since in the meaning of because

[ostap77]

How about this one

"I haven't seen him in a while since I've been in Atlanta."

"Since........" meaning because I've been living in Atlanta?

OR

"Since you guys have been a lot of help I'll give you some bonus."

OR

"I could easily give you advice on this one since I've been there and done that."

Is it Ok to use ''been there and done that" meaning that I've been exposed to a similar kind of experience and have enough knowledge to give you advice? Is there any rule on when to use "since" instead of "because"?

 

[RonBee]

How about this one

"I haven't seen him in a while since I've been in Atlanta."

"Since........" meaning because I've been living in Atlanta?

I think so. The reason you haven't seen him is that you've been living in Atlanta.

 

[e2e4]

/A learner/

How about this one

"I haven't seen him for a while since I've been in Atlanta."

"Since........" meaning because I've been living in Atlanta?

OR

"Since you guys have been of great help I'll give you some bonus."

OR

"I could easily give you advice on this since I've been there and done that."

Is it okay to use ''been there and done that" meaning that
"I've been exposed to a similar kind of experience and have enough knowledge to give you advice?"
Is there any rule on when to use "since" instead of "because"?

"since" may be used to refer either to time or a reason.

I've heard for a rule when "since" refer to reasons

"Since" referring to reasons may be used instead of "because" when the reason is presumed to be already known to the listener.

Would a teacher confirm and explain the rule if so?

Thanks

 

[Pedroski]

If you can replace since with something like 'from the time' 'from the time of', then it is not 'because'. If since is followed by something interpretable as a reason, 'it is a hectic time of year for us', then it is a 'because'. I don't think the listener needs to already know the reason in the case of since = because. Why should he/she?

He has been busy since he came. 'from the time' 'because he came' does not explain 'Why?'
He has been busy since (it is a hectic time of year for us). 'because'
Since 1999, there have been more cyclones than usual. You can't really say: *because 1999.
Since (you're not interested), I won't tell you about it. Not good to say *From the time you're not interested'
I have loved you since our childhood. 'our childhood' is not a good reason to love.
Since I love you, why don't we get married? 'I love you' is a good reason to marry. (I think, don't quote me on that!!)

I can't think of a 'rule' when or when not to use 'since' or 'because'.

The reason I'm saying that is because I'm ignorant.
*The reason I'm saying that is since I'm ignorant. Not good.
The reason I'm saying that is since I'm ignorant, I haven't a clue!

Been there, done that! is the usual expression. What about going surfing in Hawaii? Been there, done that, think of something more exciting!