Mastering synonyms for “since then” is crucial for adding nuance and precision to your English writing and speaking. This article explores a variety of alternatives that can help you express the passage of time with greater accuracy and stylistic flair.
Understanding these synonyms allows you to avoid repetition, convey subtle differences in meaning, and make your communication more engaging and effective. This guide is designed for English language learners of all levels, from beginners looking to expand their vocabulary to advanced speakers aiming to refine their expression.
Whether you’re writing an essay, giving a presentation, or simply engaging in conversation, having a rich vocabulary of temporal adverbs and phrases will significantly enhance your ability to communicate effectively. This article provides definitions, examples, usage rules, and practice exercises to help you confidently incorporate these synonyms into your everyday language.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of “Since Then”
- Structural Breakdown
- Synonym Categories
- Examples
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of “Since Then”
“Since then” is a temporal adverbial phrase used to indicate a period of time that has elapsed from a specific point in the past until the present. It signifies that something has occurred, or continues to occur, after a particular event or time.
It establishes a cause-and-effect relationship or simply marks sequential events in time.
Classification: Temporal adverbial phrase
Function: Indicates the passage of time from a past event to the present.
Contexts: Commonly used in narrative writing, historical accounts, personal anecdotes, and formal reports to describe changes, developments, or ongoing situations since a specific point in time.
Structural Breakdown
The phrase “since then” is composed of two elements:
- “Since”: A preposition or conjunction indicating the starting point in time.
- “Then”: An adverb referring to a specific point in the past.
The phrase typically appears after the clause establishing the initial point in time and before the clause describing the events that have occurred subsequently. It can also appear at the beginning of a sentence, followed by a comma, to emphasize the time elapsed.
The tense used in the subsequent clause is usually the present perfect or past perfect, depending on whether the action is ongoing or completed.
Synonym Categories
Several categories of synonyms can replace “since then,” each offering a slightly different nuance. These categories include adverbs, prepositional phrases, conjunctions, and other phrases.
Adverbs
Adverbs are words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, providing additional information about time, manner, place, or degree. Several adverbs can effectively substitute for “since then,” offering concise alternatives.
Prepositional Phrases
Prepositional phrases consist of a preposition and its object, functioning as adjectives or adverbs. These phrases can provide a more descriptive and specific way to indicate the passage of time.
Conjunctions
Conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses. While not direct replacements for “since then,” conjunctions like “because” or “as” can sometimes be used to imply a similar temporal relationship.
Other Phrases
Various other phrases can convey the meaning of “since then,” often adding emphasis or a more formal tone.
Examples
The following tables provide examples of synonyms for “since then” categorized by type, along with example sentences to illustrate their usage. Each table contains a variety of examples to showcase the flexibility and nuance each synonym offers.
Table 1: Adverb Synonyms for “Since Then”
This table presents various adverbs that can be used in place of “since then.” These adverbs often provide a more concise and direct way to indicate the passage of time.
| Synonym | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Subsequently | The company faced financial difficulties; subsequently, it declared bankruptcy. |
| Thereafter | The treaty was signed; thereafter, peace prevailed in the region. |
| Afterward | We had dinner; afterward, we went for a walk. |
| Later | He promised to call; later, he forgot. |
| Consequently | The weather was bad; consequently, the event was canceled. |
| Accordingly | The rules were changed; accordingly, the players adjusted their strategy. |
| Henceforth | The new law was enacted; henceforth, all citizens must comply. |
| Following that | The presentation concluded; following that, there was a Q&A session. |
| From then on | She moved to a new city; from then on, she felt much happier. |
| Hereafter | The terms of the agreement are outlined; hereafter, they must be followed strictly. |
| Next | First, we gather the data; next, we analyze it. |
| Thenceforth | The king made a decree; thenceforth, the people obeyed it without question. |
| Thereupon | He received the news; thereupon, he burst into tears. |
| Further | The research showed initial promise; further studies confirmed the results. |
| Progressively | The patient’s condition improved progressively after the surgery. |
| Gradually | The snow melted gradually as the sun rose higher. |
| Eventually | After many trials, they eventually succeeded in their mission. |
| Ultimately | Despite the challenges, they ultimately achieved their goals. |
| Over time | Relationships deepen over time with shared experiences. |
| In due course | The application will be processed in due course. |
| Thereafter | The meeting adjourned; thereafter, everyone went home. |
| Successively | The tasks were completed successively, one after the other. |
| Sequentially | The instructions must be followed sequentially to avoid errors. |
| In turn | Each member of the team contributed in turn to the project. |
| In sequence | The events unfolded in sequence, leading to the final outcome. |
Table 2: Prepositional Phrase Synonyms for “Since Then”
This table showcases prepositional phrases that can replace “since then.” These phrases often provide more detail about the duration or nature of the time elapsed. They usually add a more descriptive element to the sentence.
