Since

Definition

In the context of coordination and subordination, 'since' functions as a conjunction that introduces a subordinate clause, providing a reason or time frame related to the main clause. It helps in establishing a causal relationship or indicating when an action occurs, enhancing the clarity and flow of sentences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Since' can indicate both time and causation, which makes it versatile in sentence construction.
2. When used to indicate time, 'since' often relates to an event that began in the past and continues to the present.
3. 'Since' can also introduce a reason, effectively linking it to the result in the main clause.
4. In formal writing, using 'since' correctly can enhance clarity by clearly outlining relationships between ideas.
5. Misusing 'since' can lead to confusion; it’s important to distinguish whether it refers to time or causation based on context.

Review Questions

• How does the word 'since' function differently when indicating time versus causation in a sentence?
  • 'Since' serves two main functions depending on its use in a sentence. When indicating time, it suggests that an action or state began at a particular point and continues to the present, as in 'I have lived here since 2010.' Conversely, when used for causation, it introduces reasoning behind an action, such as in 'Since it was raining, we stayed indoors.' Understanding these distinctions is crucial for clear communication.
• Analyze how 'since' can enhance the coherence of a complex sentence through its role in subordinate clauses.
  • 'Since' improves the coherence of complex sentences by connecting subordinate clauses to main clauses seamlessly. For example, in 'Since she was tired, she went to bed early,' the use of 'since' clarifies that her tiredness is the reason for going to bed early. This linkage helps readers follow the logical flow of thoughts more easily, making writing more effective.
• Evaluate the impact of using 'since' incorrectly in writing. What are potential misunderstandings that could arise?
  • Incorrect usage of 'since' can lead to significant misunderstandings in writing. For instance, if a writer uses 'since' to indicate time when intending to express causation, it could confuse readers about the relationship between events. An example is saying, 'Since I finished my homework, I went out,' which could imply that finishing homework caused going out if not clarified. This highlights the importance of choosing the right conjunction based on intended meaning to avoid miscommunication.

Related terms

Conjunction: 'Conjunction' is a part of speech that connects words, phrases, or clauses, coordinating or subordinating them to form complex sentences.

Subordinate Clause: A 'subordinate clause' is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence, often introduced by subordinating conjunctions like 'since.'

Coordination: 'Coordination' refers to the grammatical linking of two or more elements of equal rank in a sentence, allowing for compound structures.