What is the meaning of since in English? How to use since, since then, since when, ever since in a sentence? Usages of since, since then, since when, ever since.

The word 'since' can be used as a preposition, conjunction and adverb. It is often used to indicate the starting point of an action or event, with present perfect tense and past perfect tense.

Meaning and Usage

1. A1 (preposition) from a time in the past until a later time or until now

・She has lived here since 2010.

・I have been studying since morning.

・Since the accident, she's been afraid to drive.

2. A2 (conjunction) from a time in the past until a later time or until now

・It's ten years since he wrote his first novel.

・He's been playing the piano since he was a child.

・I haven't seen her since she moved to another city.

3. B2 (conjunction) for the reason that; because

・I couldn't call you since my phone battery died.

・Since it's raining, let's stay indoors and watch movies.

4. B1 (adverb) from a time in the past

・He went for a run yesterday and we haven't seen him since.

ever since

It is used to emphasize something that started in the past and continues until the moment of speaking.

・I've loved ice cream since I was a child.
・I've loved ice cream ever since I was a child. (more emphasis)

・Ever since I met him, my perspective on life has changed.

since then

It is used to indicate the amount of time that has passed from a certain period of time in the past until now.

・He moved to a new city last year. He's made many new friends since then.

・She graduated from college three years ago. Since then, she's been working at a tech company.

since when?

It is used to ask about the starting point of something that has been going on for some time. It usually indicates surprise, doubt, or anger.

・“I'm a dog lover.” “Since when?”

・Since when has she been interested in astronomy?