Understanding Tense and Time Expressions in English: The Correct Usage of ‘Since’ and ‘From’
When expressing time in English, it's essential to choose the right words and tenses. Misusing or incorrectly using these can make your sentences confusing or appear incorrect. In this article, we'll explore the differences between 'since', 'from', 'between', and other related terms, as well as the correct tense usage in different contexts. This is particularly useful for those looking to improve their English writing and speaking skills, especially in formal situations or academic contexts.
Ways to Express Time in English
Let's start with the confusion surrounding the phrase 'I was doing my homework since 5 to 6 PM yesterday.' This sentence, as written, is not grammatically correct in English. Instead, there are a few different ways to express time in this context:
1. Specifying a Single Point in Time (Use “From” or “Between”)
If you want to emphasize a specific time period during which the homework was done, you should say:
“I was doing my homework from 5 to 6 PM yesterday.”
Alternatively, you can use:
“I was doing my homework between 5 and 6 PM yesterday.”
2. Using “Since” for Continuous Actions
The word "since" is used to indicate a specific time from which an action started and continued (or is still continuing). For example:
“I have been studying since around 5 p.m.”
Note that here, we use "I have been studying," which is the present perfect progressive tense. It expresses that the action started in the past and is still happening or just recently finished. For example:
“I have been studying since around 5 p.m. yesterday.”
3. Using “From” for Time Intervals
“From” is typically used to indicate the start and end of a time interval. When specifying two points in time, you should use “from” and “to”:
“I was doing my homework from 5 to 6 PM yesterday.”
or
“I was doing my homework between 5 and 6 PM yesterday.”
4. Using “Have Been Doing” for Continuous Actions Since a Specific Time
If you want to express that something has been ongoing since a specific time, you can use the present perfect progressive tense:
“I have been doing my homework since 5 or 6 p.m. yesterday.”
This emphasizes that the action has been continuous and may still be ongoing. For instance:
“I have been doing my homework since 5 or 6 p.m. yesterday.”
5. Using the Simple Past Tense for a Completed Action
If the action is completed and no longer ongoing, use the simple past tense:
“I did my homework between 5 and 6 PM yesterday.”
This expresses that the study happened during a specific time in the past and is now finished.
Common Misconceptions
There are several common misconceptions when it comes to using time expressions in English. Let's address some of the issues mentioned in the original sentences:
1. Using “Since” with Two Points in Time
While “since” is appropriate for a single point of time, it is not typically used with two points of time. For example:
“America has had a written constitution since 1787.”
Here, “since” indicates the starting point of the writing of the constitution. If you want to describe a continuous period, use “from” or “between”:
“From 1787 to 1865, America operated a written constitution.”
2. Choosing Between “Around” and “About”
In British English, “about” is more commonly used, while “around” is more common in American English. However, both are correct:
“He has been studying around about 5 p.m.”
Note the spelling difference between “around” and “about” in American and British English, respectively.
3. Using “Was Doing” in the Past Progressive Tense
To describe an action that was happening at a specific time in the past, use the past progressive tense:
“I was doing my homework between 5 and 6 PM yesterday.”
This indicates that the homework was ongoing during that time, and you can follow it with additional context, such as:
“I was doing my homework between 5 and 6 PM yesterday when a power outage interrupted my work.”
Practice Opportunities
Now that you have a clearer understanding of how to use time expressions in English, try applying your new knowledge in various sentences:
“I have been studying since I woke up this morning.”
“I was playing soccer from 3 to 5 PM yesterday.”
“I finished my project between 10 PM and 1 AM yesterday.”
“I have been working on this project since the end of last month.”
Consistent practice and exposure to English will help you become more proficient in using these expressions correctly. Whether you are preparing for a language test, writing an essay, or simply want to improve your English proficiency, mastering the correct use of these time expressions is essential.
Conclusion
In summary, understanding the correct use of tense and time expressions in English is crucial for effective communication. By mastering the differences between words such as 'since', 'from', and 'between', and the tenses like the present perfect progressive and simple past, you can express yourself clearly and accurately in any given context. Practice makes perfect, so keep refining your skills and stay tuned for more tips and insights to enhance your English language abilities.