Since

Definition

'Since' is a conjunction that introduces a dependent clause to indicate a time relationship or a cause-and-effect connection between events. It can establish when something started and continue to the present or denote the reason for an action. Understanding 'since' is crucial for constructing complex sentences with appropriate subordination and for expressing progressive and perfect progressive tenses effectively.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Since' can function to indicate both time and causation, allowing it to connect ideas in nuanced ways.
2. 'Since' often introduces a dependent clause that gives additional context to the main clause in complex sentences.
3. 'Since' can signal the beginning of an action that continues into the present, making it integral in perfect progressive tense constructions.
4. When used in causal contexts, 'since' explains why something happens, establishing a clear link between cause and effect.
5. 'Since' can be used with both specific dates or events (e.g., 'since 2020') and more general time frames (e.g., 'since I was a child').

Review Questions

• How does 'since' function within complex sentences, particularly in terms of subordination?
  • 'Since' functions as a subordinating conjunction that introduces a dependent clause, which adds information about time or cause to an independent clause. For example, in the sentence 'Since it was raining, we stayed inside,' the dependent clause 'Since it was raining' explains the reason for staying inside. This relationship enhances the clarity of the sentence by showing how one idea is linked to another.
• Discuss the role of 'since' in forming perfect progressive tense constructions and provide an example.
  • 'Since' plays a crucial role in perfect progressive tense by indicating when an action began and emphasizing its continuation into the present. For instance, in the sentence 'I have been studying since 6 PM,' 'since 6 PM' provides the starting point of the action of studying, which is ongoing. This use of 'since' helps convey both duration and continuity of the action.
• Evaluate how the use of 'since' to express causation impacts the clarity of complex sentences.
  • 'Since' serves not only as a temporal marker but also as a means to establish causation, which significantly enhances sentence clarity. For instance, in 'Since he studied hard, he passed the exam,' the use of 'since' clearly connects his hard work with his success, making it evident that one caused the other. This dual function allows writers to create more informative and cohesive sentences that convey relationships between ideas effectively.

Related terms

Subordinating Conjunction: 'A type of conjunction that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause, establishing a relationship such as time, cause, or condition.'

Dependent Clause: 'A group of words with a subject and a verb that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and relies on an independent clause.'

Perfect Progressive Tense: 'A verb tense used to describe an action that began in the past and continues into the present, often formed using 'have been' plus the present participle.'