| Synonym | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| In the intervening period | He went abroad; in the intervening period, his family missed him dearly. |
| In the meantime | The car is being repaired; in the meantime, we’ll take the bus. |
| Over the ensuing years | They started a business; over the ensuing years, it grew into a large corporation. |
| In the years that followed | He moved to a new city; in the years that followed, he built a successful career. |
| From that moment onward | She won the lottery; from that moment onward, her life changed dramatically. |
| Since that day | He had an accident; since that day, he has been more careful. |
| In the wake of that event | The storm caused widespread damage; in the wake of that event, many people lost their homes. |
| Following that incident | There was a dispute; following that incident, relations between them soured. |
| Subsequent to that | The contract was signed; subsequent to that, the project commenced. |
| After that point | He made a mistake; after that point, he was more cautious. |
| Post that event | The conference ended; post that event, many collaborations began. |
| In the aftermath of that | The scandal broke; in the aftermath of that, many resignations occurred. |
| Since that occurrence | The earthquake struck; since that occurrence, the city has been rebuilt. |
| From that time forward | She made a promise; from that time forward, she kept her word. |
| In the duration since | He started learning a new language; in the duration since, he has become quite fluent. |
| During the period after that | The company restructured; during the period after that, profitability increased. |
| For the time following | The training program ended; for the time following, the participants applied their new skills. |
| Throughout the years since | They bought a house; throughout the years since, they have made many improvements. |
| In the interval after | The concert finished; in the interval after, the crowd dispersed. |
| Spanning the time thence | He took on the challenge; spanning the time thence, he worked tirelessly. |
| In the stretch succeeding that | She enrolled in college; in the stretch succeeding that, she excelled in her studies. |
| For the period succeeding that | He started his own business; for the period succeeding that, he faced many challenges. |
| In the timeline following that | The project began; in the timeline following that, many milestones were achieved. |
| In the time elapsed since | He left the company; in the time elapsed since, he has started his own venture. |
| During the span following that | The new policy was implemented; during the span following that, its effects were monitored. |
Table 3: Conjunctions Implying “Since Then”
This table illustrates how conjunctions can be used to imply the meaning of “since then.” These conjunctions establish a relationship between two clauses, often indicating cause and effect or a sequence of events.
| Synonym | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| As | As he began to study harder, his grades improved. |
| Because | Because she practiced every day, she became a skilled musician. |
| Seeing that | Seeing that the weather was improving, they decided to go for a hike. |
| Considering that | Considering that he had no prior experience, he did a remarkable job. |
| Inasmuch as | Inasmuch as he tried his best, we cannot fault his efforts. |
| Given that | Given that the circumstances were challenging, they persevered admirably. |
| Since | Since he moved to the city, he has made many new friends. |
| Due to the fact that | Due to the fact that it was raining, the game was postponed. |
| Now that | Now that the project is complete, we can celebrate our success. |
| For | He must be tired, for he has been working all day. |
| In view of the fact that | In view of the fact that the deadline is approaching, we need to work faster. |
| On account of the fact that | On account of the fact that the road was closed, we had to take a detour. |
| By reason of the fact that | By reason of the fact that he was well-prepared, he aced the exam. |
| By virtue of the fact that | By virtue of the fact that she had excellent qualifications, she got the job. |
| In light of the fact that | In light of the fact that the budget was limited, we had to make some sacrifices. |
| Considering the fact that | Considering the fact that he was new to the team, he contributed significantly. |
| Bearing in mind that | Bearing in mind that the situation is complex, we need to proceed carefully. |
| Taking into account that | Taking into account that he has a lot of experience, he is well-suited for the role. |
| Seeing as | Seeing as it’s getting late, we should probably head home. |
| In that | The plan is effective in that it addresses the root cause of the problem. |
| Insomuch as | Insomuch as he tried his best, we appreciate his efforts. |
| To the extent that | To the extent that he is willing to learn, he will succeed. |
| Insofar as | Insofar as he is capable, he will be a valuable asset to the team. |
| In the degree that | In the degree that he applies himself, he will achieve his goals. |
| On the grounds that | The decision was made on the grounds that it was in the best interest of the company. |
Table 4: Other Phrases Synonymous with “Since Then”
This table includes other phrases that can be used as synonyms for “since then,” offering a variety of ways to express the passage of time with different levels of formality and emphasis. These phrases can add sophistication to your writing and speaking.
