There are many kinds and forms of conjunctions that exist in the English Language. Let us discuss the usage of “since” as a conjunction .
“Since” is a conjunction as it connects two clauses. It is one of those conjunctions and it is used as a way to provide reason about something that has happened.
Here are a couple examples of “since” as a conjunction-
Sl. No. | Examples | Explanations |
1. | She went to sleep since she was tired. | The word ‘since’ in this particular sentence is a conjunction. |
2. | They went to watch the play since their son was acting in it. | The word ‘since’ in this particular statement functions as a conjunction. |
Let us discuss some more facts and examples about it.
When is “since” a conjunction?
Let us explore the times when “since” can be a subordinating conjunction.
“Since” is a conjunction when it is used between two clauses. Specifically subordinating clauses.
Here are a couple examples of when “since” functions as a conjunction-
Sl. No. | Examples | Explanations |
3. | They were exhausted since they travelled so much. | The word ‘since’ over here functions as a conjunction as it joins a subordinating clause to the main clause. |
4. | I made myself a bowl of soup since that is what I was craving. | In this particular example the word ‘since’ functions as a conjunction as it joins the second clause to the first one. |
How is “since” a conjunction?
Let us take a look as to how “since” can be a conjunction.
“Since” is a conjunction by virtue of the fact that that it helps combine two clauses.
Here are a couple examples of how “since” functions as a conjunction-
Sl. No. | Examples | Explanations |
5. | The cousins put up a dance performance since it was their sister’s wedding. | The word ‘since’ in this particular sentence functions as a conjunction as it joins two clauses together. |
6. | She sang since she couldn’t dance. | The word ‘since’ in this particular statement functions as a conjunction as it joins the second clause to the first one. |
Is “since” always a conjunction?
Let us find out whether “since” always functions as a conjunction or not.
No, “since” is not always a conjunction. Sometimes it can function in different grammatical forms.
Here are a couple examples of “since” as not a conjunction-
Sl. No. | Examples | Explanations |
7. | We haven’t spoken to each other since yesterday. | Over here, the word ‘since’ is a preposition as it is used to indicate the causal relationship between a timing in the past with some situation of the present in the present. |
8. | I quit my corporate job last year and haven’t looked back since. | Here, the word ‘since’ is an adverb as it is not used to combine two clauses and almost always is used at the end of a sentence. |
When is “since” not considered as conjunction?
There are times when “since” is not considered as conjunction. Let us explore.
“Since” is not considered a conjunction is some forms of sentence structures and how, where and when that word is used. “Since” can, in some cases, be considered a preposition as well as adverb.
Here are a couple examples of “since” functioning it different forms, other than a conjunction-
Sl. No. | Examples | Explanations |
9. | He hasn’t had anything to eat or drink since this morning. | Over here, the word ‘since’ is a preposition as it is used to indicate the causal relationship between a timing in the past with some situation of the present in the present. |
10. | Years ago, we went for a short trip during holidays season and it has been a family tradition to do so since. | Here, the word ‘since’ is an adverb as it is not used to combine two clauses and almost always is used at the end of a sentence. |
What kind of conjunction is the word “since”?
Let us look into what sort of conjunction is “since”.
“Since” is commonly known as a subordinating conjunction.
Here are a couple examples “since” as a subordinating conjunction-
Sl. No. | Examples | Explanations |
11. | They asked me to take over the project since I have the most experience. | The word ‘since’ in this particular sentence is a conjunction as it joins two clauses together making it a subordinating conjunction. |
12. | The students were suspended since they were caught sneaking out the premises during school hours. | In this example the word ‘since’ is a conjunction as it joins two clauses together, thus, specifically making it a subordinating conjunction. |
Why is “since” a subordinating conjunction?
Let us find out why is “since” is considered a subordinating conjunction.
“Since” is considered a subordinating conjunction as it connects a subordinating clause to a main clause.
Let us look at a few more examples of “since” as conjunctions-
Sl. No. | Examples | Explanations |
13. | She asked me to help her box and wrap all her products since she had to ship them out in a couple hours. | The word ‘since’ in this particular statement functions as a conjunction as it joins the second clause to the first one. |
14. | We all finally went river-rafting since that is what we came here for. | The word ‘since’ in this particular sentence is a conjunction. |
15. | My niece has been painting for hours now since it is her favorite hobby. | The word ‘since’ over here functions as a conjunction as it joins a subordinating clause to the main clause. |
16. | My father has gone sailing since the weather outside is good. | The word ‘since’ in this particular sentence is a conjunction as it joins two clauses together making it a subordinating conjunction. |
17. | Tina asked for a plain meal since she cannot tolerate high levels of spice. | The word ‘since’ in this particular statement functions as a conjunction. |
18. | Mark wanted to become an astronaut since it was his childhood dream. | The word ‘since’ in this particular sentence functions as a conjunction as it joins two clauses together. |
19. | The child left the camp halfway through since nobody was talking to him. | In this particular example the word ‘since’ functions as a conjunction as it joins the second clause to the first one. |
20. | I go for morning walks every day since it makes me feel refreshed and healthy. | In this example the word ‘since’ is a conjunction as it joins two clauses together, thus, specifically making it a subordinating conjunction. |
21. | My parents went to this restaurant for their anniversary since it had a five-star rating. | The word ‘since’ in this particular statement functions as a conjunction. |
22. | The mother did not send her daughter school since it was raining. | The word ‘since’ in this particular sentence is a conjunction as it joins two clauses together making it a subordinating conjunction. |
Conclusion
Hence, it’s proven that the word “since” more often than not functions as a conjunction and in many cases can function in different forms as well.
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