Ago vs. Since
What's the Difference?
Ago and since are both used to indicate a specific point in time, but they are used in different contexts. "Ago" is used to refer to a point in the past from the present moment, while "since" is used to refer to a point in the past up to the present moment. For example, "I saw her two days ago" indicates that the action of seeing her occurred two days before the present moment, while "I have been working here since 2010" indicates that the action of working here started in 2010 and continues up to the present moment.
Comparison
Attribute | Ago | Since |
---|---|---|
Definition | Indicates a past time period before the present moment | Indicates a starting point in the past leading up to the present moment |
Usage | Used to express how much time has passed since an event occurred | Used to express the starting point of a time period that continues up to the present |
Examples | 2 hours ago, 3 days ago, a week ago | Since yesterday, since last month, since the beginning of the year |
Verb Tense | Past tense | Present perfect tense |
Further Detail
Definition
Ago and since are both words that are used to indicate a point in time. However, they are used in different contexts and have slightly different meanings. Ago is used to indicate a specific point in the past, while since is used to indicate the starting point of a period of time that continues up to the present.
Usage
Ago is used when referring to a specific point in the past. For example, "I saw her two days ago." Since, on the other hand, is used when referring to the starting point of a period of time that continues up to the present. For example, "I have been working here since 2010."
Time Frame
Ago is used to refer to a point in time that is in the past relative to the present moment. It indicates how much time has passed since that point. Since, on the other hand, is used to refer to a starting point in the past that continues up to the present moment. It indicates the duration of time that has passed since that starting point.
Examples
Here are some examples to illustrate the difference between ago and since:
- "I graduated from college five years ago." (referring to a specific point in the past)
- "I have been living in this city since 2012." (referring to the starting point of a period of time)
- "She left the company two months ago." (referring to a specific point in the past)
- "I have been studying English since I was a child." (referring to the starting point of a period of time)
Similarities
Although ago and since have different meanings and are used in different contexts, they both refer to points in time. They both help to provide a timeline of events and actions. Additionally, they both indicate the passage of time in relation to the present moment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ago and since are both important words in the English language that help us to indicate points in time and provide context to our statements. While ago is used to refer to a specific point in the past, since is used to refer to the starting point of a period of time that continues up to the present. Understanding the differences between these two words can help us to communicate more effectively and accurately in our writing and speech.
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