[Grammar] Meaning of "Since"

[moon5633]

Hi!

I have a question about the meaning of "Since".

Following sentence, Which is the right meaning of "Since"? - Time(till now) or Cause(Because)

:

"Since we all started high school, we don't have much chance to get together as often as we used to"


Thanks in advance.

 

[5jj]

Hi!

I have a question about the meaning of "Since".

Following sentence, Which is the right meaning of "Since"? - Time(till now) or Cause(Because)

"Since we all started high school, we don't have much chance to get together as often as we used to".

Either meaning is possible, though the time meaning is the most likely.

 

[Pokemon]

I'd go for 'cause'. If the conjunction indicated a time relation, the verb in the main clause would be used in the present perfect:
"Since we all started high school, we haven't had much chance to get together as often as we used to"

 

[Drear Pooson]

Not a teacher.

I read the sentence before I read your question or the other replies, and the "time" meaning of since was the one that occurred to me. Starting high school occurs at a specific point in time, so for me the word since evoked the idea of "from that time forward."

Also, I understand the implication is that all parties concerned are still in high school, but wouldn't consider an event that occurs at a single point in time (and in the past, to boot) to necessarily be the cause for an ongoing situation. If the "causation" meaning of since is desired, I would recommend rephrasing the opening of the sentence "Since we all are attending high school, ... "

I also agree with Pokemon's suggestion. The beginning of the sentence seems to be mismatched with the main clause. Because of this, it is difficult to guess what meaning the speaker intended.

 

[SoothingDave]

I read it as meaning after that point in time. But it doesn't exclude the idea of "because our lives have changed in high school." I don't think it's either/or.

 

[moon5633]

Thanks All of you - fivejedjon, Pokemon, Drear Pooson, SoothingDave.

Your Replies really help me.

Best of Luck to all of You.