + since (We met in May and have stayed friends ever since.)

Similar words: since then, from then on

Common phrases: ever since, long since, have since changed

From a particular past time until now or a later time.

• I have lived here since May.
• She hadn’t eaten since breakfast.
• Have you seen him since Monday?

How to use it: since + starting time (I have worked here since September.)

Similar words: from

Common phrases: since yesterday, since last year, since childhood, since birth

Used to give a reason for something, often a reason the listener already knows.

• Since you’re here, stay for lunch.
• We took a taxi since it was raining.
• Since the shop is closed, shall we come back tomorrow?

How to use it: since + clause, main clause (Since you have a car, could you drive us?)

Similar words: because, as, given that

Common phrases: since you asked, since it’s late, since you’re here

From the time when something happened until now or a later time.

• I have known her since we were children.
• He hasn’t called since he moved away.
• Have things improved since you started the treatment?

How to use it: present perfect + since + past simple clause (I have felt better since I changed jobs.); past perfect + since + past simple clause (She had not visited since her brother moved away.)

Similar words: from the time that

Common phrases: since we met, since someone left, since i arrived

Used to explain the reason for something.

• Since you’re tired, take a break.
• I stayed home since I had a cold.
• Since no one objected, they continued with the plan.

How to use it: since + clause, main clause (Since we have time, let’s walk home.)

Similar words: because, as, given that

Common phrases: since you asked, since it’s raining, since you’re tired