Language evolves constantly, and so does our use of transitional phrases. One commonly used phrase is ‘since then,’ often found in both written and spoken English to describe events or changes following a specific point in time. Although since then is widely accepted, there are several synonyms that can enrich your communication, especially when you’re aiming for clarity, variety, or a more formal or poetic tone. Understanding these alternatives not only helps improve your vocabulary but also enhances your writing style, especially in professional, academic, or storytelling contexts.
Understanding the Meaning of ‘Since Then’
The phrase since then functions as a temporal connector. It refers back to a previously mentioned time or event and indicates the continuation or development of something from that moment to the present or another specific time. For example:
- He started his business in 2010.Since then, it has grown tremendously.
- She moved to France two years ago, andsince then, she has learned fluent French.
In both cases, since then emphasizes an ongoing or resulting condition. Depending on your context, tone, or the formality required, you may want to choose a synonym that conveys the same meaning but sounds slightly different.
Common Synonyms for ‘Since Then’
1. Ever Since
Ever since is one of the closest synonyms in both meaning and usage. It is used to express continuous action or state from a specific past time up to now.
Example: I saw that movie last summer, and I’ve been thinking about itever since.
This synonym carries a slightly more emotional or dramatic tone, often used in storytelling or personal anecdotes.
2. From That Point On
This alternative is more formal and is often used in narratives or structured writing. It refers to events that occurred after a specific moment in time.
Example: He failed his first exam.From that point on, he began to study more seriously.
It is particularly effective in historical accounts or biographical texts where chronological progression matters.
3. In the Time That Followed
This is a descriptive synonym for since then, offering a more literary and formal tone. It works well in essays and storytelling when you want to slow down the narrative pace.
Example: The accident changed everything.In the time that followed, nothing felt the same.
This phrase often emphasizes the emotional or consequential nature of events that came after a pivotal moment.
4. Subsequently
Subsequently is more formal and often used in academic or professional writing. It highlights a logical or chronological sequence of events.
Example: The company restructured its operations.Subsequently, profits increased by 30%.
While not always interchangeable in every informal context, subsequently works well when precision and clarity are important.
5. Thereafter
Thereafter is another formal synonym. It’s often found in legal, historical, or academic writing and carries a sense of finality or long-term change.
Example: He resigned from his post.Thereafter, he was rarely seen in public life.
This word is useful when describing a shift or change that remains in effect over a long duration.
Informal or Conversational Synonyms
6. After That
After that is one of the simplest and most informal ways to say since then. It is commonly used in everyday speech and casual writing.
Example: We had an argument.After that, we barely talked.
Though grammatically straightforward, after that lacks the continuity implied by since then. It’s more suitable for describing individual events rather than ongoing conditions.
7. From Then On
This synonym is very similar in tone and usage to since then. It emphasizes the beginning of a new pattern or phase.
Example: She made a mistake once, andfrom then on, she was extra cautious.
From then on implies a turning point, often highlighting lessons learned or behavioral changes.
Choosing the Right Synonym Based on Context
Selecting the best synonym for since then depends on several factors, including tone, audience, and formality. Here are some general guidelines:
- Use ever sincewhen conveying ongoing emotion or connection in personal writing.
- Use subsequentlyorthereafterfor formal, academic, or business writing.
- Use after thatorfrom then onin casual conversation or storytelling.
- Use in the time that followedwhen you want to highlight reflective or emotional progression.
Enhancing Sentence Variety and Flow
Using different synonyms for since then can help prevent redundancy, especially in longer texts. Instead of repeating the same phrase, try mixing up your transitional words. Here’s how you can do that effectively:
- Original: She joined the team in 2021.Since then, she has contributed greatly.Since then, the project has improved.
- Improved: She joined the team in 2021.Since then, she has contributed greatly.In the time that followed, the project saw significant improvements.
By alternating synonyms, your writing becomes more dynamic and easier to read.
Synonyms in Creative and Fiction Writing
Writers of fiction or poetry often seek to vary their language for rhythm, imagery, and tone. Choosing a synonym for since then that matches the voice of the character or narrator can make the writing more compelling.
Example in narrative style: The village was quiet until the storm.From that point on, silence became fear, and peace turned into whispers of ghosts.
Creative writing allows for more freedom in language use, and these synonyms help diversify pacing and tone.
Expand Your Lexical Toolbox
While since then is a reliable and useful phrase, exploring its synonyms can improve your fluency, creativity, and command of the English language. Whether you’re writing an essay, telling a story, drafting a report, or simply having a conversation, having alternatives like ever since, thereafter, or from that point on gives you flexibility and style. With conscious use of varied vocabulary, your writing becomes richer, more nuanced, and more effective at conveying time, change, and continuity.