Difference Between Since and Hence

June 2023 · 5 minute read

In English language, Parts of speech form the essential and basic grammar rules for the language. Ideally, in English language, parts of speech are the structure blocks of efficient functional grammar.

Adverbs are words that qualify and modify a verb with respect to time, place, frequency, manner, situation, etc. Prepositions are those that ascertain a relation to another part of the sentence. Conjunction takes part and comes into use in connecting two independent clauses of a sentence.

Since vs Hence

The main difference between Since and Hence is the grammar form, meaning and usage in a sentence. “Since” is used to explain something that is happening from the past but “Hence” is used for describing some action as a result of something happened in the past and connects to the future.

The word “Since” can be used as an adverb, preposition or a conjunction. The meaning of the word “Since” commonly refers to the time period between two circumstances.

The word “Hence”, which is an adverb, is used to denote something as a consequence of or as a result of or therefore.

 

Comparison Table Between Since and Hence (in Tabular Form)

Parameter of ComparisonSinceHence
MeaningDescribes the time period in between two situations and can also be used for justifying a situation.Describes an action as a result of and also used to denote actions from now on.
Grammar FormUsed as a Conjunction, a Preposition, or an Adverb.Used as an Adverb only.
Part of the SentenceUsually refers to the past action and can be used in the beginning and in the middle.Generally refers to the future action and can be used in the beginning and in the middle.
UsageUsed to highlight the intervening time between two actions.Used to highlight an action as a result of or as a consequence of.
Example“It has been a long time since we both met each other”.“It is raining heavily; hence you must carry an umbrella”.
 

When to Use Since?

“Since” is used to represent a particular time period from the past till current time. It is used in English language as parts of speech to make the language more understandable and precise.

“Since” can be used as an Adverb or Conjunction or Preposition based on the situation and requirement of the language. It can be used in the beginning of the sentence as well as in the middle of the sentence.

The word “Since” can also be used as “Since then”. The following examples shall be considered to understand the application and usage of the word “Since” in various situations.

The word “Since” can be used as an Adverb in a sentence as follows.

  • “He went to Abroad last year and we have not seen him since”.
  • “They vacated their house last month and have not been seen since”.
  • The word “Since” can be used as a Conjunction in a sentence as follows.

  • “He has been warned twice since he joined the organisation”.
  • “He worked in different odd jobs since he is a school drop-out”.
  • The word “Since” can be used as a Preposition in a sentence as follows.

  • “Things have changed a lot since last winter”.
  • “Since joining the company, she has been promoted thrice”.
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    When to Use Hence?

    “Hence” is used in a sentence as an adverb and it refers to a reason or explanation given in a particular scenario. There are certain ways in which this word can be used in English Grammar.

    The word “Hence” is sometimes used as “Henceforth” which is also an adverb used to represent something a given time.

    The word “Hence” can be used to begin a sentence and it can also be used in the middle of a sentence according to the requirement.

    The following examples shall be considered to understand the application and usage of the word “Hence”.

  • “The committee meeting will be held two days hence”.
  • “It is very cold; hence we decided to stay inside”.
  • “Hence, I request you to kindly grant me leave”.
  • “The construction will be completed at the end of the decade, three years hence”.
  • “A recession is likely to rise again in 2020; hence stringent economic measures have to be taken”.
  • Main Differences Between Since and Hence

  • Both the words “Since” and “Hence” have different meaning in English language and differ in their usage in a sentence. The main difference between the words “Since” and “Hence” is the context and grammar form in which it is used.
  • The word “Since” can be used as a conjunction, preposition or an adverb in a sentence whereas the word “Hence” can be used only as an adverb in a sentence.
  • The word “Since” generally refers to an action from the past, but the word “Hence” usually denotes an action to the future.
  • The word “Since” is used to describe the time period between two actions and also to introduce an action whereas the word “Hence” is used to describe an action that has taken place as a consequent of and is used instead of “Therefore”.
  • The word “Since” is generally confused with usage in place of “For” and the word “Hence” is generally confused with usage in place of “Thus” or “Therefore”.
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    Conclusion

    There is a vast difference between the words “Since” and “Hence” in English language. They both represent parts of speech in English language. The usage of these words depends on the scenario and conversation of the user.

    Both words are used in explaining conversations relating to time, place and frequency. A thorough knowledge of parts of speech in English grammar is a must to use these words accurately.

    References

  • https://sentencedict.com/since.html
  • https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/hence
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