Since vs Whereas: Meaning And Differences

Are you confused about when to use “since” and “whereas” in your writing? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. These two words can be tricky to differentiate, but with a little bit of guidance, you’ll be using them like a pro in no time.

We should clarify which of the two is the proper word to use. The answer is… it depends on the context. Both “since” and “whereas” have their own unique meanings and uses.

“Since” is used to indicate a point in time or a duration of time that has passed. For example, “I have been working from home since March.” In this sentence, “since” is used to indicate the starting point of when the person began working from home.

“Whereas” is used to contrast two things or ideas. It is often used to show a difference or opposition between two clauses. For example, “I love to read, whereas my sister prefers to watch TV.” In this sentence, “whereas” is used to contrast the speaker’s love for reading with their sister’s preference for watching TV.

Now that we’ve established the difference between “since” and “whereas,” let’s dive deeper into their uses and provide some examples to help you better understand how to use them in your writing.

Define Since

Since is a conjunction that is used to indicate the starting point of an action or event. It is commonly used to express a cause-and-effect relationship between two events or actions. For example, “Since I started exercising regularly, I have lost weight.” In this sentence, since is used to show that the weight loss started at the same time as the exercise routine.

Define Whereas

Whereas is a conjunction that is used to show a contrast or a difference between two things. It is commonly used to introduce a clause that contrasts with or is in opposition to a previous clause. For example, “I love playing basketball, whereas my sister prefers volleyball.” In this sentence, whereas is used to show the difference in preferences between the speaker and their sister.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the correct words in a sentence is crucial in conveying the intended meaning. Two commonly confused words are since and whereas. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use these words in a sentence.

How To Use Since In A Sentence

The word since is commonly used to indicate a point in time or a cause-and-effect relationship. Here are some examples:

• Since I started exercising regularly, I have lost weight.
• I haven’t seen him since last week.
• Since it’s raining outside, we should stay indoors.

It is important to note that since should not be used to mean because. Instead, it should be used to indicate a specific point in time or a duration of time.

How To Use Whereas In A Sentence

The word whereas is commonly used to show a contrast or a difference between two things. Here are some examples:

• My sister loves spicy food, whereas I prefer mild flavors.
• He is very outgoing, whereas his brother is shy.
• The company’s profits increased this year, whereas last year they experienced a loss.

It is important to note that whereas should not be used to mean while. Instead, it should be used to indicate a contrast or a difference between two things.

More Examples Of Since & Whereas Used In Sentences

In this section, we will provide you with more examples of how to use “since” and “whereas” in a sentence. Understanding the proper usage of these two words can help you to communicate more effectively in both written and spoken English.

Examples Of Using Since In A Sentence

• Since it’s raining outside, we should stay indoors.
• He has been feeling tired since he started working long hours.
• She has been a vegetarian since she was a teenager.
• Since you’re already here, why don’t you stay for dinner?
• He has been studying English since he moved to the United States.
• Since I have some free time, I think I’ll go for a walk.
• She has been practicing yoga since she was in college.
• Since the store is closed, we’ll have to come back tomorrow.
• He has been taking medication since he was diagnosed with diabetes.
• Since we’re out of milk, I’ll have to go to the grocery store.

These examples demonstrate the use of “since” to indicate a specific point in time or a cause-and-effect relationship.

Examples Of Using Whereas In A Sentence

• She loves spicy food, whereas he prefers mild flavors.
• He is a morning person, whereas she likes to sleep in.
• The company’s profits have been increasing, whereas their competitors have been struggling.
• She enjoys reading books, whereas he prefers watching movies.
• He is outgoing and sociable, whereas she is more introverted.
• The new employee is highly motivated, whereas the previous one was not.
• She is an excellent cook, whereas he can barely boil water.
• The old building was rundown, whereas the new one is modern and well-maintained.
• He is a talented musician, whereas she has no musical ability.
• The company’s customer service is excellent, whereas their shipping times are slow.

These examples demonstrate the use of “whereas” to indicate a contrast or comparison between two things or ideas.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words since and whereas, many people tend to use them interchangeably, which can lead to confusion and incorrect usage. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using ‘Since’ To Mean ‘Whereas’

One of the most common mistakes people make is using ‘since’ to mean ‘whereas’. For example, ‘Since John is a lawyer, he must be good at public speaking’ – this sentence implies that John is good at public speaking because he is a lawyer, which is incorrect.

Using ‘Whereas’ To Mean ‘Since’

Another common mistake is using ‘whereas’ to mean ‘since’. For instance, ‘Whereas John is a lawyer, he must be good at public speaking’ – this sentence implies that John must be good at public speaking because he is a lawyer, which is also incorrect.

Confusing The Meaning Of ‘Since’

People also tend to confuse the meaning of ‘since’. For example, ‘I haven’t seen John since last week’ – this sentence implies that the speaker last saw John last week, which is correct. However, ‘Since I haven’t seen John last week, he must be out of town’ – this sentence implies that John is out of town because the speaker hasn’t seen him, which is incorrect.

