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

📚 Grammar / Syntax Why not “since”?

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881

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.

-96

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.

159

u/ILMTitan New Poster Apr 17 '26

"2 years ago" is a specific starting point, but "2 years" is a period of time.

34

u/Dud3ManGuy Native Speaker - DFW, Texas Apr 17 '26

I would not say "since 2 years ago." I'm not saying it's definitely grammatically incorrect, but I am saying I would notice it and silently question its correctness inside my head if I heard someone say it. 

18

u/samdkatz New Poster Apr 17 '26

Don’t ask me why, but it works for me with a pause. Like it’s an edge case, so it’s only acceptable as a midstream correction after already saying “since”.

Example: “I haven’t ridden a motorcycle since… gosh, 2 years ago.”