Sense vs. Since

Attribute	Sense	Since
Definition	The faculty of perceiving with the senses	From a particular time or event in the past until now
Part of Speech	Noun	Preposition or conjunction
Usage	Refers to the physical or cognitive perception	Indicates a starting point in time or a cause-effect relationship
Examples	"I have a sense of smell."	"I have known her since childhood."
Synonyms	Feeling, perception, awareness	From, as, because, due to

Introduction

When it comes to the English language, words can often have similar spellings or pronunciations, leading to confusion among learners. Two such words that are commonly mixed up are "sense" and "since." While they may appear similar, these words have distinct meanings and usage. In this article, we will explore the attributes of "sense" and "since" to understand their differences and how they are used in various contexts.

Sense

The word "sense" is primarily used as a noun and has multiple meanings depending on the context. One of its most common uses is to refer to the five basic senses: sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. For example, "I can sense the aroma of freshly brewed coffee" or "She has a keen sense of hearing." In these cases, "sense" is used to describe the ability to perceive or detect stimuli through the senses.

Another meaning of "sense" is related to understanding or comprehension. It can refer to a person's intellectual or intuitive perception of something. For instance, "He has a great sense of humor" or "She has a strong sense of justice." Here, "sense" is used to describe a person's ability to comprehend or interpret certain aspects of the world.

Furthermore, "sense" can also be used to describe a feeling or intuition about a situation or event. For example, "I have a sense that something is not right" or "She had a sense of foreboding." In these cases, "sense" is used to convey a gut feeling or an instinctive perception of something without concrete evidence.

Additionally, "sense" can be used in idiomatic expressions such as "make sense" or "common sense." "Make sense" means that something is logical or understandable, while "common sense" refers to practical intelligence or sound judgment. For instance, "His explanation doesn't make sense" or "Using a knife to cut bread is just common sense."

In summary, "sense" is a versatile noun that can refer to the five basic senses, understanding or comprehension, intuition or feeling, as well as being used in idiomatic expressions related to logic and practical intelligence.

Since

Unlike "sense," "since" is primarily used as a conjunction or a preposition. It is used to indicate a specific point in time or a duration that started in the past and continues into the present. As a conjunction, "since" is used to introduce a subordinate clause that provides a reason or explanation for the main clause. For example, "Since it was raining, we decided to stay indoors" or "I haven't seen her since she moved to a different city."

As a preposition, "since" is used to indicate the starting point of a period of time or an event. For instance, "He has been working here since 2010" or "They have been friends since childhood." In these cases, "since" is used to establish a connection between a past event and the present moment.

It is important to note that "since" is not used to express causality but rather to establish a temporal relationship. It indicates that something started at a particular time in the past and has continued until now.

Additionally, "since" can also be used to express the reason for a present state or situation. For example, "I have been tired since I didn't get enough sleep" or "She has been upset since she received the bad news." In these cases, "since" is used to provide an explanation for the current condition or feeling.

In summary, "since" is primarily used as a conjunction or preposition to indicate a specific point in time, a duration that started in the past and continues into the present, or to provide a reason or explanation for a present state or situation.

Comparison

While "sense" and "since" may sound similar, they have distinct meanings and usage. "Sense" is primarily used as a noun and can refer to the five basic senses, understanding or comprehension, intuition or feeling, as well as being used in idiomatic expressions related to logic and practical intelligence. On the other hand, "since" is primarily used as a conjunction or preposition and is used to indicate a specific point in time, a duration that started in the past and continues into the present, or to provide a reason or explanation for a present state or situation.

It is important to pay attention to the context in which these words are used to avoid confusion. Understanding the differences between "sense" and "since" will help you communicate more effectively and accurately in both spoken and written English.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "sense" and "since" are two words that are often confused due to their similar spellings or pronunciations. However, they have distinct meanings and usage. "Sense" is primarily used as a noun and can refer to the five basic senses, understanding or comprehension, intuition or feeling, as well as being used in idiomatic expressions related to logic and practical intelligence. On the other hand, "since" is primarily used as a conjunction or preposition and is used to indicate a specific point in time, a duration that started in the past and continues into the present, or to provide a reason or explanation for a present state or situation.

By understanding the attributes of "sense" and "since," you can enhance your language skills and avoid common mistakes. Remember to consider the context in which these words are used to ensure accurate communication. With practice, you will become more confident in using these words appropriately and effectively in your everyday conversations and writing.