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From vs Since - What's the Difference?

Stop confusing 'from' and 'since' when talking about time and origin. Learn the exact grammar, tense rules, and usage differences to distinguish these commonly confused English words. Perfect for students, ESL learners, and professionals.

Quick Overview

Understanding the difference between From and Since is essential for clear, professional writing in American English. These two words are classic homophones-they sound almost identical in everyday speech, but they have completely different meanings and grammatical functions. Mixing them up is one of the most common spelling and grammar mistakes in the English language.

Feature From Since
Meaning Indicates the origin, starting point, or source of an action or object Indicates a point in the past when an action or state began and continues to the present
Part of Speech Preposition Preposition, Conjunction, or Adverb
Pronunciation /frʌm/ /sɪns/
Common Contexts Origins, starting times, ranges, materials, separation Ongoing durations, reasons, point-in-time starts, past actions
Example I work from 9 AM to 5 PM. I have worked here since 2015.
Memory Trick From = Start point (often needs 'to') Since = Continuous past (needs perfect tense)

Understanding "From"

A detailed breakdown of meaning, grammar, and usage.

Meaning

"From" is a preposition used to indicate the starting point, origin, source, or separation of a person, thing, or action.

Pronunciation

In standard American English, "from" is pronounced /frʌm/. It is a single syllable with a short 'u' sound, similar to "bum."

Word Class (Preposition)

"From" functions exclusively as a preposition. It must be followed by a noun, pronoun, or gerund as its object.

Grammar

As a preposition of time, 'from' is usually paired with 'to' or 'until' (e.g., "from Monday to Friday"). When paired with a gerund, it shows cause (e.g., "He trembled from fear").

Common Uses

Origins (from New York), Starting times (from 9 AM), Ranges (from A to B), Separation (keep away from), Materials (made from glass).

Literal Meaning

Literally, "from" refers to physical movement or origin. For example, "She walked from the park" describes the physical starting point of her walk.

Figurative Meaning

Figuratively, "from" can indicate an abstract source, such as "learning from experience" or "suffering from a broken heart," where the origin is a concept rather than a place.

American English Usage

In American English, "from" is the standard preposition used to describe a starting time. It is also used in the common phrase "from scratch," meaning to start from the very beginning.

Typical Sentence Patterns

1. From + time + to/until + time: The meeting runs from 1 PM to 3 PM. 2. Subject + verb + from + noun: The gift is from Sarah. 3. Different + from + noun: Apples are different from oranges.

Common Collocations

From scratch, from now on, from time to time, far from, apart from, from day one, from head to toe, from beginning to end, from the ground up, from bad to worse.

Understanding "Since"

A detailed breakdown of meaning, grammar, and usage.

Meaning

"Since" refers to a continuous period starting from a past point up to the present. It can also mean 'because' or 'as' when used as a conjunction.

Pronunciation

In American English, "since" is pronounced /sɪns/. It is a single syllable with a short 'i' sound, similar to "hint."

Word Class (Preposition, Conjunction, Adverb)

"Since" is highly versatile. It acts as a preposition (since Monday), a conjunction (since I arrived), and an adverb (he left and hasn't been seen since).

Grammar

When referring to time, 'since' triggers the present perfect or past perfect tense (e.g., "I have worked since 2010"). As a conjunction of reason, it introduces a dependent clause.

Common Uses

Ongoing actions (since yesterday), Reasons (since you asked), Elapsed time (it's been a year since), Points of origin (ever since).

Literal Meaning

Literally, "since" acts as a temporal marker. For example, "I have been here since noon" literally means the person's arrival started at noon and the state of being there continues without interruption.

Figurative Meaning

Figuratively, "since" is used to introduce a logical conclusion or reason, much like 'because.' For example, "Since we are all here, let's begin" uses the word to justify the action.

American English Usage

In American English, "since" is frequently used in casual conversation to mean 'because' (e.g., "Since it's cold, I'll wear a jacket"). It is also the standard word for expressing durations tied to perfect tenses.

Typical Sentence Patterns

1. Subject + have/has + past participle + since + time: I have lived here since 2015. 2. Since + clause: Since you are tired, go to sleep. 3. It has been + duration + since + event: It has been years since we met.

Common Collocations

Ever since, since then, long since, since childhood, since birth, since yesterday, since the beginning, since the start, since we last met, since the last meeting.

