English can be tricky, especially when words sound alike but have completely different meanings. “Since vs Sense” are two such words that often confuse writers and speakers alike. While “since” is commonly used to indicate time or reason, “sense” relates to perception, logic, or meaning. Mixing them up can lead to awkward sentences and misunderstandings. In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between “since” and “sense,” with examples to help you use them correctly and confidently.

Defining “Since” and “Sense”

Since

As a conjunction:

• Indicating time: Refers to a point in the past until now.
  Example: “I have been here since 9 AM.”
• Indicating reason: Means “because.”
  Example: “Since you are here, let’s start.”

As a preposition:

• From a specific time in the past:
  Example: “I have known her since childhood.”

As an adverb:

• From a past time until now:
  Example: “He left home two years ago and hasn’t been seen since.”

Sense

As a noun:

• Perception or awareness: Refers to the body’s ability to perceive stimuli (sight, smell, hearing, taste, touch).
  Example: “Humans have five senses.”
• Understanding or judgment: The ability to comprehend or make decisions.
  Example: “He has a good sense of direction.”
• Meaning: When something is logical or coherent.
  Example: “This sentence makes no sense.”

As a verb:

• To perceive or detect: Becoming aware of something through senses.
  Example: “She could sense the tension in the room.”

Time Machine or Inner Compass?

"Since" for Time & Reasons – Use it for time references (“I work here since 2023”) or reasons (“Since it’s raining, grab an umbrella”). Think “time machine” or “because.”

"Sense" for Feeling & Meaning – Choose it for understanding (“This joke makes no sense”) or using perception (“I hear sirens”). Think “inner compass” or “meaning.”

“Since” vs. “Sense” 

English can be tricky, especially when words sound alike but have completely different meanings. “Since” and “Sense” are often confused, but knowing when to use each one is key to clear communication. “Since” relates to time and reasons, while “Sense” refers to perception, understanding, or logic. Mixing them up can lead to awkward sentences and confusion. In this guide, we’ll break down the meanings, uses, and easy tricks to remember the difference between “since” and “sense.” Let’s get started.

“Sense” as Your Internal Compass:

Have you ever relied on your instincts to make a decision or used logic to understand a situation?  That’s your sense acting as an internal compass, guiding you through life.  Whether it’s your ability to perceive the world through sight and sound, make sound judgments, or grasp meaning in conversations, “sense” plays a crucial role in how we navigate daily experiences.  We will investigate the various ways that “sense” serves as our guide, assisting us in interpreting, comprehending, and responding to the world around us in this section.

Feature	Since	Sense
Part of Speech	Preposition, Conjunction, Adverb	Noun, Verb
Meaning	Time (starting point) or Reason/Cause	Understanding, Perception, Feeling, Meaning
Function	Marks a starting point in the past, introduces a reason	Relates to senses (sight, smell, taste, touch, hearing), feelings, intuition, or meaning of words/phrases
Usage in Sentences	“I have lived here since 2010.” (Time)“Since it’s cold, wear a jacket.” (Reason)	“That doesn’t make sense.” (Understanding)“She has a strong sense of smell.” (Perception)
Alternative Words	Because, As, From, After, Due to	Meaning, Awareness, Intuition, Perception, Logic
Common Mistakes	Confusing “since” with “sense” in expressionsExample: ❌ “Since this word doesn’t make sense” (Incorrect)✅ “Sense” should be used instead	Using “sense” when “since” is needed for time or reasonExample: ❌ “Sense I arrived, I’ve been waiting” (Incorrect)✅ “Since” should be used instead
Formal vs. Informal Use	Common in both casual and formal writing	Used in both formal and informal settings, but meanings can vary
Idiomatic Expressions	“Ever since” (from a specific time)“Since when?” (questioning a claim)	“Make sense” (to be logical)“Sense of humor” (ability to appreciate humor)
Mnemonic Trick	Think of “since” as related to time or cause	Think of “sense” as connected to feeling or logic

Words You Can Use in Place of “Since” and “Sense”

Both “since” and “sense” have specific meanings, but sometimes, other words can be used in their place depending on the context. Here’s how you can substitute them correctly:

“Since”  When Indicating Time

• From :Specifies the starting point of a period of time.
  Example: “I’ve been working here since 2015.”
• After : Shows that something happens following a specific event.
  Example: “I felt better after I took the medicine.”
• Following : Refers to events occurring after a specific moment.
  Example: “Following the meeting, we had a discussion.”