| Synonym | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| From that point forward | He made a decision; from that point forward, he never looked back. |
| Following that event | The accident occurred; following that event, safety measures were improved. |
| Subsequent to that time | The agreement was signed; subsequent to that time, the project progressed smoothly. |
| In the period following | The new policy was implemented; in the period following, its impact was evaluated. |
| In the time since | He started learning to cook; in the time since, he has become an excellent chef. |
| From that day onward | She received the award; from that day onward, she became a role model. |
| After that juncture | The negotiations concluded; after that juncture, the agreement was finalized. |
| In the interim | The house is being renovated; in the interim, we are staying in a hotel. |
| In the wake of that | The scandal erupted; in the wake of that, many reputations were tarnished. |
| There has since been | The law was passed; there has since been much debate about its effectiveness. |
| In the intervening time | He went on vacation; in the intervening time, his colleagues managed his workload. |
| From that moment onward | She discovered her passion; from that moment onward, she dedicated herself to it. |
| Since that occasion | He met his wife; since that occasion, his life has been filled with happiness. |
| In the duration thereafter | The course ended; in the duration thereafter, the students applied their knowledge. |
| Since that instance | The mistake was made; since that instance, steps have been taken to prevent recurrence. |
| In the period ensuing | The new management took over; in the period ensuing, significant changes were implemented. |
| From that day forth | He made a commitment; from that day forth, he remained steadfast. |
| Following that episode | The argument occurred; following that episode, they avoided each other. |
| Subsequently to that event | The merger took place; subsequently to that event, the company’s market share increased. |
| In the aftermath of that situation | The crisis unfolded; in the aftermath of that situation, many lessons were learned. |
| In the succeeding period | The reform was introduced; in the succeeding period, its effects were monitored. |
| From that time forward | She set a goal; from that time forward, she worked tirelessly to achieve it. |
| Following that occurrence | The discovery was made; following that occurrence, research accelerated. |
| In the years thereafter | They moved to a new country; in the years thereafter, they built a new life. |
| Since that particular event | The innovation was launched; since that particular event, the industry has transformed. |
Usage Rules
When choosing a synonym for “since then,” consider the following rules:
- Context: Select a synonym that fits the overall tone and style of your writing. Formal contexts may require more sophisticated phrases, while informal contexts allow for simpler adverbs.
- Tense: Ensure that the tense of the subsequent clause is appropriate. The present perfect or past perfect is commonly used to indicate actions that have occurred since the initial point in time.
- Clarity: Choose a synonym that clearly conveys the intended meaning. Avoid ambiguity by selecting a phrase that accurately reflects the temporal relationship between the events.
- Emphasis: Some synonyms emphasize the duration of time, while others highlight the consequence of the initial event. Select a synonym that aligns with the desired emphasis.
For example, “subsequently” often highlights a direct consequence, while “in the intervening period” emphasizes the passage of time.
Common Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using synonyms for “since then”:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| He moved to the city. After, he is happy. | He moved to the city. Afterward, he was happy. | “After” needs to be “afterward” to function as an adverb indicating time. |
| She started the job. In the meantime, she finishes. | She started the job. In the meantime, she was finishing tasks. | “In the meantime” requires a verb tense that shows ongoing action. |
| They signed the contract. As, the project began. | They signed the contract. As a result, the project began. / After signing the contract, the project began. | “As” needs a more complete structure to connect the ideas properly. |
| He left. Since then, I will miss him. | He left. Since then, I have missed him. | Incorrect tense usage: “Since then” often requires the present perfect tense. |
| She graduated. In the wake of that, she get a job. | She graduated. In the wake of that, she got a job. | Incorrect verb form: the verb form needs to be in the past tense. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of synonyms for “since then” with these exercises. Choose the best synonym to replace “since then” in each sentence.
Exercise 1: Multiple Choice
| Question | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| He moved to a new city. Since then, he has been much happier. | (a) Subsequently (b) In the meantime (c) Because | (a) Subsequently |
| The company restructured. Since then, profitability has increased. | (a) As (b) Over the ensuing years (c) Afterward | (b) Over the ensuing years |
| She started learning to cook. Since then, she has become an excellent chef. | (a) From that moment onward (b) Seeing that (c) Later | (a) From that moment onward |
| The accident occurred. Since then, safety measures were improved. | (a) Following that event (b) In the meantime (c) As | (a) Following that event |
| The contract was signed. Since then, the project progressed smoothly. | (a) Subsequently to that time (b) Because (c) Later | (a) Subsequently to that time |
| He lost his job. Since then, he has struggled to find work. | (a) As (b) Thereafter (c) In the meantime | (b) Thereafter |
| The new law was enacted. Since then, all citizens must comply. | (a) Henceforth (b) Because (c) In the interim | (a) Henceforth |
| She won the lottery. Since then, her life changed dramatically. | (a) From that moment onward (b) As (c) Later | (a) From that moment onward |
| He started his own business. Since then, he has faced many challenges. | (a) For the period succeeding that (b) As (c) In the meantime | (a) For the period succeeding that |
| The meeting adjourned. Since then, everyone went home. | (a) Thereafter (b) As (c) In the meantime | (a) Thereafter |
Exercise 2: Sentence Completion
Complete the following sentences using an appropriate synonym for “since then.”
