The word “since” is often used to explain time or give a reason, but repeating it too often can make your writing feel dull or unclear. In some situations, a different word or phrase will sound smoother and fit the tone better. Instead of always saying “since,” you can try alternatives like “because,” “as,” or “ever since.”
Choosing the right option depends on whether you’re showing cause and effect or pointing to a moment in time. This guide shares natural alternatives to “since” that help you add variety and clarity to your sentences.
Definition of “Since”
The word “since” serves as a versatile element in the English language, functioning primarily as a conjunction, adverb, or preposition. Its core function is to establish a relationship between two events or facts, typically indicating a temporal or causal connection.
Understanding these different roles is crucial for mastering its usage and exploring effective alternatives.
As a conjunction, “since” connects two clauses, often indicating the time elapsed from a past event to the present or establishing a reason for a particular outcome. As an adverb, “since” refers to a point in the past relative to the present. As a preposition, “since” introduces a noun or noun phrase, specifying a starting point in time.
Structural Breakdown of “Since”
The structure of sentences using “since” varies depending on its function. As a conjunction, “since” typically introduces a dependent clause that precedes or follows an independent clause.
The order can influence the emphasis of the sentence. When ‘since’ comes before the main clause, a comma is usually used to separate the clauses.
Here’s a breakdown of the common structures:
- Since + [Past Event/Time] , [Result/Present State]: Since it started raining, we decided to stay inside.
- [Result/Present State] + since + [Past Event/Time]: We have been studying English since last year.
When “since” functions as an adverb or preposition, its placement is more flexible but still follows grammatical rules. As an adverb, it often appears at the end of a clause.
As a preposition, it precedes a noun or noun phrase.
Types of Other Ways to Say Since
The word “since” can function as a conjunction, an adverb, or a preposition, each with its specific grammatical role and meaning. Recognizing these different functions is essential for using “since” correctly and understanding its alternatives.
“Since” as a Conjunction
When used as a conjunction, “since” connects two clauses, indicating either a temporal or causal relationship. Temporal “since” refers to time, while causal “since” indicates a reason.
Examples:
- Temporal: Since I moved to London, I’ve met many interesting people.
- Causal: Since it was raining, I took an umbrella.
“Since” as an Adverb
As an adverb, “since” typically refers to a time in the past, often relative to the present. It usually appears at the end of a clause and is less common than its usage as a conjunction.
Example:
- I haven’t seen him since.
“Since” as a Preposition
When used as a preposition, “since” precedes a noun or noun phrase, indicating a starting point in time. It specifies the point from which something has continued up to the present.
Example:
- I have been working here since 2010.
Alternatives for “Since” Indicating Time
When “since” is used to indicate time, several alternatives can provide variety and nuance to your writing and speech. These alternatives include “as,” “when,” “after,” “once,” “the moment that,” “ever since,” and “from the time that.”
As
“As” can be used to indicate that two events are happening simultaneously or in close succession. It’s often used to describe actions that unfold together.
Example:
- As I was walking down the street, I saw a friend.
When
“When” is a versatile alternative that indicates a specific point in time or a condition. It can often replace “since” in sentences describing events that occur at a particular moment.
Example:
- When I arrived, the meeting had already started.
After
“After” clearly indicates that one event follows another. It emphasizes the sequence of events, making it a useful alternative when the order is important.
Example:
- After the concert, we went out for dinner.
Once
“Once” suggests that an event happens and is completed before another event occurs. It implies a sense of finality or completion before the subsequent action begins.
Example:
- Once I finish this project, I’m going on vacation.
The Moment That
This phrase emphasizes the immediacy of one event following another. It conveys a sense of instantaneity and is suitable when describing closely linked actions.
Example:
- The moment that I heard the news, I called my family.
Ever Since
“Ever since” emphasizes the continuous nature of an event or state from a specific point in the past until the present. It highlights the duration and ongoing effect of the initial event.
Example:
- Ever since I started exercising, I’ve felt much healthier.
From the Time That
Similar to “ever since,” this phrase specifies a starting point and emphasizes the continuity of an event or state. It provides a more formal alternative for emphasizing duration.