Key Differences

Core Definition

From indicates the starting point of an action or origin. Since indicates a starting point in the past that continues to the present.

Grammatical Tense

From can be used with any tense (I work from 9, I worked from 9, I will work from 9). Since requires a perfect tense for ongoing actions (I have worked since 9).

Endpoints

From is almost always paired with an endpoint using 'to' or 'until' (from 9 to 5). Since does not take an endpoint because it implies continuation up to now.

Alternative Meanings

From can indicate physical origin or material (made from wood). Since can mean 'because' (since it is raining).

Comparison Table

Feature From Since
Meaning Indicates the origin, starting point, or source of an action or object Indicates a point in the past when an action or state began and continues to the present
Part of Speech Preposition Preposition, Conjunction, or Adverb
Pronunciation /frʌm/ /sɪns/
Common Contexts Origins, starting times, ranges, materials, separation Ongoing durations, reasons, point-in-time starts, past actions
Example I work from 9 AM to 5 PM. I have worked here since 2015.
Memory Trick From = Start point (often needs 'to') Since = Continuous past (needs perfect tense)

Grammar Rules

Grammar Rules & Mechanics

Understanding how prepositions of time interact with verb tenses is essential to mastering 'from' and 'since'.

Tense Requirements

'Since' requires perfect tenses (present perfect or past perfect) because it describes an action that continues from a past point. 'From' does not require a specific tense.

  • Correct: I have lived here since 2010.
  • Incorrect: I live here since 2010.
  • The present perfect 'have lived' is necessary because the action started in 2010 and continues today.

  • Correct: I work from 9 AM to 5 PM.
  • Incorrect: I have worked from 9 AM to 5 PM.
  • 'From' is used with the simple present for a routine. Using present perfect here implies a one-time ongoing action, which sounds unnatural with 'from'.

Pairing with Endpoints

When using 'from' for time, it usually needs a matching endpoint. 'Since' does not take an endpoint.

  • Correct: The store is open from 8 AM until 10 PM.
  • Incorrect: The store is open from 8 AM.
  • Using 'from' without 'to' or 'until' feels incomplete unless the endpoint is understood from context. 'Since 8 AM' is correct if it implies it is still open now.

Since as a Conjunction of Reason

'Since' can be used to mean 'because'. In this usage, it does not trigger a perfect tense. 'From' cannot be used this way.

  • Correct: Since you are already here, please help me.
  • Incorrect: From you are already here, please help me.
  • When meaning 'because', 'since' connects two clauses and follows standard tense rules, not perfect tenses.

Origin vs Time

When talking about where someone or something comes from, use 'from'. 'Since' cannot be used for physical origins.

  • Correct: This wine is from France.
  • Incorrect: This wine is since France.
  • 'Since' only relates to time or reasons, never to physical place of origin.

When to Use "From"

Specific scenarios where 'from' is the correct choice. It is a preposition used to indicate the starting point of an action, a physical origin, or the source of something.

Indicating Starting Times

Use 'from' to indicate when an action or event begins, especially when paired with 'to' or 'until'.
Example: The store is open from 8 AM to 10 PM.

Indicating Physical Origin

Use 'from' to show where someone or something comes from originally.
Example: She just moved to New York from Chicago.

Showing Source or Sender

Use 'from' to indicate who sent or gave something.
Example: I received a package from my grandmother.

Indicating Distance

Use 'from' to show how far apart two things are.
Example: The school is two miles from my house.

Showing Separation

Use 'from' to indicate that something is being removed or kept away.
Example: Keep the matches away from the children.

Describing Materials

Use 'from' to show what material an object is made of.
Example: The bridge is built from reinforced steel.

Showing Difference

Use 'from' to contrast or differentiate two things.
Example: His new book is very different from his last one.

Indicating Cause or Motive

Use 'from' to show the reason for an action or a state of being.
Example: She was exhausted from working all night.

When to Use "Since"

Specific scenarios where 'since' is the correct choice. It refers to a period starting in the past and continuing to the present, or it acts as a conjunction meaning 'because'.

Starting Points for Ongoing Actions

Use 'since' with a specific point in time to indicate when an ongoing action began.
Example: I have been studying English since 2010.

