When to Use "From" and "Since" in Time Expressions with Examples
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" in English?
The main difference between from and since lies in how they indicate time. From marks a starting point within a period, while since points to a starting point of an action continuing up to the present. Use from for durations or ranges; use since with the present perfect tense to show ongoing action.
2. When should I use "from" and when should I use "since"?
Use from to specify the beginning of a period, a range, or a point in time. Use since to indicate a point in time from which an action has continued to the present (usually with present perfect tense). Examples include from Monday to Friday, and since Monday.
3. Is it correct to say "from yesterday" or "since yesterday"?
"Since yesterday" is generally correct because it implies an action that started yesterday and continues. "From yesterday" suggests a period starting yesterday but doesn't imply continuity. The choice depends on whether the action is ongoing or completed.
4. Can we use "from" and "since" together in a sentence?
While unusual, you can use them together if the sentence has a clearly defined start and end point within a larger duration. For instance: "From Monday until Friday, I have worked since 8 am."
5. What are some common examples of "from" and "since" usage?
From examples: I worked from 9 am to 5 pm. The train departs from London. Since examples: I have lived here since 2010. I haven't seen him since last year. From indicates a point of origin; since indicates the start of an ongoing action.
6. Which tenses should be used with "since" and "from"?
Since is typically used with the present perfect or present perfect continuous tenses to show duration from a past point to the present. From can be used with various tenses, depending on the context. There's no fixed tense rule for from.
7. When from and since is used?
Use from to indicate a starting point within a period or range. Use since to mark the beginning of an action continuing up to the present, often paired with the present perfect tense. From shows the start; since shows the start and the ongoing nature.
8. Is it ‘from Monday’ or ‘since Monday’?
It depends on the context. If discussing a period of time that started on Monday, use "from Monday." If you're talking about an action that began on Monday and continues, use "since Monday" with a present perfect tense.
9. Which is correct, since morning or from morning?
"Since morning" is typically correct if describing an action that began in the morning and continues to the present. "From morning" implies a period that started in the morning, but doesn't suggest the action is still happening.
10. Which is correct, since yesterday or from yesterday?
Both can be correct, depending on context. "Since yesterday" is used with the present perfect if an action started yesterday and continues. "From yesterday" indicates a period starting yesterday without implying the action continues. For example, "I've been tired since yesterday" vs "I worked from yesterday until today."
11. Why does "since" require the present perfect or present perfect continuous tense?
Since indicates a point in the past from which an action has continued uninterrupted to the present. The present perfect tense (has/have + past participle) perfectly captures this continuous duration from a specific point in the past.
12. Can "from" ever indicate a continuous action?
While from primarily shows the start of a period, it can sometimes imply continuity if used with appropriate verb tenses. For instance, "I have been working from 8 AM." implies continuous action.
