Short I or short E?
since vs sense
Meaning, pronunciation, and examples
Since connects a time or reason and uses the short I in “sit.” Sense relates to meaning, feeling, or understanding and uses the short E in “set.”
Reference accent
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American English
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Word 1
since
preposition or conjunction
From a past time until now, or because something is true.
US pronunciation
/sɪns/
UK IPA
/sɪns/
Hear three samples
How to pronounce it
Use the relaxed short I in “sit,” keeping the sound brief before /ns/.
Word 2
sense
noun or verb
Meaning, understanding, or an ability to notice something.
US pronunciation
/sens/
UK IPA
/sens/
Hear three samples
How to pronounce it
Use the short E in “set,” with a slightly more open jaw than in since.
Sound contrast
How to tell them apart
For since, keep the tongue high and relaxed for /ɪ/. For sense, lower the front of the tongue slightly and open the jaw for /e/. Do not turn either vowel into a long EE.
Meaning and usage
What is the difference between since and sense?
Use since to mark a starting time or introduce a reason. Use sense for an ability to notice something, a feeling, or understandable meaning. The words share the same consonants; only the vowel changes.
Listen in context
Six example sentences
Context makes both the meaning and the natural rhythm easier to hear. Every sentence has its own playback.
Examples with
since
- I have lived here since May.
- Since it was raining, we stayed inside.
- A lot has changed since we last met.
Examples with
sense
- She has an excellent sense of direction.
- Your explanation makes sense to me.
- I could sense that rain was coming.
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