Ongoing States

Use 'since' to describe a state that began in the past and continues today.
Example: They have been friends since childhood.

Pointing to Specific Days

Use 'since' with days of the week, dates, or specific times.
Example: We haven't seen him since Tuesday.

Time Elapsed Since an Event

Use 'since' to measure how much time has passed after a past event.
Example: It has been three years since the accident.

Acting as a Conjunction (Because)

Use 'since' to mean 'because' when introducing a reason or cause.
Example: Since it is raining, we will cancel the picnic.

Ever Since a Moment

Use 'ever since' to emphasize that an action has continued without interruption.
Example: He won the lottery and has been happy ever since.

Introducing Past Clauses

Use 'since' as a conjunction to refer to a past event that started a continuous state.
Example: I have felt much better since I started exercising.

Long Periods

Use 'since' with longer periods like months, years, or eras.
Example: This building has stood here since the 1800s.

Common Expressions

Idioms and standard phrases that rely on the specific meaning of each word.

Expressions with "From"

1. From scratch

Meaning: To start something from the very beginning without any prior preparation.
Example: She baked the cake from scratch.

2. From now on

Meaning: Starting from this moment and continuing into the future.
Example: From now on, I will exercise every day.

3. From time to time

Meaning: Occasionally; not very frequently.
Example: We meet for coffee from time to time.

4. Far from

Meaning: Not at all; distant from a particular state or place.
Example: The project is far from finished.

5. Apart from

Meaning: Except for; in addition to.
Example: Apart from the rain, the trip was great.

6. From experience

Meaning: Based on knowledge gained by doing something in the past.
Example: I know from experience that this method works.

7. From memory

Meaning: Recalling information without looking at any references.
Example: The pianist played the entire song from memory.

8. From beginning to end

Meaning: Covering the entire duration or extent of something.
Example: The movie was boring from beginning to end.

9. From day one

Meaning: Since the very first day something started.
Example: He has been a great employee from day one.

10. From head to toe

Meaning: Covering the entire body; completely.
Example: She was dressed in red from head to toe.

11. From bad to worse

Meaning: Deteriorating even further than before.
Example: The weather went from bad to worse.

12. From abroad

Meaning: Coming from a foreign country.
Example: We import our parts from abroad.

13. From behind

Meaning: Positioned at the back of something.
Example: Someone tapped my shoulder from behind.

14. From above

Meaning: Coming from a higher position or place.
Example: The light shone from above.

15. From within

Meaning: Originating inside something or someone.
Example: Change must come from within.

16. From the start

Meaning: Beginning at the initial point of an event.
Example: I knew he was lying from the start.

17. From the outside

Meaning: Appearing a certain way to an external observer.
Example: From the outside, the house looks small.

18. From the ground up

Meaning: Building or creating something completely from the beginning.
Example: He built his company from the ground up.

19. From my perspective

Meaning: According to how someone views a situation.
Example: From my perspective, the deal is fair.

20. From what I know

Meaning: Based on the limited information the speaker possesses.
Example: From what I know, the meeting is still on.

Expressions with "Since"

1. Ever since

Meaning: Continuously from a specific point in the past.
Example: He won the lottery and has been rich ever since.

2. Since then

Meaning: From that time until now.
Example: I moved to Boston in 2010 and have lived here since then.

3. Long since

Meaning: For a long time; having happened a long time ago.
Example: I have long since forgotten his name.

4. Since childhood

Meaning: Starting from when someone was a child.
Example: She has loved painting since childhood.

5. Since morning

Meaning: Starting from the morning of the current day.
Example: I have been working since morning.

6. Since birth

Meaning: Starting from the moment a person or animal was born.
Example: He has been blind since birth.

7. Since yesterday

Meaning: Starting from the day before today.
Example: It has been raining since yesterday.

8. Since that day

Meaning: Referring to a specific memorable past day.
Example: We have been inseparable since that day.

9. Since the beginning

Meaning: Starting from the start of an event or era.
Example: I have supported this team since the beginning.

10. Since the start

Meaning: Similar to since the beginning, marking the initiation.
Example: He has been a troublemaker since the start.

11. Since we last met

Meaning: Referring to the period after the previous meeting.
Example: A lot has changed since we last met.

12. Since the accident

Meaning: Starting after a specific mishap or collision.
Example: He hasn't driven a car since the accident.

