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Definition since in British English

since adverb, conjunction, preposition

adverb, conjunction, preposition
/sɪns/

Since can be used in the following ways:

as a preposition (followed by a noun): Everything has changed so much since last spring.

as an adverb (without a following noun): She left home in 1993 and hasn’t been seen since.

as a conjunction (connecting two clauses): Paul’s had several different jobs since he left school.Since there’s no more business, we can all go home.

When since is used for talking about time, the verb in the main clause of the sentence is usually in the present perfect or past perfect tense: It hasn’t rained since the end of July.He had been composing music since he was ten years old. Sometimes the present simple or past simple is used in the main clause: It’s over twenty years since we last met.

1

starting at a particular point in the past and continuing until now or until another point in the past

Example

I've known Joanna since she was born.

Example

Turkey has been a republic since 1923.

Example

It's over nine years since Scotland won a game against England.

Example

I'd not seen her since she went to live in Oxford.

Example

Paul started sailing in 1986 and he's been doing it ever since.

Example

Ever since I was at school, I've wanted to write.

Synonyms and related words
1.1

at some time after a particular point in the past

Example

Since arriving in New York, Thomas has had over 15 job interviews.

Example

There have been many changes around here since I was a boy.

Example

The accident was blamed on the pilot, who has since retired.

Example

Last year the company was expanding, but since then things have got really tough.

Synonyms and related words
1.2

before now, or before a particular point in the past

Example

The people who built the temple have long since vanished.

Synonyms and related words
2

used when explaining why someone does something or why a situation exists

Example

Since Barbara is no longer my wife, I'm no longer responsible for her debts.

Example

I shall not be able to attend the meeting since I shall be on holiday with my family.

Example

You should talk to Karen since she's the one responsible for authorizing payments.

Synonyms and related words
Definition since in British English