Already, Yet, Still
'Already' shows something happened sooner than expected, 'yet' asks or says whether it has happened by now, and 'still' shows a situation continues. They often appear with the present perfect.
Level B1
Tenses
Summary
- 'Already' shows something happened sooner than expected, 'yet' asks or says whether it has happened by now, and 'still' shows a situation continues. They often appear with the present perfect.
Structure
have + already + past participle | ... + yet? | still + verb
Examples
- I've already finished my homework.
- Have you eaten yet?
- She still lives with her parents.
- They haven't arrived yet.
Common mistakes
- • Putting 'yet' in the middle, e.g. 'I have yet finished' instead of 'I haven't finished yet'.
- • Using 'already' in negatives where 'yet' is needed, e.g. 'I haven't already eaten'.
More tenses
Present Simple
A1
Use the present simple for facts, habits, routines, and things that are generally true. Add -s/-es to the verb with he, she, and it.
Present Continuous
A1
Use the present continuous for actions happening now, around the present time, or for temporary situations. It is also used for fixed future arrangements.
Past Simple
A1
Use the past simple for completed actions at a definite time in the past. Regular verbs add -ed; many common verbs are irregular.
Future with 'Going To'
A2
Use 'going to' for plans and intentions decided before now, and for predictions based on present evidence.
Future with 'Will'
A2
Use 'will' for predictions, instant decisions made at the moment of speaking, promises, and offers.
Past Continuous
B1
Use the past continuous for an action in progress at a moment in the past, often interrupted by a shorter past simple action, or for two parallel ongoing actions.