From vs. Since

'From' and 'since' are both used to talk about a specific time period. In this lesson, we will learn their uses and differences.

What Is Their Main Difference?

The main difference between 'from' and 'since' is that 'from' is used to talk about finished actions while 'since' talks about ongoing actions.

Talking about Starting Points

Both prepositions are used to refer to the starting points of actions and events. The distinction is in the state of actions.
'Since' talks about actions and events that started in the past and are still happening now.
'From' talks about actions and events that started and finished in the past. For example:

He has been living in New York since 1987.

He lived in New York from 1987 to 1999.

With Other Prepositions

'From' is usually followed by a preposition to indicate the finishing point of the time period. 'Since' is usually not followed by another preposition. Have a look:

She was our teacher from first grade to the fourth grade.

She has been our teacher since the first grade.

With Tenses

As you saw in the earlier examples, 'since' can be used with perfect tenses while 'from' can be used with all tenses.

Are They Interchangeable?

They are not interchangeable. The two may refer to a specific time period, but replacing them with each other will take away the meaning and confuse the audience.

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