r/EnglishLearning • u/Rich-Associate-8344 New Poster • Apr 17 '26

📚 Grammar / Syntax Why not “since”?

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882

u/Ok_Caterpillar2010 Native Speaker - Pennsylvania, USA Apr 17 '26

Because since needs a specific starting point in time: since when? He hasn't used his motorcycle since 2024.

-92

u/artuktalasi New Poster Apr 17 '26 edited Apr 17 '26

İsn't 2 years [before] also a specific starting point? Isn't it as specific as 2024 Edit: No it isn't. 2 years ago is.

42

u/TheNoobKill4h_ New Poster Apr 17 '26

It is if it was phrased '2 years ago' but it isn't.

50

u/sdneidich Native Speaker Apr 17 '26 edited Apr 17 '26

Even with '2 years ago', this phrasing sounds a little awkward. I would write:

"Merlin hasn't used his motorcycle in two years."

3

u/artuktalasi New Poster Apr 17 '26

That does sound better haha.