Mastering Still, Already, and Yet in English Usage

Three English adverbs of time which often cause confusion are still, yet and already.

All of these terms relate to actions that are anticipated, currently unfolding, or occurring unexpectedly in the present moment.

In this article, we’ll take a more detailed look at the use of still, already, and yet.

The Adverb Still

Still is used to describe an unfinished action or situation that continues to the present time.

It is often used in connection with situations that go on longer than expected.

Notice the position of still; it comes before the verb or adjective, not after.

• My grandfather is sixty-nine and he still works every day at the shop he owns.
• Do you still live with your parents?
• It’s 6pm, and I can’t leave the office because I still have work to do.
• Are you still angry with your mum?
• He is still asleep, so don’t wake him up.

If two verbs are used to describe the action, the word still is placed in between them.

• He started his exam an hour ago, and he is still answering the questions.
• Is it still snowing? (= it continues to snow, it hasn’t stopped)
• When I went to bed, John was still working.

However, when any part of the verbal action is negative, or if the word “not” is used, the word “still” should be placed before the negative verb.

• Adam has stopped smoking but his brother still hasn’t quit.
• I took the clock to the repair shop, but it still isn’t working.

Using the word Yet

The adverb “yet” serves to highlight an anticipated action. While it can refer to past events, it should always accompany a verb in the past tense.

It’s important to keep in mind that the word yet often comes at the end of a sentence.

• Are we there yet? (a typical question that children ask their parents when traveling on a long trip)
• Is the report ready yet?
• Hasn’t dad told you yet? We’re moving to Alaska!

The word yet can also be used in order to say that an expected action or event did not happen:

• Mary can’t go home yet. She hasn’t finished her work.
• They haven’t paid me yet. (and I expected to be paid by now)
• His parents haven’t kicked him out of their house yet.

The term “yet” can occasionally appear in affirmative sentences, functioning similarly to “still.” However, it’s important to note that this usage is more common in formal contexts rather than everyday conversation.

• We have yet to hear the big news from Aunt Martha.

=We are still waiting to hear the big news from Aunt Martha.

Also, yet and still are often used together to explain why a certain action is continuing until now.

• I am still studying at the university because I haven’t graduated yet.
• We still don’t know who our new boss will be. The owners haven’t told us yet.
• I haven’t decided yet if I’m going to quit my job to go travel. I’m still thinking about it.

Using Already in English

Already is used to talk about an action that happened sooner than expected.

This adverb is commonly employed in positive statements, typically when discussing the past or present. It can also apply to future contexts, particularly when utilizing the future perfect tense.

• “Ask Katie to send the article to her editor.” “She has already sent it.”
• “I already know what I’m going to buy you for your birthday.”
• “They’ve already seen Spiderman and really don’t want to see it again.”
• “I will have already cleaned my room by the time you get home.”

Notice the position of already in the sentences below:

• Is Mary already here? She must have driven very fast to get here before me.
• How does he already have the answers to tomorrow’s test?
• Have they already obtained their visas?

In present-tense sentences, already is placed between the subject doing the action and the verb.

For questions in the present or present perfect verb form, already comes right after the subject.

Nevertheless, in affirmative statements in present perfect, the word order is: subject + have + already + past participle.

We’ve explored the use of adverbs of time in English. If you have any lingering questions or need further clarification, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to assist you!

Good luck in learning English!

See you soon!