Not Using A Comma After ‘Whereas’

When using ‘whereas’ to introduce a contrasting phrase, it is important to use a comma after it. For example, ‘Whereas John is a lawyer, Mary is a doctor’ – this sentence implies a contrast between John and Mary’s professions. However, ‘Whereas John is a lawyer Mary is a doctor’ – this sentence implies that John is a lawyer Mary, which is incorrect.

Using ‘Since’ Instead Of ‘Because’

Lastly, people tend to use ‘since’ instead of ‘because’. For example, ‘Since it’s raining, I’ll stay indoors’ – this sentence implies that the speaker is staying indoors because it’s raining, which is correct. However, ‘Since I’m hungry, I’ll eat lunch’ – this sentence implies that the speaker is eating lunch because they are hungry, which is better expressed as ‘Because I’m hungry, I’ll eat lunch’.

Tips To Avoid Making These Mistakes

• Be clear on the meaning of since and whereas before using them in a sentence
• Use since to refer to time, and whereas to introduce a contrasting phrase
• Always use a comma after whereas when introducing a contrasting phrase
• Use because instead of since to express causation
• Proofread your writing to ensure correct usage of since and whereas

Context Matters

Choosing between “since” and “whereas” can depend heavily on the context in which they are used. While both words can indicate a causal relationship between two events, they are often used in different contexts and carry slightly different connotations.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Consider the following examples:

Context	Example	Preferred Word
Time	I have been studying for three hours since I got home from work.	Since
Comparison	John is tall, whereas his brother is short.	Whereas
Contrast	I love playing sports, whereas my sister prefers reading.	Whereas
Reason	I couldn’t go to the party since I had to work.	Since

As you can see from the examples above, the choice between “since” and “whereas” can depend on the specific context in which they are used. In general, “since” is often used to indicate a causal relationship between two events in time, while “whereas” is often used to indicate a contrast or comparison between two things.

However, it’s important to note that there are many exceptions to these general rules, and the choice between “since” and “whereas” can often depend on the specific nuances of the context in which they are used.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the usage of since and whereas is generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to the rules that may arise in certain situations. Here are some instances where the standard rules for using since and whereas might not apply:

1. Subordinate Clauses

When since and whereas are used in subordinate clauses, their usage can be more flexible. In this case, since can be used to mean “because” and whereas can be used to mean “while” or “although”. For example:

• Since I had already eaten, I wasn’t hungry anymore.
• Whereas he prefers coffee, I prefer tea.

2. Legal Language

In legal language, since and whereas have specific meanings and are used differently than in standard English. Since is used to introduce a recital of facts, while whereas is used to introduce a preamble or background information. For example:

Since	Since the parties have agreed to the terms of the contract, it is now binding.
Whereas	Whereas the defendant has been found guilty, the court hereby sentences him to ten years in prison.

3. Regional Differences

There may be regional differences in how since and whereas are used. For example, in British English, whereas is often used instead of while to indicate contrast. However, in American English, while is more commonly used in this context. Similarly, since is often used in American English to mean “from the time that”, while in British English, it is more commonly used to mean “because”.

It’s important to be aware of these exceptions to ensure that you are using since and whereas correctly in all situations.

Practice Exercises

To help readers improve their understanding and use of since and whereas in sentences, here are some practice exercises:

Exercise 1

Fill in the blanks with either since or whereas:

1. I haven’t seen her ___________ last year.
2. John prefers tea ___________ coffee.
3. ___________ he is a good student, he still struggles with math.
4. She has been working at the company ___________ 2010.
5. ___________ you like spicy food, I prefer mild flavors.

Answer Key:

1. since
2. to
3. Whereas
4. since
5. Whereas

Exercise 2

Write three sentences using since and three sentences using whereas.

Answer Key:

• Since I started exercising regularly, I have lost weight.
• Since the company was bought out by a larger corporation, there have been many changes.
• Since the accident, he has been unable to walk without crutches.
• Whereas John prefers tea, his wife prefers coffee.
• Whereas the first edition of the book was well received, the second edition received mixed reviews.
• Whereas the company’s profits have increased, their employee satisfaction has decreased.

By practicing these exercises, readers can improve their understanding and use of since and whereas in sentences. Remember that since is used to indicate a starting point in time or a cause and effect relationship, whereas is used to show a contrast between two things.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between “since” and “whereas,” it is important to remember the following key takeaways:

Summarized Key Takeaways

• “Since” refers to a specific point in time or a causal relationship, while “whereas” indicates a contrast or comparison.
• Using the wrong word can change the intended meaning of a sentence and confuse readers.
• It is important to carefully consider the context and intended meaning when choosing between “since” and “whereas.”

By understanding the nuances of these two words, writers can improve the clarity and effectiveness of their writing.

Encouragement To Keep Learning

Grammar and language use are complex and constantly evolving. As such, it is important for writers to continue learning and improving their skills. Whether through online resources, writing workshops, or simply reading widely, there are many ways to expand your knowledge and become a more effective communicator.

Remember, effective writing is not just about using the right words, but also about conveying your message clearly and persuasively. By continuing to hone your craft, you can become a more confident and successful writer.