Rules and Examples for Using From and Since Correctly
Knowing the difference between from and since is essential for school, competitive exams, and everyday English. Choosing the right preposition helps your writing and speaking sound correct and natural. This guide explains the meanings, key rules, and common mistakes with clear examples to help you use both confidently.
| Word | Meaning | Example | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| From | Shows the starting point of a time period or range | The class starts from 9 AM. | Describes when something begins (may or may not continue) |
| Since | Shows when an action started and is still continuing | She has lived here since 2010. | Used for something that began in the past and continues now |
Difference Between From and Since
The main difference between from and since is this: "From" marks the start of a time or event, but does not always show that something continues. "Since" is used when something started at one point and is still ongoing up to now, especially with perfect tenses.
How to Use "From" in English Grammar
"From" is used to show where or when something begins. It is common in schedules, instructions, and descriptions of time or place. Actions using "from" can be ongoing or finished.
Examples of "From" Usage
The library is open from 8 AM to 8 PM. (Range of time)
The train leaves from platform 2. (Start point in place)
Classes begin from July. (Start point in time)
| Sentence | Why "From" is Used |
|---|---|
| The show starts from 6 PM. | Shows starting time; no mention of continuity. |
| She travelled from Delhi to Mumbai. | Describes origin/direction, not time. |
| You can call from Monday. | Start point for action (calls begin on Monday). |
How to Use "Since" in English Grammar
"Since" refers to a starting point in the past up to the present. It is almost always used with the present perfect or present perfect continuous tense to show the action continues until now.
Examples of "Since" Usage
I have lived here since 2015. (Started in 2015, still true now)
She has been studying since morning. (Started this morning, continues now)
They have known each other since school days.
| Sentence | Why "Since" is Used |
|---|---|
| We have not met since last summer. | Shows starting point and continued action till now. |
| He has worked here since 2020. | Shows work began in the past and still continues. |
| She has felt better since taking medicine. | Recovery started after medicine; still true. |
From vs Since: Key Differences Table
| Point | From | Since |
|---|---|---|
| Action Continues? | No (not always) | Yes (ongoing) |
| Tenses Used | Any tense | Mainly present perfect or present perfect continuous |
| Example | The store is open from 10 AM. | The store has been open since 10 AM. |
| Focus | Starting point or range | Start time of ongoing activity |
| Suitable For | Timetables, instructions | Describing experiences or continuous states |
Common Mistakes with From and Since
Students often confuse these words in time expressions. Here are typical mistakes and how to fix them:
Incorrect: I have been here from morning.
Correct: I have been here since morning.Incorrect: The program starts since 6 PM.
Correct: The program starts from 6 PM.Incorrect: She is at home since yesterday.
Correct: She has been at home since yesterday.
Tip: Use "since" for something that continues to the present, and "from" for the start time of a past or future event.
Practice: Choose the Correct Preposition
I have not eaten _____ morning. (from/since)
The classes start _____ next week. (from/since)
He has worked here _____ 2021. (from/since)
Our shop is open _____ 9 AM to 9 PM. (from/since)
Answers: since, from, since, from
Why Learning the Difference Between From and Since Matters
Understanding from vs since improves your English in exams, essays, and conversations. It helps avoid common grammar errors and makes your writing sound more natural. At Vedantu, we explain grammar points with clear examples for every level of learner.
Want to master more prepositions? Explore lessons on prepositions of time and for and since for time to boost your confidence even further!
In summary, knowing the difference between from and since helps you write and speak correctly about time in English. Use "from" to state where or when something begins in general; use "since" to describe actions or states continuing to the present. With practice, you will use both easily in school, exams, and everyday life.
FAQs on Difference Between From and Since in English Grammar
1. What is the difference between from and since?
The main difference between from and since is that from shows a starting point in time or place, while since shows a starting point in time that continues until now.
- From is used with a starting point and may or may not include the present. Example: I work from 9 a.m.
- Since is used with the present perfect tense to show continuity. Example: I have worked here since 2020.
- From can refer to place: She came from Canada.
2. When do you use since in a sentence?
You use since to show a specific point in time when something started and is still continuing.
- It is commonly used with the present perfect tense.
- It answers the question “From when until now?”
- Example: She has lived here since 2015.
- Example: I have been busy since morning.
3. When do you use from in a sentence?
You use from to show a starting point in time, place, or source.
- Time: The shop is open from 8 a.m.
- Place: He is from India.
- Source: I got a gift from my friend.
- From does not always mean the action continues until now.
4. Can you use since with the past simple tense?
Yes, since can be used with the past simple when it means “because,” but not to show continuing time.
- Time meaning (needs present perfect): I have lived here since 2010.
- Reason meaning (past simple possible): I stayed home since it was raining. (formal usage)
- In modern English, “because” is more common than since for giving reasons.
5. Why is since used with the present perfect?
Since is used with the present perfect tense because it connects a past starting point to the present moment.
- Structure: Subject + has/have + past participle + since + time.
- Example: They have known each other since childhood.
- This structure emphasizes duration from the past until now.
6. Can from and since be used interchangeably?
No, from and since cannot usually be used interchangeably because they have different grammar rules.
- Correct: I have lived here since 2018.
- Incorrect: I have lived here from 2018.
- Correct: The event runs from Monday to Friday.
7. What is the difference between since and for?
The difference between since and for is that since refers to a starting point, while for refers to a duration of time.
- Since + specific time: since 2022, since Monday.
- For + period of time: for two years, for a week.
- Example: She has studied here since 2023 for three years.
8. Can since mean because in English?
Yes, since can mean “because” when it introduces a reason.
- Example: Since it was late, we went home.
- In this case, since functions as a conjunction of reason.
- This meaning is different from the time-related use of since.
9. What are common mistakes with from and since?
A common mistake is using from instead of since with the present perfect tense.
- Incorrect: I have lived here from 2019.
- Correct: I have lived here since 2019.
- Remember: Use since for continuing time up to now; use from for starting points without present-perfect structure.
10. Can you give example sentences using from and since?
Yes, from shows a starting point in time or place, while since shows a starting time continuing until now.
- From (time): The class starts from 10 a.m.
- From (place): She moved here from Spain.
- Since (time): He has worked here since January.
- Since (reason): Since you are here, let’s begin.
