sinon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
A1 (Very high frequency)Neutral (appropriate in all registers from informal to formal)
Quick answer
What does “sinon” mean?
from a particular time in the past until a later time, or until now.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
from a particular time in the past until a later time, or until now
as a consequence of; because; from the time when
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Slightly more frequent use of present perfect with 'since' in UK English ('I have lived here since 2020'), where US English might accept simple past in informal contexts ('I lived here since 2020').
Connotations
None
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “sinon” in a Sentence
since + time point (preposition)since + clause (conjunction)stand-alone (adverb)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sinon” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- He moved to London and has lived there ever since.
- The rules were established long since.
American English
- She graduated and has worked here since.
- That style went out of fashion ages since.
conjunction
British English
- Since you're not busy, could you proofread this?
- It must be true, since she confirmed it herself.
American English
- Since we have time, let's grab a coffee.
- He's probably home, since his car is in the driveway.
preposition
British English
- I haven't seen him since Tuesday.
- She has worked here since 2018.
American English
- Nothing has been the same since the accident.
- They've been married since June.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to explain decisions or report on periods of activity. 'Sales have increased since the new campaign launched.'
Academic
Used to establish temporal or causal relationships in arguments. 'The theory has been widely accepted since its publication in 1995.'
Everyday
Used to talk about personal history and reasons. 'I've known her since we were kids.' 'Since you're here, can you help me?'
Technical
Used in logs, reports, and specifications to denote a starting point. 'The server has been running since 03:00 UTC.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sinon”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sinon”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sinon”
- Using past simple instead of present perfect with 'since' ('I am here since Monday' - incorrect). Using 'since' for a duration ('I have been waiting since two hours' - use 'for').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically use the present perfect or past perfect in the main clause when 'since' refers to time: 'I have lived here since 2010.' / 'I had been awake since dawn.'
Use 'since' with a specific point in time (since Monday, since 1999, since I arrived). Use 'for' with a duration of time (for two days, for years, for a long time).
Often yes, but 'since' as a cause is better for known or obvious reasons, while 'because' is more direct and can introduce new information. 'Since' can be ambiguous (time vs. cause).
It is neutral and appropriate in all contexts, both spoken and written, formal and informal.
from a particular time in the past until a later time, or until now.
Sinon: in British English it is pronounced /sɪns/, and in American English it is pronounced /sɪns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “ever since the year dot”
- “since time immemorial”
- “long since gone”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SINCE' as marking the 'SIN' (starting point) from which time or a situation be'C'omes (C-E).
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A LINE (with 'since' marking a point on that line from which measurement begins); CAUSE IS A SOURCE (with 'since' indicating the origin of a situation).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'since' INCORRECTLY?