Example:
- From the time that I learned to ride a bike, I’ve enjoyed cycling.
Alternatives for “Since” Indicating Reason
When “since” is used to indicate a reason or cause, several alternatives can provide greater clarity and precision. These alternatives include “because,” “as,” “seeing that,” “considering that,” “inasmuch as,” “given that,” “for,” “due to the fact that,” and “on account of the fact that.”
Because
“Because” is the most common and direct alternative for indicating a reason. It clearly states the cause of an event or situation.
Example:
- I stayed home because I was feeling unwell.
As (Reason)
“As” can also be used to indicate a reason, similar to “since.” It’s often used when the reason is already known or understood.
Example:
- As it was getting late, we decided to go home.
Seeing That
“Seeing that” introduces a reason that is evident or obvious. It implies that the reason is clear and easily understood.
Example:
- Seeing that the weather is bad, we should cancel the picnic.
Considering That
“Considering that” suggests that a particular fact or situation should be taken into account when making a decision or judgment. It emphasizes the importance of the reason.
Example:
- Considering that he’s new to the job, he’s doing very well.
Inasmuch As
“Inasmuch as” is a more formal alternative that indicates the extent to which something is true or valid. It’s often used in legal or academic contexts.
Example:
- Inasmuch as the evidence supports the claim, we must accept it.
Given That
“Given that” introduces a fact or assumption that serves as the basis for a conclusion or decision. It highlights the premise upon which the reasoning is based.
Example:
- Given that the deadline is tomorrow, we need to work late tonight.
For
“For” can be used to introduce a reason, but it’s less common in modern English and often sounds more formal or literary.
Example:
- I couldn’t sleep, for I was worried about the exam.
Due to the Fact That
This phrase provides a more emphatic way of stating the reason for something. It’s often used in formal writing to highlight the cause-and-effect relationship.
Example:
- The game was canceled due to the fact that the field was flooded.
On Account of the Fact That
Similar to “due to the fact that,” this phrase emphasizes the reason for an event or situation. It’s a formal alternative that adds weight to the explanation.
Example:
- He was late on account of the fact that his car broke down.
Examples of Alternative Usage
To further illustrate the use of alternatives for “since,” let’s examine several examples categorized by whether “since” indicates time or reason.
The following tables provide a variety of sentences using “since” and their alternative versions. These examples aim to show how different expressions can be used in various contexts to convey similar meanings.
Table 1: Alternatives for “Since” Indicating Time
| Original Sentence (Using “Since”) | Alternative Sentence |
|---|---|
| Since I started learning Spanish, I’ve enjoyed watching Spanish films. | Ever since I started learning Spanish, I’ve enjoyed watching Spanish films. |
| Since the rain began, the streets have been flooded. | From the time that the rain began, the streets have been flooded. |
| Since he left his job, he’s been traveling the world. | After he left his job, he’s been traveling the world. |
| Since she moved to Italy, she’s become fluent in Italian. | Once she moved to Italy, she became fluent in Italian. |
| Since I woke up, I’ve been feeling tired. | The moment that I woke up, I felt tired. |
| Since the company launched the new product, sales have increased. | After the company launched the new product, sales have increased. |
| Since the new law was implemented, there have been many changes. | From the time that the new law was implemented, there have been many changes. |
| Since the invention of the internet, communication has become easier. | After the invention of the internet, communication has become easier. |
| Since the discovery of penicillin, many lives have been saved. | Ever since the discovery of penicillin, many lives have been saved. |
| Since the industrial revolution, the world has changed drastically. | From the time that the industrial revolution started, the world has changed drastically. |
| Since I met her, my life has never been the same. | Ever since I met her, my life has never been the same. |
| Since the day he graduated, he has been working tirelessly. | From the time that he graduated, he has been working tirelessly. |
| Since the band released their first album, they’ve become famous. | After the band released their first album, they’ve become famous. |
| Since the city hosted the Olympics, it has become a major tourist destination. | After the city hosted the Olympics, it has become a major tourist destination. |
| Since the invention of the smartphone, people have become more connected. | After the invention of the smartphone, people have become more connected. |
| Since the new policy was announced, employees have been more motivated. | After the new policy was announced, employees have been more motivated. |
