Synonyms for “since then” include phrases like from that time, ever since, after that, following that point, from that moment onward, and thereafter. Each synonym marks the passage of time but with slightly different levels of formality.
For instance, instead of writing “She started the job in 2020 and has been successful since then,” you could say “She started the job in 2020 and has been successful ever since.” These alternatives are useful in storytelling, academic writing, and professional communication to avoid repetition and add variety.
Definition of “Since Then”
“Since then” is an adverbial phrase used to indicate that a period of time has passed from a specific point in the past until the present. It connects a past event or time with a subsequent event or situation, emphasizing the duration and consequences of the initial event.
The phrase implies a cause-and-effect relationship or a continuing state resulting from the initial event. It’s crucial to understand its proper usage to convey temporal relationships accurately.
The phrase “since then” functions as an adverbial of time, modifying the verb in the main clause. It answers the question “how long?” or “what happened after?”.
It helps to establish a timeline and provides context for understanding the sequence of events. Using “since then” effectively requires understanding the tense and aspect of the verbs in both the initial and subsequent clauses.
In various contexts, “since then” can be used to describe personal experiences, historical events, or scientific developments. It’s a versatile phrase that adds clarity and coherence to narratives and explanations.
By exploring its synonyms, we can gain a deeper understanding of how to express the same temporal relationship in different ways, enriching our linguistic repertoire.
Structural Breakdown
The structure involving “since then” typically consists of two clauses: one establishing the initial point in time (the ‘since’ clause) and another describing what has happened from that point until now (the ‘then’ clause). The ‘since’ clause often uses the past simple tense, while the ‘then’ clause frequently employs the present perfect or past perfect tense, depending on the context.
The basic pattern is: [Past Event] + since then + [Subsequent Event or State]. For instance, “I moved to New York in 2010; since then, I have worked in finance.” The first clause sets the initial time, and the second clause describes the period from 2010 until the present. Understanding this structure is crucial for using “since then” and its synonyms correctly.
Moreover, the placement of “since then” can vary. It can appear at the beginning of the second clause or within the clause itself, depending on the desired emphasis.
For example, “Since then, I have been studying diligently” or “I have, since then, been studying diligently.” Both are grammatically correct, but the former places more emphasis on the time elapsed.
Types of Synonyms for Since Then
Synonyms for “since then” can be categorized based on their grammatical function and the nuances they convey. These categories include adverbs, prepositional phrases, conjunctions, and other related phrases.
Each category offers different ways to express the temporal relationship indicated by “since then.”
Adverbs
Adverbs are words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, providing information about time, manner, place, or degree. Several adverbs can function as synonyms for “since then,” offering concise ways to indicate the passage of time from a specific point.
Examples of adverbs that can replace “since then” include: subsequently, afterwards, thereafter, hence, consequently and accordingly. These adverbs often emphasize the result or consequence of the initial event, adding a layer of meaning beyond simply indicating time.
Using adverbs as synonyms for “since then” can make your writing more succinct and direct. They can be particularly useful in formal writing or when you want to avoid repetition.
However, it’s important to choose an adverb that accurately reflects the intended meaning and context.
Prepositional Phrases
Prepositional phrases consist of a preposition and its object, functioning as adjectives or adverbs. Several prepositional phrases can serve as synonyms for “since then,” providing a more descriptive way to indicate the period of time that has elapsed.
Common prepositional phrases that can replace “since then” include: from that time on, from that moment forward, since that day, in the time since, and following that. These phrases often add a sense of continuity and progression, highlighting the ongoing nature of the situation.
Prepositional phrases offer a more nuanced way to express the temporal relationship indicated by “since then.” They can be particularly useful when you want to emphasize the duration or the specific point in time from which the subsequent events unfolded. Choosing the right prepositional phrase can add depth and clarity to your writing.
Conjunctions
Conjunctions are words that connect clauses, phrases, or words. While not direct replacements for “since then,” certain conjunctions, when used in combination with other words, can convey a similar meaning, emphasizing the cause-and-effect relationship between events.
Examples include using “as a result,” “therefore,” or “consequently” to link the initial event with its subsequent outcome. For instance, instead of saying “He lost his job; since then, he has been looking for work,” you could say “He lost his job; as a result, he has been looking for work.” While not a direct synonym, it conveys a similar meaning.