13. Since the 1990s

Meaning: Starting from a specific decade.
Example: Technology has advanced rapidly since the 1990s.

14. Since the beginning of time

Meaning: A dramatic phrase meaning forever.
Example: Humans have looked at the stars since the beginning of time.

15. Since the invention of

Meaning: Starting from when a specific item was created.
Example: Life has been easier since the invention of the internet.

16. Since the last meeting

Meaning: Referring to the period after a previous corporate gathering.
Example: We have made great progress since the last meeting.

17. Since the update

Meaning: Starting after a software or system was upgraded.
Example: My phone keeps crashing since the update.

18. Since the election

Meaning: Starting after a political vote took place.
Example: The market has been volatile since the election.

19. Since the promotion

Meaning: Starting after someone got a better job title.
Example: She has been much happier since the promotion.

20. Since the transition

Meaning: Starting after a major change in process or state.
Example: Profits have doubled since the transition to cloud computing.

Collocations

From scratch

Meaning: Starting from nothing, without any prior work.
Example: He built the software from scratch.

From now on

Meaning: Starting now and in the future.
Example: From now on, I will be more careful.

From time to time

Meaning: Occasionally.
Example: I visit my hometown from time to time.

Far from

Meaning: Not at all; distant from.
Example: The truth is far from what he claimed.

Apart from

Meaning: Except for; besides.
Example: Apart from the noise, the hotel was nice.

From day one

Meaning: Since the very beginning.
Example: She was the boss from day one.

From head to toe

Meaning: Covering the entire body.
Example: She was covered in mud from head to toe.

From bad to worse

Meaning: Deteriorating further.
Example: The situation went from bad to worse.

From beginning to end

Meaning: Through the entire process.
Example: The book is thrilling from beginning to end.

From the ground up

Meaning: From the very foundation.
Example: They rebuilt the company from the ground up.

Ever since

Meaning: Continuously after a past event.
Example: He quit smoking and has felt better ever since.

Since then

Meaning: From that time until now.
Example: I met her in 2012 and have known her since then.

Long since

Meaning: For a long time; a long time ago.
Example: The rumors have long since died down.

Since childhood

Meaning: Starting from when one was a child.
Example: They have been friends since childhood.

Since birth

Meaning: Starting from the moment of being born.
Example: He has had asthma since birth.

Since yesterday

Meaning: Starting from the day before today.
Example: I have had a headache since yesterday.

Since the beginning

Meaning: From the start of an event or era.
Example: We have supported this charity since the beginning.

Since the start

Meaning: From the initial point.
Example: The project has been delayed since the start.

Since we last met

Meaning: In the period after our previous meeting.
Example: What have you been doing since we last met?

Since the last meeting

Meaning: In the period after the previous corporate gathering.
Example: We have signed three new clients since the last meeting.

Idioms

From rags to riches

Meaning: Going from being extremely poor to being very wealthy.
Example: The billionaire's story is a classic tale of going from rags to riches.

From the horse's mouth

Meaning: Getting information directly from the original source.
Example: I heard about the merger from the horse's mouth.

From A to Z

Meaning: Covering everything about a subject completely.
Example: The manual explains the software from A to Z.

From scratch

Meaning: To make something from the very beginning without using anything prepared beforehand.
Example: She didn't use a mix; she baked the cake from scratch.

From pillar to post

Meaning: Being moved from one place to another repeatedly.
Example: The refugees were pushed from pillar to post during the war.

From out of nowhere

Meaning: Happening suddenly and unexpectedly.
Example: The storm appeared from out of nowhere.

From head to toe

Meaning: Completely; over the entire body.
Example: The dancer was sweating from head to toe.

From strength to strength

Meaning: Continuously improving and becoming more successful.
Example: Since the new CEO arrived, the company has gone from strength to strength.

From the bottom of one's heart

Meaning: With deep and sincere feeling.
Example: I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your help.

From time immemorial

Meaning: For a very long time; beyond memory or recorded history.
Example: People have told stories of monsters from time immemorial.

Best thing since sliced bread

Meaning: A new invention or idea that is highly innovative and convenient.
Example: He thinks his new gadget is the best thing since sliced bread.

Since the dawn of time

Meaning: Since the very beginning of the world or human history.
Example: People have argued about politics since the dawn of time.