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| The rain stopped. __________, the sun came out. | Subsequently |
| He went abroad. __________, his family missed him dearly. | In the intervening period |
| She began practicing yoga. __________, she has felt much healthier. | Since that day |
| The company merged. __________, its market share increased. | Following that event |
| The new policy was implemented. __________, its effects were monitored. | In the period following |
| The earthquake struck. __________, the city has been rebuilt. | Since that occurrence |
| He made a promise. __________, he kept his word. | From that time forward |
| The scandal broke. __________, many resignations occurred. | In the aftermath of that |
| She enrolled in college. __________, she excelled in her studies. | In the stretch succeeding that |
| He left the company. __________, he has started his own venture. | In the time elapsed since |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, consider exploring the nuances of formal versus informal language when selecting synonyms for “since then.” Formal writing often benefits from phrases like “subsequent to that” or “in the intervening period,” while informal conversation might use simpler adverbs like “later” or “afterward.” Additionally, explore how the choice of synonym can impact the tone and emphasis of your writing, adding layers of meaning and sophistication to your communication.
Another advanced topic is the use of these synonyms in different registers of English. For example, academic writing might require more precise and formal synonyms compared to journalistic writing, which might favor conciseness and clarity.
Understanding these contextual differences can significantly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in various settings.
FAQ
- What is the best synonym for “since then” in formal writing?
In formal writing, phrases like “subsequent to that,” “in the intervening period,” or “following that event” are often preferred due to their sophisticated and precise nature. These phrases add a level of formality suitable for academic papers, reports, and official documents.
- Can I use “because” as a direct replacement for “since then”?
While “because” can imply a temporal relationship, it is not a direct replacement for “since then.” “Because” indicates a cause-and-effect relationship, whereas “since then” primarily indicates the passage of time. It’s best to use “because” when you want to explain why something happened, rather than simply noting that it happened after a certain point.
- How do I choose the right synonym for “since then”?
Consider the context, tone, and desired emphasis of your writing. Formal contexts may require more sophisticated phrases, while informal contexts allow for simpler adverbs. Also, think about whether you want to emphasize the duration of time or the consequence of the initial event. This will help you choose the most appropriate synonym.
- Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with “since then”?
Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with “Since then,” followed by a comma. This can be used to emphasize the time that has elapsed since the initial event. For example: “Since then, I have learned a lot about the topic.”
- What tense should I use after “since then”?
The present perfect or past perfect tense is commonly used after “since then.” The present perfect is used to describe actions that started in the past and continue to the present, while the past perfect is used to describe actions that were completed before another point in the past. For example: “Since then, I have been working on this project” (present perfect) or “He had moved to a new city. Since then, she had missed him very much.” (past perfect)
- Are there any synonyms for “since then” that should be avoided?
Avoid using overly casual or informal synonyms in formal writing. Phrases like “after that” or “later” may be suitable for conversation but might not be appropriate for academic or professional contexts. Always consider your audience and the purpose of your writing when selecting a synonym.
- How can I improve my vocabulary of temporal adverbs and phrases?
Read widely and pay attention to how different writers use temporal adverbs and phrases. Make a note of new synonyms you encounter and try to incorporate them into your own writing and speaking. Practice using these synonyms in different contexts to become more comfortable and confident in your usage.
- Can “subsequently” always replace “since then”?
While “subsequently” is a good synonym for “since then,” it’s not always a perfect replacement. “Subsequently” often implies a direct consequence or a logical sequence of events. If you simply want to indicate the passage of time without emphasizing a cause-and-effect relationship, other synonyms like “thereafter” or “in the intervening period” might be more appropriate.
Conclusion
Mastering synonyms for “since then” allows you to express the passage of time with greater precision and stylistic flair. By understanding the nuances of adverbs, prepositional phrases, and other expressions, you can avoid repetition, convey subtle differences in meaning, and make your writing and speaking more engaging and effective.
Remember to consider the context, tone, and desired emphasis when choosing a synonym, and practice using these alternatives in various situations to solidify your understanding. With a rich vocabulary of temporal expressions, you can communicate more confidently and effectively in any setting.
Expanding your knowledge of English grammar and vocabulary is an ongoing process. Continue to explore new words and phrases, pay attention to how they are used in context, and practice incorporating them into your own communication.
With dedication and effort, you can significantly enhance your language skills and express yourself with greater clarity and precision.