since

Since is a versatile subordinating conjunction used primarily to introduce clauses of time or reason. As a time conjunction, it indicates the starting point of an action or state that continues to the present or another point in time. As a reason conjunction, it means "because" and explains the cause of the main clause. It is commonly used in perfect tenses when referring to time.

• 🇫🇷Since — conjonction de subordination polyvalente. Comme conjonction de temps, elle marque le point de départ d'une action ou d'un état qui se poursuit jusqu'au présent ou jusqu'à un autre moment. Comme conjonction de cause, elle signifie « parce que » et introduit la raison de la proposition principale.

1. Since as a time conjunction (from a past point until now) A2 formal

   Used to show that an action or state began at a specific point in the past and continues up to the present (or up to another point in the past when used with past perfect). It is typically paired with the present perfect or past perfect tenses in the main clause. The since-clause often uses the past simple.

   • I have lived in this city since I was a child.
   • She has been working here since 2015.
   • They had known each other since they were at school.
   • We haven't seen him since he moved to another country.
   • It has been raining since early morning.

   🇫🇷depuis (temps écoulé)

2. Since as a reason conjunction (because) B1 formal

   Used to introduce a clause that gives the reason or explanation for the main clause. It is similar in meaning to "because" or "as", but often sounds slightly more formal or is used when the reason is already known or obvious. It can appear at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence.

   • Since you are tired, you should go to bed early.
   • Since it was raining, we cancelled the outdoor party.
   • She didn't come since she wasn't feeling well.
   • Since everyone is here, we can start the meeting.
   • I won't argue since it's pointless.

   🇫🇷Comme (conjonction de cause)

3. Since in other time-related and idiomatic uses B1 formal

   Since can also appear in structures indicating duration from a past point, in questions about time passed, or in fixed expressions. It is very common with present perfect continuous to emphasize the duration of an ongoing action.

   • How long have you been waiting since the bus left?
   • It's been years since we last met.
   • She has been smiling since she received the good news.
   • Since then, everything has changed.
   • I haven't eaten since breakfast.

   🇫🇷Depuis (temporel)

since is a preposition used to indicate the starting point of an action or event that continues up to the present. It is usually followed by a point in time (a date, day, or moment).

• 🇫🇷Depuis — préposition qui indique le point de départ dans le temps d'une action ou d'un état qui se poursuit jusqu'au présent. Elle est suivie d'un moment précis (date, jour, instant) et peut aussi introduire une proposition temporelle avec le sens de « à partir du moment où ».

1. from a time in the past until a later time or until now A2 formal

   From a specific point in the past up to a later time or until now. It indicates the starting point of an action, state, or event that continues.

   • The country has been independent since 1948.
   • They've been waiting since March.
   • The factory had been closed since the explosion.
   • I've felt fine ever since.

   🇫🇷depuis (point de départ temporel)