Stop Misusing “Since” in English: Key Facts to Know! 👔

Advanced Level | January 22, 2026

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If you’ve ever said, “I’m working here since 2020,” and someone looked confused… congratulations—you’ve met one of English’s sneakiest little troublemakers: since. It’s a small word with big power, and if you use it wrong, you can accidentally sound unclear (or like time travel is involved).

Here’s the key idea: “since” has two main jobs—talking about time (from a starting point until now) and giving a reason (because). The problem is that many advanced learners mix those jobs in the same sentence and create grammar chaos.

In this article, you’ll learn how to Use since correctly—without overthinking it.

Job #1: “Since” for Time (Start Point → Now)

When you use since for time, you’re usually starting at a specific point in the past and connecting it to the present. That’s why present perfect is the default partner.

Example you want:

I’ve worked here since 2020.
We’ve been in this market since Q2.

Example you don’t want (common mistake):

I work here since 2020. ❌

If the action started in the past and continues now, present perfect (or present perfect continuous) helps your listener understand the timeline instantly.

“Since” vs. “For” (Don’t Swap Them)

Use since with a starting point (a date/time): since 2020, since Monday, since the merger.

Use for with a duration: for three years, for two weeks, for a long time.

Clean business examples:

We’ve been negotiating since Monday.
We’ve been negotiating for three days.

Job #2: “Since” for Reason (Because)

Yes—since can also mean because, especially in written English.

Since the client is delayed, we’ll push the deadline.
Since we’ve already tested the feature, we can ship it.

One warning: in fast conversation, since (reason) can sound slightly formal or unclear, so because is often safer.

The “Since + Past Simple” Trap

Here’s a classic mistake: using since (time) with past simple, even though the action still continues.

We met since 2019. ❌

Better:

We’ve known each other since 2019. ✅
We’ve been working together since 2019. ✅

A Simple Fix You Can Use Today

When you write or speak with since, ask yourself one question:

“Am I talking about time… or a reason?”

Time → likely needs present perfect (and a starting point).
Reason → can often be replaced with because.

If you master this one word, your English instantly sounds cleaner, sharper, and more professional—especially in meetings and emails where timelines matter.

Use since correctly in Meetings and Emails

In real business communication, Use since correctly when you’re explaining timelines, project history, and decisions.

We’ve been tracking this issue since last week. (timeline)
Since the client requested changes, we updated the scope. (reason)

That tiny difference protects clarity—and clarity protects your credibility.

Vocabulary List

Timeline (noun) — The sequence of events or dates for a project or situation.
Example: Our timeline changed after the supplier delay.
Duration (noun) — The length of time something continues.
Example: The duration of the training program is six weeks.
Starting point (noun) — The moment when something begins.
Example: 2020 was the starting point for our expansion plan.
Ongoing (adjective) — Continuing now; not finished.
Example: We have ongoing discussions with the vendor.
Clarify (verb) — To make something easier to understand.
Example: Can you clarify the schedule for next week?
Default (noun/adjective) — The usual choice unless something changes it.
Example: Present perfect is the default tense with “since” for time.
Formal (adjective) — More official or business-like in style.
Example: “Since” can sound more formal than “because” in conversation.
Negotiate (verb) — To discuss to reach an agreement.
Example: We’ve been negotiating the contract terms since Tuesday.
Deadline (noun) — The latest time something must be finished.
Example: We moved the deadline to Friday to protect quality.
Accidentally (adverb) — By mistake; not planned.
Example: I accidentally used the wrong tense in my email.

5 Questions About the Article

What are the two main “jobs” of the word “since”?
Why does “since” (time) usually match with present perfect?
What is the difference between “since” and “for”?
Why might “because” be safer than “since” in conversation?
What quick question can you ask yourself to avoid mistakes with “since”?

5 Open-Ended Discussion Questions

In your job, when do you talk about timelines or starting points most often?
What English grammar mistake do you personally repeat under pressure?
Do you prefer writing more formal emails—or more direct emails? Why?
What are two sentences you can say in your next meeting using “since” correctly?
How do you want your English to sound when you speak with clients or executives?

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