Since day one

Meaning: From the very beginning of an endeavor.
Example: I have supported this team since day one.

Long since dead

Meaning: Having died or ended a very long time ago.
Example: The traditions of his youth are long since dead.

Ever since the get-go

Meaning: From the very start of an event or process.
Example: The plan was flawed ever since the get-go.

Since the year dot

Meaning: For a very long time; since the beginning.
Example: That building has been abandoned since the year dot.

Since the world began

Meaning: An exaggeration meaning for an extremely long time.
Example: I have been waiting in this line since the world began.

Since the crack of dawn

Meaning: From the very early morning.
Example: We have been traveling since the crack of dawn.

Since time immemorial

Meaning: Existing for so long that no one remembers when it began.
Example: The river has flowed here since time immemorial.

Since Adam was a boy

Meaning: A humorous phrase meaning for a very long time.
Example: That old car has been in the garage since Adam was a boy.

Example Sentences

Easy

  1. I work from 9 AM to 5 PM.
  2. She has lived here since 2010.
  3. The gift is from my mom.
  4. We have been friends since high school.
  5. The train goes from Boston to New York.
  6. It has been raining since morning.
  7. Where are you from?
  8. I haven't seen him since yesterday.
  9. Keep the medicine away from the kids.
  10. Since you are tired, you should rest.
  11. The cheese is made from milk.
  12. He has been absent since Monday.
  13. She walked from the door to the window.
  14. I have known him since childhood.
  15. This book is different from the movie.
  16. We haven't spoken since the party.
  17. He jumped from the wall.
  18. She has been happy since she got the puppy.
  19. I work from home.
  20. It has been a year since we met.

Intermediate

  1. The meeting will run from 1 PM until 4 PM.
  2. I have been studying for this exam since last month.
  3. The restaurant is just a few blocks from here.
  4. Since it is raining, we should probably cancel the picnic.
  5. He built his entire business from the ground up.
  6. They have been negotiating the contract since early this morning.
  7. The painting was restored from a badly damaged state.
  8. I have felt much more energetic since I started exercising.
  9. Apart from a few minor errors, the report is excellent.
  10. She has been the lead engineer on this project since its inception.
  11. We receive hundreds of applications from all over the world.
  12. Ever since the new policy was introduced, productivity has dropped.
  13. The temperature dropped from 80 degrees to 50 in one hour.
  14. It has been a long time since we last visited the museum.
  15. The quote is from a famous 19th-century novel.
  16. Since you have experience with this software, can you train the others?
  17. He was trembling from the extreme cold.
  18. The company has been profitable since 2018.
  19. Please translate this document from English to Spanish.
  20. The bridge has been closed since the storm.

Advanced

  1. The paradigm shift originated from a radical reinterpretation of quantum mechanics.
  2. The architectural firm has been pioneering sustainable design since the early 1990s.
  3. Her dissertation diverges significantly from established historical narratives.
  4. Since the empirical data supports the hypothesis, we can confidently publish the findings.
  5. The diplomat negotiated a fragile peace treaty from a position of profound disadvantage.
  6. The philanthropic foundation has been funding research grants since its establishment in 1950.
  7. The pathogen is believed to have mutated from a zoonotic source.
  8. Long since considered an obsolete technology, the mechanical loom is now a museum piece.
  9. The author's prose derives heavily from her personal experiences in the conflict zone.
  10. Since the regulatory framework is ambiguous, corporations are exploiting legal loopholes.
  11. The overarching strategy evolved from a series of hastily implemented tactical maneuvers.
  12. The suspect's alibi has remained unshakeable since the initial interrogation.
  13. The economic recovery has been sluggish, hampered from the outset by inflation.
  14. It has been over a century since the discovery of radioactivity revolutionized physics.
  15. The novel's climax is a masterful divergence from the genre's traditional tropes.
  16. The indigenous community has inhabited this region since time immemorial.
  17. He argued his case brilliantly, drawing from an encyclopedic knowledge of case law.
  18. Ever since the leak, public trust in the intelligence agency has eroded significantly.
  19. The disease progression ranges from asymptomatic to life-threatening.
  20. The geopolitical landscape has been highly volatile since the collapse of the treaty.

