When writing or speaking, few word pairs cause as much usage confusion as “since” vs “sense.” Both sound similar, but their meanings are worlds apart. If you’ve ever wondered when to use since or sense in a sentence, you’re not alone. This guide will help you untangle the confusion once and for all.
We’ll break down their meanings, functions, examples, and even the history behind these words. By the end, you’ll be able to use since and sense correctly with complete confidence.
Why “Since” and “Sense” Are Often Confused
The main reason people mix up since vs sense is their similar pronunciation. They’re heterographs — words that sound alike but have different meanings and spellings. Add in their distinct grammatical roles, and it’s easy to see how mistakes happen.
For example:
- Incorrect: That doesn’t since to me.
- Correct: That doesn’t make sense to me.
The confusion arises because spell-checkers won’t always catch these mistakes. You need to understand when to use since or sense by context.
The Word “Since” — Definitions & Usage
Since Meaning
Since can be a conjunction, preposition, or adverb, depending on how it connects ideas in a sentence. At its core, “since” deals with time and reason.
Since as Conjunction
As a conjunction, “since” joins clauses. It’s used to:
- Indicate time: linking an event in the past to the present.
- Example: Since we met, things have changed.
- Indicate reason: providing a cause or explanation.
- Example: Since you’re here early, we can start now.
Pro Tip: Use the rule of substitution: since = because to test if “since” is working as a reason-giving conjunction.
| Sentence | Substitution | Does it work? |
|---|---|---|
| Since you’re tired, let’s rest. | Because you’re tired, let’s rest. | ✅ Works as reason |
| Since last week, we’ve been busy. | Because last week, we’ve been busy. | ❌ Incorrect |
Since as Preposition
As a preposition, “since” connects a time reference to an action.
- Example: I haven’t seen her since Monday.
It links time frames, not causes.
Since as Adverb
As an adverb, “since” refers back to a time previously mentioned, without repeating it.
- Example: I left school and haven’t been back since.
Quick Visual Chart: “Since” — Parts of Speech & Functions
| Part of Speech | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Conjunction | Indicates time or reason | We’ve been friends since we were kids. |
| Preposition | Points to a time frame | He’s been gone since Tuesday. |
| Adverb | Refers back to a time | They broke up and haven’t spoken since. |
The Word “Sense” — Definitions & Usage
Sense Meaning
Sense primarily refers to perception, awareness, or meaning. It functions as both a noun and a verb.
Sense as Noun
As a noun, “sense” can mean:
- Physical perception (the five senses)
- Example: Dogs have a keen sense of smell.
- Emotional or intuitive feeling
- Example: He had a sense of relief.
- Logical understanding or reasoning
- Example: That doesn’t make sense.
Sense as Verb
As a verb, “sense” means to perceive, detect, or become aware of something not immediately obvious.
- Example: I sense tension in the room.
Table: Noun vs. Verb — How “Sense” Functions in Sentences
| Part of Speech | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | Denotes perception or meaning | She has a good sense of humor. |
| Verb | Perceiving or detecting | I can sense someone is watching us. |
Since vs Sense — Core Differences Simplified
Let’s distill it down:
| Word | Core Function | Usage Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Since | Indicates time or reason | Time references or cause/effect |
| Sense | Denotes perception or meaning | Physical senses, feelings, understanding |
Example Sentences: Compare Side-by-Side
| Incorrect Usage | Correct Usage | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| That doesn’t since to me. | That doesn’t make sense to me. | “Sense” is correct because it refers to understanding. |
| I haven’t seen her sense last week. | I haven’t seen her since last week. | “Since” is correct for expressing time. |
Common Phrases & Idioms with “Since” and “Sense”
Phrases with “Since”
- Ever since: I’ve been busy ever since the move.
- Since when?: Since when do you like jazz?
- Long since: He’s long since retired.
Phrases with “Sense”
- Makes sense: Your plan makes sense.
- Come to your senses: After the argument, she came to her senses.
- A false sense of security: The quick success gave them a false sense of security.
Synonyms & Alternative Words You Can Use
Alternatives to “Since”
- When expressing time: from, after, following
- When giving reasons: because, as, due to the fact that
Alternatives to “Sense”
- Perception-related: feeling, awareness, intuition
- Meaning-related: logic, meaning, rationale
Table: Synonym Usage Examples for Each Word
| Purpose | Instead of “Since” | Instead of “Sense” |
|---|---|---|
| Indicating time | From, after, following | N/A |
| Indicating reason | Because, as | N/A |
| Perception | N/A | Feeling, awareness, intuition |
| Meaning | N/A | Logic, rationale, meaning |
Practical Exercises: Test Your Understanding
Fill-in-the-Blank Sentences
- I haven’t seen her ______ last week.
- That explanation doesn’t ______ to me.
- ______ you’re here, can you help me?
- He can ______ trouble a mile away.
Spot the Error
- I have a good since of direction.
- Since when does that make sense?
Answers:
- since
- sense
- Since
- sense
Incorrect: I have a good since of direction. (Should be “sense”)
Etymology of Since and Sense
Etymology of “Since”
Derived from Middle English “sithens”, which came from Old English “siththan” — meaning after that. The word evolved to denote both time reference and causation in Modern English.
Etymology of “Sense”
“Sense” has roots in the Latin word “sensus”, meaning perception or feeling. It passed through Old French as “sens”, before becoming “sense” in Middle English.
Both words have Latin roots, but their divergence in meaning occurred early on, making “since vs sense” a classic case of heterographs.
Real-World Examples in Context
“Since” in News & Everyday Speech
- “Unemployment has been rising since March.”
- “Since you’re attending, would you like to speak?”
“Sense” in Literature & Conversations
- “There was a sense of urgency in his voice.”
- “She couldn’t sense any danger, but remained cautious.”
Final Recap: Mastering Since vs Sense in Your Writing
To avoid usage confusion, always ask:
- Am I referring to time or reason? → Use since
- Am I referring to perception or meaning? → Use sense
Remember:
- Since connects events in time or explains reasons.
- Sense refers to feelings, perceptions, and understandings.
Whenever you’re in doubt, apply the rule of substitution: try swapping “since” with “because” or “sense” with “understanding” to check if it fill