Using conjunctions in this way requires careful sentence construction to ensure that the relationship between the clauses is clear. It’s also important to choose a conjunction that accurately reflects the intended meaning and context.
This approach can add variety to your writing and help you avoid repetition.
Other Related Phrases
Beyond adverbs, prepositional phrases, and conjunctions, several other phrases can function as synonyms for “since then,” offering alternative ways to express the temporal relationship. These phrases often provide a more descriptive or emphatic way to indicate the passage of time.
Examples of other related phrases include: in the intervening period, in the meantime, in the years that followed, up until now, to this day, and ever since. These phrases often add a sense of duration, continuity, or consequence, enriching the meaning of the sentence.
Using these phrases can make your writing more engaging and expressive. They can be particularly useful when you want to emphasize the impact of the initial event or the ongoing nature of the subsequent situation.
Choosing the right phrase can add depth and nuance to your writing.
Examples
The following examples illustrate the use of synonyms for “since then” in various contexts. Each category of synonyms is presented with multiple examples to demonstrate their versatility and nuances.
Adverbs
This table provides examples of how adverbs can be used as synonyms for “since then.” Each example includes the original sentence with “since then” and a revised sentence using an adverb.
| Original Sentence (with “Since Then”) | Revised Sentence (with Adverb) |
|---|---|
| She moved to Paris in 2015; since then, she has been working as a chef. | She moved to Paris in 2015; subsequently, she has been working as a chef. |
| The company launched the new product last year; since then, sales have increased significantly. | The company launched the new product last year; afterwards, sales increased significantly. |
| He graduated from college in 2010; since then, he has pursued a career in finance. | He graduated from college in 2010; thereafter, he pursued a career in finance. |
| The new policy was implemented in January; since then, productivity has improved. | The new policy was implemented in January; hence, productivity has improved. |
| The storm caused widespread damage; since then, the city has been working on recovery efforts. | The storm caused widespread damage; consequently, the city has been working on recovery efforts. |
| The price of oil increased; since then, the cost of living has risen. | The price of oil increased; accordingly, the cost of living has risen. |
| They got married in 2018; since then, they have traveled the world. | They got married in 2018; subsequently, they have traveled the world. |
| The law was passed last year; since then, crime rates have decreased. | The law was passed last year; afterwards, crime rates decreased. |
| The company invested in new technology; since then, efficiency has improved. | The company invested in new technology; thereafter, efficiency improved. |
| The government introduced new regulations; since then, businesses have adapted. | The government introduced new regulations; hence, businesses have adapted. |
| The factory closed down; since then, many people have lost their jobs. | The factory closed down; consequently, many people have lost their jobs. |
| She started learning Spanish; since then, she has become fluent. | She started learning Spanish; accordingly, she has become fluent. |
| He joined the company; since then, he has been promoted twice. | He joined the company; subsequently, he has been promoted twice. |
| The project began; since then, many challenges have arisen. | The project began; afterwards, many challenges arose. |
| The team won the championship; since then, they have been celebrated. | The team won the championship; thereafter, they were celebrated. |
| The new system was installed; since then, operations have been smoother. | The new system was installed; hence, operations have been smoother. |
| The accident occurred; since then, safety measures have been improved. | The accident occurred; consequently, safety measures have been improved. |
| The program was launched; since then, participation has increased. | The program was launched; accordingly, participation has increased. |
| The contract was signed; since then, the partnership has thrived. | The contract was signed; subsequently, the partnership has thrived. |
| The book was published; since then, it has become a bestseller. | The book was published; afterwards, it became a bestseller. |
These examples demonstrate how adverbs can effectively replace “since then” to provide a more concise and direct expression of the temporal relationship.