Academic

  1. The data extracted from the longitudinal study indicates a strong correlation between the variables.
  2. Since the p-value is less than 0.05, we reject the null hypothesis.
  3. The theoretical framework departs from traditional Newtonian physics.
  4. The academic journal has been published quarterly since 1948.
  5. Distinctions drawn from the sample group may not be generalizable to the broader population.
  6. Since the methodology was flawed, the results of the experiment are considered invalid.
  7. The specimen was isolated from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent.
  8. The scientific consensus has shifted dramatically since the advent of genome mapping.
  9. The artifact dates from the late Bronze Age.
  10. Ever since the paradigm was introduced, researchers have sought to refute it.
  11. The translation is derived from original Aramaic texts.
  12. It has been several decades since the initial conceptualization of string theory.
  13. The divergence from the control group was statistically significant.
  14. The literature review spans research from the 1970s to the present day.
  15. Since the sample size was insufficient, a Type II error was highly probable.
  16. The synthesis of the compound results from a complex catalytic reaction.
  17. The ethical guidelines for this study have been scrutinized since their proposal.
  18. Observations gleaned from the telescopic array confirm the existence of the exoplanet.
  19. The field of psychology has evolved considerably since the behaviorist era.
  20. The conclusions extrapolated from the model require further empirical validation.

Business

  1. We operate from our headquarters in downtown Chicago.
  2. The company has been experiencing steady growth since the new CEO took over.
  3. The product is manufactured from recycled materials.
  4. Since the market is saturated, we need to pivot our strategy.
  5. Our supply chain extends from raw material suppliers to end retailers.
  6. We have been outsourcing customer service since 2019 to reduce costs.
  7. The profit margin increased from 10% to 15% this quarter.
  8. Since the client postponed the launch, the team has extra time to refine the software.
  9. The funds were diverted from the marketing budget to R&D.
  10. The startup has been operating in the red since its inception.
  11. He was promoted from a junior analyst to a portfolio manager.
  12. We have expanded our operations to Europe since the last funding round.
  13. The contract shields the company from liability.
  14. Ever since the competitor lowered their prices, our sales have dipped.
  15. The meeting will be broadcast from the main conference room.
  16. Since the deadline is Friday, we need to submit the proposal today.
  17. We source our coffee beans directly from local farmers.
  18. The corporate culture has improved significantly since the implementation of remote work.
  19. The merger was a strategic move to distance the brand from its past failures.
  20. The software has been the industry standard since 2005.

Real-Life Conversations

Office

Colleague 1: When does the training start?

Colleague 2: It runs from 2 PM to 4 PM.

Colleague 1: I've been waiting for this training since last month.

Colleague 2: Me too. Since they rescheduled it twice, I'm just glad it's happening.

Tech Support

Customer: My internet has been down since this morning.

Agent: Are you calling from the phone number associated with the account?

Customer: Yes. Ever since the storm last night, the router hasn't worked.

Agent: Since the power outage likely reset it, let's try rebooting it.

School

Student: Where did you get that book?

Teacher: I borrowed it from the university library.

Student: I have been trying to find a copy since the semester started.

Teacher: Since it's so popular, they might have moved it to the reserve shelf.

Travel

Passenger: How far is the hotel from the airport?

Agent: It takes about 30 minutes by taxi.

Passenger: Great. I've been traveling since 5 AM and just want to rest.

Formal vs Informal Usage

Professional Emails

In professional correspondence, 'from' is used to indicate senders or starting times, while 'since' is used to indicate ongoing durations or reasons.

Example: I am writing from the HR department. Since we last spoke, the policy has changed.

Legal Writing

Legal writing uses 'from' to denote distance or removal, and 'since' to establish temporal boundaries for contracts.

Example: The defendant is prohibited from contacting the victim. The injunction has been active since January 1st.

Business English

Contracts and Agreements

In business contracts, 'from' defines the start of a range, while 'since' establishes the duration of an ongoing obligation.

Example: The fee ranges from $500 to $1000. The vendor has been compliant since the agreement was signed.

Customer Support

Customer service uses 'from' to identify the user's location or account, and 'since' to track how long an issue has persisted.

Example: Are you calling from New York? We have had a known outage in your area since 9 AM.

Academic Writing

Research Papers

In academic writing, 'from' indicates the source of data, while 'since' marks the timeline of ongoing research.