“Since” : When Indicating Reason

• Because : Directly states the cause of something.
  Example: “I stayed home because I was feeling sick.”
• As  Used when providing a reason that is often already known.
  Example: “As it was raining, the match was postponed.”
• Due to : More formal way to explain a reason.
  Example: “The event was canceled due to the storm.”
• Inasmuch as : A formal way to mean “because.”
  Example: “He was honored inasmuch as he had achieved great success.”

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“Sense” : When Referring to Perception or Feeling

• Sensation : Describes a physical feeling or experience.
  Example: “She felt a tingling sensation in her fingers.”
• Perception : Refers to the way something is understood or interpreted.
  Example: “His perception of the event differed from mine.”
• Awareness : Describes a conscious knowledge or recognition of something.
  Example: “There was an increased awareness of the environmental issues.”
• Intuition : Describes an instinctive understanding without the need for conscious reasoning.
  Example: “Her intuition told her that something was wrong.”

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Putting it into Practice: Makes Sense or Since?

By now, you’ve likely mastered the difference between since and sense. But there’s one common phrase that often causes confusion: “Makes sense” vs. “Since it makes sense.”

Here’s the key:

• “Makes sense” stands alone—it simply means something is logical or understandable.
• Example: “After the professor’s explanation, everything finally makes sense.”
• “Since it makes sense” introduces a reason (since = because), but it’s often unnecessary.
• Example: “Since it makes sense, let’s go with this plan.” (Grammatically correct but wordy.)

Tip: In most cases, “makes sense” is the cleaner and more natural option.

Bonus Trick:

When in doubt, try replacing “since” with “because” and “sense” with “meaning.”

If the sentence still works, you’ve likely chosen the right word!

However, always consider the context to ensure clarity.

“Sense”  When Referring to Meaning or Understanding

• Meaning : Defines or explains the significance of something.
  Example: “The meaning of the poem was not immediately clear.”
• Significance : Indicates the importance or deeper meaning of something.
  Example: “The significance of the discovery cannot be overstated.”
• Understanding : Describes the ability to grasp a concept.
  Example: “He has a deep understanding of the subject.”
• Interpretation : Explains or defines something in a particular way.
  Example: “Her interpretation of the data was different from mine.”

Quick Recap

Use “since” for time (from a point in the past) or reason (because).
Use “sense” for perception (seeing, feeling, understanding) or meaning (logic and interpretation).

With these alternative words, you’ll have even more flexibility in your writing.

Examples in Context

Now that you know the difference between “since” and “sense,” let’s see them in action.

“Since” in Time and Reason

• Since early morning, the construction workers have been busy on-site. (Timeframe – Establishes when the action began)
• Since you didn’t reply to my message, I assumed you were busy. (Reason – Explains the cause of the assumption)
• We haven’t visited our hometown since the pandemic started. (Timeframe – Connects a past event to the present)
• Since switching to a healthier diet, she has felt more energetic. (Timeframe – Highlights a transformation after a past event)
• Since the championship game, the team has gained more recognition. (Reason – Links a past event to a present consequence)
• Since the factory shut down, many workers have struggled to find jobs. (Reason – Explains the effect of a past event on the present situation)