Prepositional Phrases
This table provides examples of how prepositional phrases can be used as synonyms for “since then.” Each example includes the original sentence with “since then” and a revised sentence using a prepositional phrase.
| Original Sentence (with “Since Then”) | Revised Sentence (with Prepositional Phrase) |
|---|---|
| She started her own business in 2010; since then, she has been very successful. | She started her own business in 2010; from that time on, she has been very successful. |
| He made the decision to quit his job; since then, he has felt much happier. | He made the decision to quit his job; from that moment forward, he has felt much happier. |
| The project was launched in March; since then, it has achieved significant milestones. | The project was launched in March; since that day, it has achieved significant milestones. |
| The company adopted the new strategy; since then, profits have increased. | The company adopted the new strategy; in the time since, profits have increased. |
| The agreement was signed last year; since then, the partnership has flourished. | The agreement was signed last year; following that, the partnership has flourished. |
| They moved to the countryside; since then, they have enjoyed a peaceful life. | They moved to the countryside; from that time on, they have enjoyed a peaceful life. |
| He began his training; since then, he has shown great improvement. | He began his training; from that moment forward, he has shown great improvement. |
| The renovation started in July; since then, the building has been transformed. | The renovation started in July; since that day, the building has been transformed. |
| The new regulations were introduced; since then, compliance has improved. | The new regulations were introduced; in the time since, compliance has improved. |
| The campaign was launched; since then, awareness has increased significantly. | The campaign was launched; following that, awareness has increased significantly. |
| The competition was won; since then, the team has gained recognition. | The competition was won; from that time on, the team has gained recognition. |
| The experiment began; since then, data has been collected. | The experiment began; from that moment forward, data has been collected. |
| The festival started; since then, it has become an annual event. | The festival started; since that day, it has become an annual event. |
| The merger occurred; since then, the company has expanded. | The merger occurred; in the time since, the company has expanded. |
| The project was approved; since then, funding has been secured. | The project was approved; following that, funding has been secured. |
| The partnership started; since then, both companies have grown. | The partnership started; from that time on, both companies have grown. |
| The program began; since then, participants have benefited. | The program began; from that moment forward, participants have benefited. |
| The agreement was reached; since then, cooperation has increased. | The agreement was reached; since that day, cooperation has increased. |
| The initiative was launched; since then, progress has been made. | The initiative was launched; in the time since, progress has been made. |
| The reform was implemented; since then, improvements have been noted. | The reform was implemented; following that, improvements have been noted. |
These examples illustrate how prepositional phrases can effectively replace “since then” to provide a more descriptive and nuanced expression of the temporal relationship.
Conjunctions
This table provides examples of how conjunctions, used in combination with other words, can convey a similar meaning to “since then.” Each example includes the original sentence with “since then” and a revised sentence using a conjunction.
| Original Sentence (with “Since Then”) | Revised Sentence (with Conjunction) |
|---|---|
| He lost his job; since then, he has been looking for work. | He lost his job; as a result, he has been looking for work. |
| The company invested in new technology; since then, efficiency has improved. | The company invested in new technology; therefore, efficiency has improved. |
| The storm caused widespread damage; since then, the city has been working on recovery efforts. | The storm caused widespread damage; consequently, the city has been working on recovery efforts. |
| The price of oil increased; since then, the cost of living has risen. | The price of oil increased; as a consequence, the cost of living has risen. |
| She started learning Spanish; since then, she has become fluent. | She started learning Spanish; thus, she has become fluent. |
| The new system was installed; since then, operations have been smoother. | The new system was installed; as a result, operations have been smoother. |
| The accident occurred; since then, safety measures have been improved. | The accident occurred; therefore, safety measures have been improved. |
| The program was launched; since then, participation has increased. | The program was launched; consequently, participation has increased. |
| The contract was signed; since then, the partnership has thrived. | The contract was signed; as a consequence, the partnership has thrived. |
| The book was published; since then, it has become a bestseller. | The book was published; thus, it has become a bestseller. |
| The new policy was implemented; since then, productivity has improved. | The new policy was implemented; as a result, productivity has improved. |
| The law was passed; since then, crime rates have decreased. | The law was passed; therefore, crime rates have decreased. |
| The factory closed down; since then, many people have lost their jobs. | The factory closed down; consequently, many people have lost their jobs. |
| He graduated from college; since then, he has pursued a career in finance. | He graduated from college; as a consequence, he has pursued a career in finance. |
| They got married; since then, they have traveled the world. | They got married; thus, they have traveled the world. |
| The company launched the new product; since then, sales have increased significantly. | The company launched the new product; as a result, sales have increased significantly. |
| She moved to Paris; since then, she has been working as a chef. | She moved to Paris; therefore, she has been working as a chef. |
| The government introduced new regulations; since then, businesses have adapted. | The government introduced new regulations; consequently, businesses have adapted. |
| He joined the company; since then, he has been promoted twice. | He joined the company; as a consequence, he has been promoted twice. |
| The project began; since then, many challenges have arisen. | The project began; thus, many challenges have arisen. |
These examples illustrate how conjunctions can be used to convey a similar meaning to “since then” by emphasizing the cause-and-effect relationship between events.