Example: The data extracted from the survey shows that attitudes have shifted since 2010.

Peer Reviews

Scholars use 'from' to point out derivations, and 'since' to provide logical reasons for a critique.

Example: The conclusion differs from the hypothesis. Since the sample size was small, the findings are limited.

Common Mistakes

1

I have lived here from 2010.

Correct: I have lived here since 2010.

Why: Use 'since' for a starting point in the past that continues to the present. 'From' is used for ranges.

2

The store is open since 8 AM to 10 PM.

Correct: The store is open from 8 AM to 10 PM.

Why: When defining a time range with 'to', use 'from', not 'since'.

3

The train goes since London to Paris.

Correct: The train goes from London to Paris.

Why: Use 'from' to indicate physical origin or starting point of a journey.

4

I am working here since two years.

Correct: I have been working here for two years.

Why: Use 'for' with a duration of time. 'Since' is used with a specific point in time (e.g., since 2020).

5

I have known him from childhood.

Correct: I have known him since childhood.

Why: When referring to a continuous state starting in the past, use 'since'.

6

The shop is open since 8 AM.

Correct: The shop is open from 8 AM.

Why: If it is a daily routine, use 'from'. If it means it opened at 8 AM today and is still open, use 'since'.

7

He has been missing from yesterday.

Correct: He has been missing since yesterday.

Why: Use 'since' with specific past points in time like 'yesterday', 'Tuesday', or 'last week'.

8

I work from Monday since Friday.

Correct: I work from Monday to Friday.

Why: The correct pairing for a range is 'from... to', not 'from... since'.

9

Since my perspective, the deal is fair.

Correct: From my perspective, the deal is fair.

Why: 'From' is used to indicate a point of view or perspective.

10

The book is different since the movie.

Correct: The book is different from the movie.

Why: When comparing two things, the correct preposition is 'different from'.

Learning Tips

Memory Trick: Since = Continuous

Think of 'since' as demanding a continuous line from the past to now. If the action isn't ongoing, don't use 'since'.

Memory Trick: From = Range

Think of 'from' as the start of a race track that goes 'to' a finish line. It usually needs a 'to'.

Tense Check

If the verb is in the present perfect (has/have + verb), 'since' is usually the right choice for time. If it's simple present or past, 'from' is better.

Origin Check

If you are talking about where something comes from physically, always use 'from'. 'Since' never indicates physical origin.

The 'Because' Test

If you can replace the word with 'because' and the sentence makes sense, use 'since' (e.g., Since/Because it is raining).

🎮 Mini Quiz

Test your knowledge with these interactive questions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to common questions.

What is the main difference between 'from' and 'since' when talking about time?

'From' marks the starting point of a time range (often with 'to' or 'until'), while 'since' marks a past starting point that continues without interruption up to the present.

Can 'from' and 'since' be used interchangeably?

No, they cannot. They follow different grammatical rules. 'Since' requires perfect tenses for ongoing actions, while 'from' can be used with various tenses for routines or ranges.

Why do we use 'since' with the present perfect tense?

Because 'since' implies an action that started in the past and continues to the present. The present perfect tense (have/has + past participle) is specifically designed to express this continuous link.

Is 'from' used for time?

Yes, 'from' is used to indicate a starting time, usually accompanied by 'to' or 'until' (e.g., 'The shop is open from 9 AM to 5 PM').

How do you use 'since' as a conjunction?

Aside from time, 'since' can be used to mean 'because' or 'as'. For example: 'Since you are already here, please help me.'

What is the difference between 'since' and 'for'?

'Since' is used with a specific point in time (since Monday), while 'for' is used with a duration or period of time (for three days).

Can 'since' mean 'because'?

Yes, 'since' is often used as a subordinating conjunction to introduce a reason or cause, synonymous with 'because' or 'as'.

How do you say 'from Monday to Friday'?

The correct phrase is 'from Monday to Friday' or 'from Monday through Friday'. You cannot use 'since' in this context.

Is 'I have been waiting since two hours' correct?

No, this is incorrect. You should say 'I have been waiting for two hours'. Use 'for' with durations and 'since' with specific starting points (e.g., since 2 PM).

How do you use 'ever since'?

'Ever since' is used to emphasize that an action has continued continuously from a past point. For example: 'He moved to Paris and has been happy ever since.'