For and Since: Definition, Synonyms, and Usage
For and since – Definition and Part of Speech
The phrase “for and since” is an idiomatic expression commonly used in English to indicate a duration starting from a specific point in time until the present moment. It combines “for,” which denotes the length or period, with “since,” which points out the commencement of that period.
Usage:
- For: Indicates the duration.
- Since: Marks the starting point of that duration.
The phrase is typically used as an adverbial expression within sentences to provide temporal context. It’s most common in both written and spoken English when someone wants to highlight how long something has been occurring up until now.
Core Synonyms (Table Format)
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Throughout | Indicates an uninterrupted period over time. | “She has been living in Paris throughout her career.” | Formal/Informal |
| Since then | Used to highlight a starting point from the past. | “Since then, he’s become a renowned expert in his field.” | Academic/Casual |
| From that time | Refers to duration beginning at an earlier period. | “From that time onward, they maintained a close friendship.” | Formal |
| Ever since | Emphasizes continuity from past to present. | “He has been passionate about painting ever since his first art class.” | Casual/Formal |
Usage Notes
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Throughout: Best used when emphasizing the uninterrupted nature of an action or state over a period, fitting for both formal and informal contexts.
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Example in Business Writing: “The company has maintained a high level of customer satisfaction throughout its history.”
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Example in Academic Papers: “Throughout his research, he consistently applied rigorous scientific methods.”
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Since then: Ideal when referring to an event that marks the beginning of a particular state or action. It’s versatile for both casual conversations and more formal writings.
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Example in Casual Speech: “We’ve been great friends since then.”
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Example in Academic Papers: “Since then, numerous studies have emerged focusing on climate change.”
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From that time: Suitable for formal contexts where clarity about the starting point of a period is essential. It can be used to create a narrative flow.
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Example in Formal Writing: “From that time, he dedicated himself to charitable activities.”
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Example in Creative Writing: “From that day, magic became an integral part of her life.”
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Ever since: This is often used informally but fits well into formal writing when emphasizing a continuous action from the past until now.
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Example in Casual Conversation: “I’ve loved jazz music ever since I heard it live.”
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Example in Academic Contexts: “Ever since its introduction, this theory has shaped numerous disciplines.”
Common Pitfalls
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Misinterpreting Time Frames: Users sometimes mix up the nuances of each synonym. For example, “since then” explicitly points to a specific past event as a starting point, whereas “for and since” covers both the duration and starting point simultaneously.
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Context Appropriateness: Some expressions like “from that time” may feel overly formal in casual conversation, so choosing synonyms based on the context is crucial for effective communication.
Final Recap
The phrase “for and since” effectively combines a reference to the length of an activity or state with its starting point. Its synonyms — such as throughout, since then, from that time, and ever since — offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas across different contexts and registers.
To enrich your vocabulary:
- Practice using these synonyms in sentences relevant to various scenarios.
- Experiment with them in conversations or writing projects, noting which fit best in each setting.
Understanding and utilizing these phrases will enhance both the precision and expressiveness of your language skills.