| Since the company adopted sustainable practices, its reputation has improved. | After the company adopted sustainable practices, its reputation has improved. |
| Since the development of artificial intelligence, technology has advanced rapidly. | After the development of artificial intelligence, technology has advanced rapidly. |
| Since the new bridge was built, traffic has decreased significantly. | After the new bridge was built, traffic has decreased significantly. |
| Since the government implemented the new regulations, businesses have had to adapt. | After the government implemented the new regulations, businesses have had to adapt. |
| Since the beginning of the project, we’ve encountered several challenges. | From the time that the project began, we’ve encountered several challenges. |
| Since she started volunteering at the hospital, she’s felt more fulfilled. | Ever since she started volunteering at the hospital, she’s felt more fulfilled. |
| Since the new software was installed, the system has been running smoothly. | After the new software was installed, the system has been running smoothly. |
| Since the company introduced the new training program, employee skills have improved. | After the company introduced the new training program, employee skills have improved. |
| Since the invention of the printing press, knowledge has become more accessible. | After the invention of the printing press, knowledge has become more accessible. |
Table 2: Alternatives for “Since” Indicating Reason
| Original Sentence (Using “Since”) | Alternative Sentence |
|---|---|
| Since it’s raining, we should take an umbrella. | Because it’s raining, we should take an umbrella. |
| Since he’s been working hard, he deserves a raise. | As he’s been working hard, he deserves a raise. |
| Since the store is closed, we’ll have to go somewhere else. | Seeing that the store is closed, we’ll have to go somewhere else. |
| Since she’s new here, we should help her find her way. | Considering that she’s new here, we should help her find her way. |
| Since the evidence is compelling, we must accept the verdict. | Inasmuch as the evidence is compelling, we must accept the verdict. |
| Since the deadline is approaching, we need to work faster. | Given that the deadline is approaching, we need to work faster. |
| Since I was tired, I went to bed early. | For I was tired, I went to bed early. |
| Since the road was blocked, we had to take a detour. | Due to the fact that the road was blocked, we had to take a detour. |
| Since the flight was delayed, we missed our connection. | On account of the fact that the flight was delayed, we missed our connection. |
| Since there is no other option, we must proceed with this plan. | Given that there is no other option, we must proceed with this plan. |
| Since the project is behind schedule, we need to allocate more resources. | Considering that the project is behind schedule, we need to allocate more resources. |
| Since the presentation was a success, the team was rewarded. | As the presentation was a success, the team was rewarded. |
| Since the company has been performing well, investors are optimistic. | Given that the company has been performing well, investors are optimistic. |
| Since the product is in high demand, we need to increase production. | Seeing that the product is in high demand, we need to increase production. |
| Since the event was well-attended, it was considered a success. | As the event was well-attended, it was considered a success. |
| Since the research results were inconclusive, further studies are needed. | Inasmuch as the research results were inconclusive, further studies are needed. |
| Since the weather is unpredictable, we should be prepared for anything. | Given that the weather is unpredictable, we should be prepared for anything. |
| Since the new regulations are in effect, we must comply with them. | Because the new regulations are in effect, we must comply with them. |
| Since the team has demonstrated exceptional performance, they deserve recognition. | As the team has demonstrated exceptional performance, they deserve recognition. |
| Since the economy is improving, businesses are expanding. | Seeing that the economy is improving, businesses are expanding. |
| Since the program is highly effective, it should be continued. | Inasmuch as the program is highly effective, it should be continued. |
| Since the resources are limited, we need to prioritize our efforts. | Considering that the resources are limited, we need to prioritize our efforts. |
| Since the market is competitive, we must innovate to stay ahead. | Given that the market is competitive, we must innovate to stay ahead. |
| Since the campaign was successful, we achieved our goals. | As the campaign was successful, we achieved our goals. |
| Since the project was completed on time, the team was commended. | Because the project was completed on time, the team was commended. |
Table 3: Additional Examples
| Original Sentence (Using “Since”) | Alternative Sentence |
|---|---|
| Since the meeting ended, I’ve been working on the report. | After the meeting ended, I’ve been working on the report. |
| Since he is the team leader, he should make the final decision. | As he is the team leader, he should make the final decision. |