Other Related Phrases
This table provides examples of how other related phrases can function as synonyms for “since then.” Each example includes the original sentence with “since then” and a revised sentence using one of these phrases.
| Original Sentence (with “Since Then”) | Revised Sentence (with Related Phrase) |
|---|---|
| He retired five years ago; since then, he has been enjoying his free time. | He retired five years ago; in the intervening period, he has been enjoying his free time. |
| The negotiations are ongoing; since then, both parties have remained hopeful. | The negotiations are ongoing; in the meantime, both parties have remained hopeful. |
| She graduated from college ten years ago; since then, she has built a successful career. | She graduated from college ten years ago; in the years that followed, she has built a successful career. |
| The project started last year; since then, it has made significant progress. | The project started last year; up until now, it has made significant progress. |
| He moved to this town twenty years ago; since then, he has never left. | He moved to this town twenty years ago; to this day, he has never left. |
| The new policy was implemented last year; since then, the situation has improved. | The new policy was implemented last year; ever since, the situation has improved. |
| The team won the championship last year; since then, they have been celebrated. | The team won the championship last year; in the intervening period, they have been celebrated. |
| The company is restructuring; since then, employees have been uncertain. | The company is restructuring; in the meantime, employees have been uncertain. |
| The research began several years ago; since then, groundbreaking discoveries have been made. | The research began several years ago; in the years that followed, groundbreaking discoveries have been made. |
| The program was launched; since then, it has helped many people. | The program was launched; up until now, it has helped many people. |
| He started playing the piano as a child; since then, it has been his passion. | He started playing the piano as a child; to this day, it has been his passion. |
| The partnership began; since then, it has been very successful. | The partnership began; ever since, it has been very successful. |
| The agreement was signed; since then, cooperation has increased. | The agreement was signed; in the intervening period, cooperation has increased. |
| The project is ongoing; since then, the team has faced many challenges. | The project is ongoing; in the meantime, the team has faced many challenges. |
| The regulations were introduced; since then, compliance has improved. | The regulations were introduced; in the years that followed, compliance has improved. |
| The campaign started; since then, awareness has increased. | The campaign started; up until now, awareness has increased. |
| The tradition began centuries ago; since then, it has been passed down. | The tradition began centuries ago; to this day, it has been passed down. |
| The event occurred; since then, it has been remembered. | The event occurred; ever since, it has been remembered. |
| The technology was developed; since then, it has revolutionized the industry. | The technology was developed; in the intervening period, it has revolutionized the industry. |
| The negotiations are continuing; since then, progress has been slow. | The negotiations are continuing; in the meantime, progress has been slow. |
These examples illustrate how other related phrases can effectively replace “since then” to provide a more descriptive and emphatic expression of the temporal relationship.
Usage Rules
Using synonyms for “since then” correctly requires understanding the grammatical context and the nuances of each alternative. Here are some key usage rules to consider:
- Tense Consistency: Ensure that the tense in the ‘since’ clause and the “then” clause are consistent. The ‘since’ clause typically uses the past simple, while the “then” clause often uses the present perfect or past perfect.
- Contextual Appropriateness: Choose a synonym that accurately reflects the intended meaning and tone. For example, “subsequently” is more formal than “afterwards.”
- Clarity: Ensure that the sentence remains clear and easy to understand. Avoid using synonyms that make the sentence convoluted or ambiguous.
- Emphasis: Consider the emphasis you want to place on the temporal relationship. Some synonyms, like “ever since,” add a stronger sense of continuity than others.
- Avoid Redundancy: Be mindful of redundancy. If the sentence already implies a temporal relationship, using a synonym for “since then” might be unnecessary.
