Vanessa helps learners distinguish “since” and “until” by placing actions on a timeline. “Since” identifies a starting point and often appears with a situation that continues to the present. “Until” identifies the endpoint of a situation or action. The lesson uses personal examples and practice sentences so learners can hear how the two words change the time relationship. Draw a simple timeline if the sentence feels confusing.
“As soon as” means immediately after one event happens. It can connect two actions: “As soon as I finish work, I’ll call you.” “Since I was born” refers to a starting point at birth, while “until I was 23” gives an endpoint at age 23. These examples show why the full clause matters: the time word alone does not determine every verb tense, and learners need to consider whether the action continues or ended.
“For a long time” describes duration, not a precise starting date. It can be used with a state or activity that lasted for an extended period. “By the time” introduces a reference point by which something has or had happened. Vanessa also uses “not anymore” to indicate that a situation that was true before has stopped being true. That phrase often follows a statement about a changed routine or condition.
The lesson encourages learners to compare sentences and ask two questions: when did the situation begin, and when did it stop? “Since” points back to the start; “until” points forward to the finish. “By the time” sets a deadline or reference moment. “As soon as” describes an immediate sequence. These functions are related to time but are not interchangeable.
To practise, say, “I have studied English since I was a child,” if the learning continues, and “I studied until I was 23,” if it stopped then. Use “as soon as” for the next event and “by the time” for a later reference point. Read the entire sentence aloud and verify the timeline before choosing the connector.