• It has been snowing continuously since last night. (Timeframe – Marks the starting point of an ongoing event)
• Since joining the company, he has learned valuable skills. (Timeframe – Highlights growth and progress from a past event to the present)
• Since you love adventure, this hiking trail is perfect for you. (Reason – Justifies a recommendation based on personal preference)
• The city has undergone major changes since the new mayor took office. (Timeframe – Describes a transformation after a specific past event)
• Since the release of the new smartphone, sales have skyrocketed. (Reason – Connects a past action to a present outcome)
• We’ve been waiting since 8 AM, and the bus still hasn’t arrived. (Timeframe – Establishes a continuous duration from the past to now)
• Since her graduation, she has been traveling the world. (Timeframe – Highlights a life change after a past milestone)
• Since the fire broke out, the neighborhood has been in shock. (Reason – Explains the ongoing impact of a past event)
• Since you have experience in marketing, this job would be a great fit. (Reason – Justifies a suggestion based on qualifications)
• The river has been unusually calm since the heavy rainfall stopped. (Timeframe – Describes a condition that changed following a past event)
• Since the bookstore closed, we’ve had to buy our novels online. (Reason – Explains the effect of a past occurrence on current behavior)
• Since childhood, he has dreamed of becoming an astronaut. (Timeframe – Establishes a long-term aspiration that began in the past)
• Since we missed the train, we’ll have to take the next one. (Reason – Provides the cause for a necessary action)
• Since the accident, she has been extra cautious while driving. (Reason – Connects a past traumatic event to current behavior)

Sense (Understandings and Feelings):

• Sense (Understandings and Feelings):
• Sense. The instructions don’t make much sense to me. (Understanding – Indicates confusion or lack of clarity)
• Sense. I have a strong sense that something isn’t right. (Feeling – Intuitive perception of a situation)
• Sense. There’s a deep sense of belonging in this community. (Feeling – Describes emotional connection and inclusion)
• Sense. His joke didn’t make any sense, but everyone laughed anyway. (Understanding – Questions logic or clarity)
• Sense. She has an excellent sense of direction and never gets lost. (Understanding – Describes natural navigation ability)
• Sense. A sense of urgency filled the air as the deadline approached. (Feeling – Describes tension or pressure in an atmosphere)
• Sense. The perfume has a gentle sense of lavender and citrus. (Perception – Related to physical senses like smell)
• Sense. His words made perfect sense after I thought about them for a while. (Understanding – Describes realization after initial confusion)
• Sense. The eerie silence in the house gave me a sense of unease. (Feeling – Describes an emotional reaction to an environment)
• Sense. The speech inspired a strong sense of hope and determination. (Feeling – Describes an emotional response to words or actions)
• Sense. She has a natural sense of rhythm and dances beautifully. (Understanding – Describes an intuitive ability related to music or movement)
• Sense. A sense of adventure drove him to travel the world. (Feeling – Describes an emotional drive or personality trait)
• Sense. His sense of humor is dry, but it always makes people laugh. (Understanding – Refers to someone’s comedic style or perception of jokes)
• Sense. The abandoned hospital had a haunting sense of mystery. (Feeling – Describes an eerie or atmospheric sensation in a place)
• Sense. She had a sudden sense that she had been in this place before. (Feeling – Describes an intuitive recognition or déjà vu)
• Sense. There was a growing sense of excitement before the game started. (Feeling – Describes the buildup of emotions in anticipation of an event)
• Sense. His sense of responsibility made him take charge of the situation. (Understanding – Describes an awareness or personal characteristic)
• Sense. The novel’s ending didn’t make sense at first, but after rereading, I understood. (Understanding – Describes an initial confusion followed by realization)
• Sense. A sense of calm washed over her as she watched the sunset. (Feeling – Describes an emotional reaction to a peaceful scene)

Words You Can Use in Place of “Since” and “Sense”

Since

When referring to time:

From – Specifies the starting point of a time period.
Example: “I’ve been working here since 2015.”

After – Indicates that something happens following a specific event.
Example: “I felt better after I took the medicine.”