It’s also important to be aware of any specific connotations or collocations associated with each synonym. Some synonyms might be more appropriate in certain contexts than others.
For example, “hence” is often used to indicate a logical consequence, while “thereafter” is more general.
Pay attention to the flow and rhythm of your writing. Experiment with different synonyms to see which one sounds best in the context of the sentence.
Reading your writing aloud can help you identify any awkward or unnatural phrasing.
Common Mistakes
Several common mistakes can occur when using synonyms for “since then.” Being aware of these errors can help you avoid them and improve the accuracy of your writing.
Here are some frequent mistakes:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| He moved to New York; subsequently, he is working in finance. | He moved to New York; subsequently, he has been working in finance. | Incorrect tense usage. “Subsequently” requires the present perfect tense. |
| She started her business; from that time, she is successful. | She started her business; from that time on, she has been successful. | Missing “on” in the prepositional phrase and incorrect tense. |
| The storm caused damage; as result, the city rebuilds. | The storm caused damage; as a result, the city is rebuilding. | Missing “a” in “as a result” and incorrect tense. |
| He retired; in the intervening, he enjoys his time. | He retired; in the intervening period, he has been enjoying his time. | Missing “period” in the phrase and incorrect tense. |
| They got married; therefore, they are happy. | They got married; therefore, they have been happy. | Incorrect tense usage with “therefore”. |
| She began learning; since that, she has improved. | She began learning; since then, she has improved. | Incorrect use of “since that” instead of “since then.” |
| He joined the company; after, he was promoted. | He joined the company; afterwards, he was promoted. | Missing “wards” to make it a proper adverb. |
| The project started; up to now, it has progress. | The project started; up until now, it has made progress. | Incorrect phrase “up to now” and missing “made”. |
| The book was published; ever, it has sold well. | The book was published; ever since, it has sold well. | Missing “since” to complete the phrase “ever since”. |
| The accident happened; consequent, safety improved. | The accident happened; consequently, safety improved. | Missing “ly” to make it a proper adverb. |
By being aware of these common mistakes, you can avoid them and use synonyms for “since then” more accurately and effectively.
Practice Exercises
These practice exercises will help you reinforce your understanding of synonyms for “since then.” Each exercise focuses on different aspects of usage and provides opportunities to apply your knowledge.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate synonym for “since then” from the list provided: subsequently, from that time on, as a result, in the meantime, thereafter.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| He moved to London in 2010; __________, he has been working as a journalist. | subsequently |
| She made the decision to change her career; __________, she has felt much more fulfilled. | from that time on |
| The company invested in new technology; __________, efficiency has improved significantly. | as a result |
| The negotiations are ongoing; __________, both parties are seeking a compromise. | in the meantime |
| He graduated from college in 2015; __________, he pursued a master’s degree. | thereafter |
| The new policy was implemented; __________, productivity has increased. | as a result |
| She started exercising regularly; __________, she feels healthier. | from that time on |
| The project began; __________, many changes were made. | subsequently |
| He retired; __________, he has been traveling the world. | thereafter |
| The agreement was signed; __________, cooperation has increased. | as a result |
Exercise 2: Sentence Transformation
Rewrite the following sentences using a synonym for “since then.” Choose a synonym that best fits the context.
| Original Sentence | Revised Sentence |
|---|---|
| She started her own business in 2015; since then, she has been very successful. | She started her own business in 2015; from that time on, she has been very successful. |
| He made the decision to quit his job; since then, he has felt much happier. | He made the decision to quit his job; ever since, he has felt much happier. |
| The company launched the new product last year; since then, sales have increased significantly. | The company launched the new product last year; subsequently, sales have increased significantly. |
| The storm caused widespread damage; since then, the city has been working on recovery efforts. | The storm caused widespread damage; as a result, the city has been working on recovery efforts. |
| They moved to the countryside; since then, they have enjoyed a peaceful life. | They moved to the countryside; from that moment forward, they have enjoyed a peaceful life. |
| The law was passed last year; since then, crime rates have decreased. | The law was passed last year; consequently, crime rates have decreased. |
| He began his training; since then, he has shown great improvement. | He began his training; thereafter, he has shown great improvement. |
| The factory closed down; since then, many people have lost their | The factory closed down; consequently, many people have lost their jobs. |
| She started learning Spanish; since then, she has become fluent. | She started learning Spanish; subsequently, she has become fluent. |
| The project began; since then, many challenges have arisen. | The project began; afterwards, many challenges arose. |
Exercise 3: Error Correction
Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences related to the use of synonyms for “since then.”