| Since the weather is so nice, let’s go for a walk. | Because the weather is so nice, let’s go for a walk. |
| Since the company is expanding, there are many job opportunities. | Seeing that the company is expanding, there are many job opportunities. |
| Since I started using this app, my productivity has increased significantly. | Ever since I started using this app, my productivity has increased significantly. |
| Since the new regulations were implemented, businesses have become more compliant. | After the new regulations were implemented, businesses have become more compliant. |
| Since the training program was effective, the team’s performance improved. | As the training program was effective, the team’s performance improved. |
| Since the presentation was well-received, the speaker was invited to give more talks. | Because the presentation was well-received, the speaker was invited to give more talks. |
| Since the project was completed ahead of schedule, the team received a bonus. | On account of the project being completed ahead of schedule, the team received a bonus. |
| Since the economy is recovering, unemployment rates are decreasing. | Given that the economy is recovering, unemployment rates are decreasing. |
| Since the new technology was introduced, efficiency has increased. | After the new technology was introduced, efficiency has increased. |
| Since the campaign was successful, the organization achieved its goals. | As the campaign was successful, the organization achieved its goals. |
| Since the product is environmentally friendly, consumers are more likely to buy it. | Because the product is environmentally friendly, consumers are more likely to buy it. |
| Since the company has a strong reputation, it attracts top talent. | Seeing that the company has a strong reputation, it attracts top talent. |
| Since the research has been validated, it can be used to inform policy decisions. | Inasmuch as the research has been validated, it can be used to inform policy decisions. |
| Since the resources are scarce, we need to use them efficiently. | Considering that the resources are scarce, we need to use them efficiently. |
| Since the market is highly competitive, we must innovate to maintain our market share. | Given that the market is highly competitive, we must innovate to maintain our market share. |
| Since the team has demonstrated consistent performance, their efforts should be recognized. | As the team has demonstrated consistent performance, their efforts should be recognized. |
| Since the weather is unpredictable, we should be prepared for any situation. | Because the weather is unpredictable, we should be prepared for any situation. |
| Since the company has a commitment to sustainability, it invests in eco-friendly initiatives. | Seeing that the company has a commitment to sustainability, it invests in eco-friendly initiatives. |
Usage Rules
When substituting “since” with other expressions, it’s essential to follow specific usage rules to ensure grammatical accuracy and clarity. Each alternative has its own nuances and contexts in which it’s most appropriate.
Understanding these rules will help you choose the best expression for your intended meaning.
- “As” vs. “Because”: While both can indicate reason, “because” is typically used for the main reason, whereas “as” is used for a secondary or already known reason.
- “When” vs. “Since” (Time): “When” refers to a specific point in time, while “since” refers to a period from a past point until the present.
- “Ever Since” vs. “Since” (Time): “Ever since” emphasizes the duration and continuity of an event or state from a specific point in the past until the present.
- Formal vs. Informal: Expressions like “inasmuch as,” “due to the fact that,” and “on account of the fact that” are more formal and suitable for academic or professional writing.
Common Mistakes
One common mistake is using “since” and “because” interchangeably without considering the emphasis of the sentence. “Because” directly states the reason, while “since” can imply that the reason is already known or understood.
Another frequent error is using “when” to indicate duration when “since” or “ever since” would be more appropriate. “When” refers to a specific point in time, not a period extending to the present.
Here are some examples of common mistakes and their corrections:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| When I started this job, I have learned a lot. | Since I started this job, I have learned a lot. | “Since” is needed to show a duration from the past to the present. |
| Since I like coffee, I drink it every morning (reason is not primary). | Because I like coffee, I drink it every morning. | “Because” is more direct and emphasizes the reason for drinking coffee. |
| I am tired when I studied all night. | I am tired since I studied all night. | “Since” shows the cause-effect relationship. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of the alternatives for “since” with these practice exercises. Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate alternative expression from the options provided.
