Since vs Sense: Understanding When to Use Each Word

Have you ever paused mid-sentence, unsure whether to use “since” or “sense”? You’re not alone. These two words sound similar but have very different meanings, and using the wrong one can completely change what you’re trying to say. Whether you’re writing an essay, sending an email, or just chatting with friends, mixing them up can make your writing confusing.

“Since” often refers to time or reason, while “sense” deals with perception, understanding, or logical judgment. Knowing the difference can help your writing sound polished, professional, and clear. In this article, we’ll break down their meanings, show real-world examples, highlight common mistakes, and give you tips to remember when to use each word correctly. By the end, you’ll have a solid grasp of both words and never confuse them again.

We’ll cover: definitions, examples, common pitfalls, memory tricks, idiomatic expressions, advanced usage, and even a short quiz to test your understanding. Let’s dive in and clarify the confusion once and for all.

What Does “Since” Mean?

“Since” is a versatile word that can indicate either time or cause. Understanding its function in a sentence is key to using it correctly.

1. Time Reference

When used to mark time, “since” tells us when something started. It often pairs with perfect tenses.

Examples:

• I have lived in New York since 2010.
• She hasn’t called me since last week.

Pro Tip: If you can replace it with “from that time,” it usually works as a time marker.

2. Cause or Reason

“Since” can also explain why something happened. In this case, it works similarly to “because” or “as.”

Examples:

• Since you’re here early, we can start the meeting.
• I didn’t go to the party since I was feeling sick.
  

Function	Example	Replacement
Time	I’ve known him since 2015.	from that time
Cause / Reason	Since it’s raining, stay inside.	because

Using “since” incorrectly can make your sentence sound awkward or ambiguous. Pay attention to context: is it time or cause?

What Does “Sense” Mean?

“Sense” is all about perception, understanding, or awareness. Unlike “since,” it’s not about time or reason.

1. Perception or Feeling

“Sense” can describe a gut feeling or intuition about something.

Examples:

• I have a sense that something is wrong.
• She had a sense of excitement before the trip.

2. Logical Understanding

“Sense” often relates to rational thinking or making decisions.

Examples:

• That plan doesn’t make sense.
• His explanation had no sense at all.
  

3. Physical Senses

“Sense” can refer to the five senses: sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing.

Examples:

• Dogs have an incredible sense of smell.
• He lost his sense of touch after the injury.

Key Differences Between “Since” and “Sense”

To never confuse these words again, here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	Since	Sense
Part of Speech	Conjunction / Preposition	Noun / Verb
Meaning	Time or Cause	Perception, Understanding, Logic
Usage Example	I’ve lived here since 2010.	That doesn’t make sense.
Tip	Replace with “from that time” or “because”	Replace with “feeling” or “understanding”

Key Takeaway: Since = time/reason, Sense = perception/logic. Context is everything.

Common Mistakes Learners Make

Even experienced writers can mix these up. Here are the most common mistakes:

1. Confusing cause and perception
   
   •  “I didn’t go out sense it was raining.”
   •  “I didn’t go out since it was raining.”
     
2. Starting a sentence with “since” incorrectly
   
   •  “Since it is raining. I stayed home.”
   •  “Since it is raining, I stayed home.”
     
3. Overusing sense in place of since
   
   •  “I’ve known him sense 2015.”
   •  “I’ve known him since 2015.”
     

Tip: Reading your sentences aloud often reveals errors immediately.

Also Read This: What’s the Plural of Syllabus? Syllabuses or Syllabi?

Tips to Remember the Difference

Learning the distinction is easier with memory tricks:

• Mnemonic:
  
  • Since = Time or Cause
  • Sense = Feeling or Logic
    
• Visual Aid:
  
  • Think of “sense” as your senses—what you feel, see, or understand.
  • Think of “since” as a timeline arrow pointing to the start of something.
    
• Practice Exercises:
  
  • Fill in the blanks:
    1. I’ve been busy ___ Monday.
    2. That doesn’t make ___.
    3. ___ you’re here, let’s begin.

Answer Key: 1. since | 2. sense | 3. Since

Example Sentences in Everyday Writing

Here’s how these words appear in real-life scenarios:

Emails

• Since: “Since you submitted the report early, we can start the review today.”
• Sense: “Your proposal makes perfect sense, thank you for clarifying.”

Conversations

• Since: “Since it’s late, let’s call it a night.”
• Sense: “I have a sense that something is off with this plan.”

Academic Writing

• Since: “Since the 19th century, scientists have studied this phenomenon.”
• Sense: “The results make sense when we analyze the data carefully.”

Advanced Usage and Nuances

Sometimes, usage isn’t straightforward:

1. “Since” as “Because”

• “Since you asked” = “Because you asked.”
• Common in formal and informal writing.

2. Idiomatic Expressions with Sense

• Common sense = practical judgment
• Make sense = be logical or understandable
• Sense of humor = ability to perceive humor

3. Context Determines Meaning

• “I have a sense of relief since the project ended.”
  
  • Here, sense is a feeling, and since is a time marker.

Tip: Pay attention to sentence structure and intended meaning.

Quick Quiz to Test Your Understanding

Fill in the blanks:

1. I haven’t eaten ___ morning.
2. This explanation doesn’t make ___.
3. ___ you’re here, let’s begin.
4. He lost his ___ of direction.
5. I’ve liked chocolate ___ I was a child.

Answer Key:

1. since | 2. sense | 3. Since | 4. sense | 5. since
   

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between since and sense is essential for clear and professional writing. Remember:

• Since = marks time or gives a reason
  
• Sense = refers to perception, logic, or physical senses
  

Using these words correctly improves readability, credibility, and confidence in your writing. With practice, memory tricks, and awareness of common mistakes, you’ll never mix them up again.

Next time you write, pause for a moment: Does your sentence need time/reason or perception/logic? That’s your key to choosing since or sense correctly.

FAQs

1. What is the main difference between “since” and “sense”?

 “Since” typically refers to time or a starting point, while “sense” relates to understanding, perception, or feeling. Using the wrong word can confuse your readers.

2. Can “since” be used in formal writing?

 Yes, “since” is appropriate in both formal and informal writing when referring to time or cause-and-effect. Just ensure consistency with style guides like APA, MLA, or Chicago.

3. How do regional differences affect the use of “since” and “sense”?

 In US and UK English, the meanings remain the same, but punctuation and sentence structure around “since” may differ slightly. Awareness helps maintain  professional tone in business communication.

4. Are there common mistakes to avoid with these words?

 A frequent error is using “sense” when you mean “since” in project management updates, online booking confirmations, or calendar notes. Proofreading and context checks are key to clarity.

5. How can I remember the difference between “since” and “sense”?

 Think time for “since” and feeling or understanding for “sense”. Visual cues, example sentences, and regular practice in meetings, emails, and scheduling tasks reinforce correct usage.