| Incorrect Sentence | Corrected Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| He moved to New York; subsequent, he has been working in finance. | He moved to New York; subsequently, he has been working in finance. | Corrected the adverb “subsequent” to “subsequently.” |
| She started her business; from that time, she is successful. | She started her business; from that time on, she has been successful. | Added “on” to the prepositional phrase and corrected the tense. |
| The storm caused damage; as result, the city rebuilds. | The storm caused damage; as a result, the city is rebuilding. | Added “a” to “as a result” and corrected the tense. |
| He retired; in the intervening, he enjoys his time. | He retired; in the intervening period, he has been enjoying his time. | Added “period” to the phrase and corrected the tense. |
| They got married; therefore, they are happy. | They got married; therefore, they have been happy. | Corrected the tense to present perfect. |
| She began learning; since that, she has improved. | She began learning; since then, she has improved. | Corrected “since that” to “since then.” |
| He joined the company; after, he was promoted. | He joined the company; afterwards, he was promoted. | Added “wards” to make it a proper adverb. |
| The project started; up to now, it has progress. | The project started; up until now, it has made progress. | Corrected phrase and added “made.” |
| The book was published; ever, it has sold well. | The book was published; ever since, it has sold well. | Added “since” to complete the phrase “ever since.” |
| The accident happened; consequent, safety improved. | The accident happened; consequently, safety improved. | Added “ly” to make it a proper adverb. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, exploring the nuances of synonyms for “since then” can involve understanding their usage in different registers and genres. Formal writing often favors adverbs like “subsequently” and “thereafter,” while informal writing may use phrases like “ever since.”
Additionally, consider the cultural and regional variations in usage. Some synonyms might be more common in British English than in American English, or vice versa.
Pay attention to the context in which you encounter these synonyms and note any patterns or preferences.
Another advanced topic is the use of these synonyms in complex sentence structures. Experiment with different sentence arrangements to see how the placement of the synonym affects the emphasis and flow of the sentence.
Consider using these synonyms in combination with other transitional words and phrases to create a cohesive and coherent text.
FAQ
What is the most formal synonym for “since then”?
The most formal synonyms for “since then” are generally “subsequently” and “thereafter.” These adverbs are often used in academic and professional writing to indicate a clear sequence of events.
Can I use “since” alone instead of “since then”?
Yes, “since” can be used alone, but it functions as a conjunction introducing a clause that specifies the starting point of a duration. For example, “Since he arrived, we have been working.” It’s grammatically different from “since then,” which is an adverbial phrase.
Is it correct to say “since from then”?
No, “since from then” is redundant and grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is “since then” or “from then on,” but not a combination of both.
What is a good synonym for “since then” to use in informal writing?
In informal writing, “after that” or “ever since” are good alternatives. They are more conversational and less formal than options like “subsequently” or “thereafter.”
How can I avoid overusing “since then” in my writing?
To avoid overuse, vary your vocabulary by using a mix of adverbs, prepositional phrases, and conjunctions that convey the same temporal relationship. Also, consider rephrasing sentences to eliminate the need for a direct synonym altogether.
Are there any synonyms for “since then” that also imply causality?
Yes, adverbs like “consequently,” “therefore,” and “as a result” imply causality in addition to indicating the passage of time. These are useful when you want to highlight the cause-and-effect relationship between events.
Conclusion
Mastering synonyms for “since then” is a valuable skill for anyone looking to enhance their English vocabulary and improve their communication. By understanding the nuances of adverbs, prepositional phrases, conjunctions, and other related phrases, you can express temporal relationships with greater precision and avoid repetition in your writing.
Remember to consider the context, tone, and desired emphasis when choosing a synonym, and be mindful of common mistakes. With practice and attention to detail, you can effectively use these alternatives to enrich your language and communicate more effectively.