Exercise 1: Choose the best alternative for “since” indicating time.
| Question | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| ______ I moved to this city, I’ve felt much happier. | a) When, b) Ever since, c) As | b) Ever since |
| ______ the rain stopped, the sun came out. | a) After, b) Since, c) As | a) After |
| ______ I finish this book, I’m going to watch a movie. | a) Since, b) Once, c) When | b) Once |
| ______ the concert started, the crowd went wild. | a) The moment that, b) Since, c) When | a) The moment that |
| ______ I began learning English, I’ve watched films in English. | a) Since, b) As, c) Ever since | c) Ever since |
| ______ the new law was passed, there have been significant changes. | a) After, b) When, c) Since | a) After |
| ______ he graduated college, he started his own company. | a) When, b) Once, c) Since | b) Once |
| ______ the discovery was made, the field of medicine advanced rapidly. | a) After, b) As, c) Since | a) After |
| ______ the project began, we have faced numerous challenges. | a) When, b) Ever since, c) As | b) Ever since |
| ______ she arrived, the meeting started promptly. | a) After, b) The moment that, c) Since | b) The moment that |
Exercise 2: Choose the best alternative for “since” indicating reason.
| Question | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| ______ it’s a holiday, the shops are closed. | a) Because, b) When, c) As | a) Because |
| ______ he’s been working so hard, he deserves a vacation. | a) As, b) Since, c) When | a) As |
| ______ the store is having a sale, there are many customers. | a) Since, b) Seeing that, c) When | b) Seeing that |
| ______ she’s new to the team, we should help her out. | a) Considering that, b) Since, c) When | a) Considering that |
| ______ the evidence is strong, we must accept the conclusion. | a) Inasmuch as, b) Since, c) When | a) Inasmuch as |
| ______ the deadline is approaching, we need to work faster. | a) Given that, b) Since, c) When | a) Given that |
| ______ it was raining, the match was canceled. | a) For, b) Since, c) When | a) For |
| ______ the road was blocked, we had to take a detour. | a) Due to the fact that, b) Since, c) When | a) Due to the fact that |
| ______ the flight was delayed, we missed our connection. | a) On account of the fact that, b) Since, c) When | a) On account of the fact that |
| ______ there is no other choice, we must proceed with this plan. | a) As, b) Since, c) Given that | c) Given that |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, consider exploring the subtle nuances between the alternatives. For example, “seeing that” implies a more obvious or easily understood reason than “considering that.” Also, pay attention to the register (formal vs. informal) when choosing alternatives, especially in professional or academic contexts.
Furthermore, delve into idiomatic expressions that incorporate these alternatives. For example, “as long as” can be both temporal and conditional, adding another layer of complexity.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about using alternatives for “since”:
When should I use “because” instead of “since”?
Use “because” when you want to emphasize the reason directly or when the reason is not already known or understood. “Since” is more appropriate when the reason is secondary or implied.
What is the difference between “when” and “since” when indicating time?
“When” refers to a specific point in time, while “since” refers to a period from a past point until the present. “When” is used for single events, while “since” is used for continuous actions or states.
Is “as” always a good alternative for “since”?
No, “as” is not always a suitable alternative. It works well when the reason is secondary or the events are happening simultaneously. “Because” is preferred for a direct cause-and-effect relationship.
How formal is “inasmuch as”?
“Inasmuch as” is quite formal and is typically used in legal or academic writing. It indicates the
extent to which something is true or valid and should be used sparingly in informal contexts.
Conclusion
Mastering alternatives for “since” is a valuable skill for any English language learner. By diversifying your vocabulary and understanding the subtle nuances of each expression, you can communicate more effectively and precisely.
Whether you’re indicating time or reason, the alternatives discussed in this article will help you enhance your writing and speaking abilities, making your communication more engaging and impactful. Remember to practice these alternatives in various contexts to solidify your understanding and improve your fluency.
With consistent effort, you’ll be able to use these expressions confidently and appropriately.