Following – Denotes the period or events occurring after a particular event.
Example: “Following the meeting, we had a discussion.”

Since

When referring to reason:

Because – Shows the cause of an action.
Example: “I stayed home because I was feeling sick.”

As – Provides a reason that is often already known.
Example: “As it was raining, the match was postponed.”

Due to – Indicates a reason, typically used in formal writing.
Example: “The event was canceled due to the storm.”

Inasmuch as – Used in formal contexts to mean “because.”
Example: “He was honored inasmuch as he had achieved great success.”

Sense

When referring to perception or feeling:

Sensation – Describes a physical feeling or experience.
Example: “She felt a tingling sensation in her fingers.”

Perception – Refers to how something is understood or interpreted.
Example: “His perception of the event differed from mine.”

Awareness – Describes conscious knowledge or recognition of something.
Example: “There was an increased awareness of environmental issues.”

Intuition – Refers to an instinctive understanding without conscious reasoning.
Example: “Her intuition told her that something was wrong.”

When referring to meaning or understanding:

Meaning – Describes the definition or significance of something.
Example: “The meaning of the poem was not immediately clear.”

Significance – Indicates the importance or meaning of something.
Example: “The significance of the discovery cannot be overstated.”

Understanding – Describes the ability to grasp a concept or idea.
Example: “He has a deep understanding of the subject.”

Interpretation – Refers to the act of explaining or defining something.
Example: “Her interpretation of the data was different from mine.”

When Referring to Meaning or Understanding:

• Meaning – Represents the definition or significance of something.
  Example: “The meaning of the poem was not immediately clear.”
• Significance – Highlights the importance or impact of something.
  Example: “The significance of his words became evident later.”
• Understanding – Describes the ability to grasp a concept or idea.
  Example: “She has a deep understanding of human emotions.”
• Interpretation – Refers to the way something is explained or understood.
  Example: “His interpretation of the law differs from mine.”
• Comprehension – Describes the ability to mentally grasp something.
  Example: “Her comprehension of the subject improved over time.”
• Logic – Refers to reasoning or rational thought.
  Example: “The logic behind his argument was sound.”
• Explanation – Describes the clarification of a concept or idea.
  Example: “Can you give me a simple explanation of this theory?”
• Insight – Represents a deep understanding of something.
  Example: “Her insight into the problem helped us find a solution.”
• Rationale – Refers to the reasoning behind a decision or idea.
  Example: “The rationale for the policy change was explained in detail.”
• Sense – Indicates clarity or coherence in an idea.
  Example: “His speech made perfect sense after I listened carefully.”

Origins of “Since” and “Sense”

Since – This word has a rich and evolving history. It originates from Old English “siþþan,” which meant “after” or “since.” The term itself is a fusion of two Old English elements: “siþ” (“journey, later, afterwards”) and “þan” (a variant of “þon,” meaning “then” or “when”). Over the centuries, siþþan gradually transformed, appearing in Middle English as “sithen,” “sithence,” and “sithens.” By the 16th century, the modern spelling had fully emerged, solidifying its use in both temporal and causal contexts.

Sense – Rooted in Latin, sense traces back to “sensus,” which means “perception, feeling, or awareness.” Sensus itself comes from the verb “sentire,” meaning “to feel” or “to perceive.” As Latin heavily influenced English vocabulary, sensus made its way into Middle English as “sens” or “sense” around the 14th century. Over time, its meaning expanded beyond physical perception to include logic, intuition, and comprehension.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between since and sense is essential for clear and precise communication. Since primarily relates to time (“I have lived here since 2010”) or reason (“Since it’s raining, let’s stay inside”), while sense refers to perception, logic, or meaning (“That doesn’t make sense”).

By recognizing their distinct origins and functions, you can confidently use these words in the right context. When in doubt, remember: since it often works like a time marker or a cause, and sense is all about understanding, perception, and meaning.

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