Introduction
Have you ever hesitated before using “still,” “already,” or “yet”? You are not alone. These three small words cause confusion for many English learners, even at the B1 and B2 levels. Mastering them will make your English sound much more natural and precise.
In this guide, I will explain exactly when and how to use each word. You will learn simple rules, see plenty of examples, and avoid common mistakes. By the end, you will feel confident using “still,” “already,” and “yet” in conversations and writing.
What Are Still, Already, and Yet?
These three words are time adverbs. They tell us when something happens in relation to the present moment or to another event. Although they are often used with the present perfect tense, they can also appear with other tenses. Let’s look at each one briefly:
- Still means “continuing up to now” or “not finished.” It often expresses surprise that something continues longer than expected.
- Already means “before now” or “sooner than expected.” It shows that something happened earlier than we thought.
- Yet means “up to now” or “at this time.” It is used in negative sentences and questions to talk about something that has not happened but is expected.
Rules
- Position in the sentence: In most cases, “still” and “already” go before the main verb (but after the verb “to be”). “Yet” usually goes at the end of the sentence or question.
- Sentence type: “Still” is common in positive sentences and questions. “Already” is common in positive sentences and questions. “Yet” is used in negative sentences and questions.
- Tenses: All three are very common with the present perfect (have/has + past participle), but they also work with other tenses: present simple, present continuous, and past simple.
- Emphasis and feeling: “Still” often adds a feeling of impatience or surprise. “Already” can show surprise (early) or excitement. “Yet” in questions is neutral and asks for information.
- Negative forms: “Still” can be used in negatives (“still haven’t”) to mean “even now, not finished.” “Yet” in negatives (“haven’t … yet”) is the most common way to say something hasn’t happened.
How to Use It
Using “Still”
Step 1: Use “still” to talk about an action or situation that continues. Place it before the main verb.
Example: She still works at the same company.
Step 2: Use “still” with the verb “to be” after the verb.
Example: He is still angry about the mistake.
Step 3: Use “still” in negative sentences to emphasize that something hasn’t happened even now.
Example: I still haven’t received your email.
Using “Already”
Step 1: Use “already” to say something happened before now, often sooner than expected. Place it before the main verb.
Example: They have already finished the project.
Step 2: Use “already” after the verb “to be.”
Example: The movie is already over.
Step 3: Use “already” in questions to express surprise that something happened so soon.
Example: Have you already eaten dinner? It’s only 5 PM!
Using “Yet”
Step 1: Use “yet” in negative sentences to say something has not happened up to now. Place “yet” at the end.
Example: I haven’t seen that film yet.
Step 2: Use “yet” in questions to ask if something has happened. Place “yet” at the end.
Example: Has the bus arrived yet?
Step 3: Do not use “yet” in positive statements (except in very formal or literary English, which is rare).
Examples in Sentences
- I am still waiting for the doctor to call.
- She still hasn’t paid the bill.
- Are you still living with your parents?
- We have already booked our flights for summer.
- He already knows the answer to the quiz.
- Have you already finished your homework? That was fast!
- I haven’t decided what to study yet.
- Has the manager approved the budget yet?
- They haven’t moved into the new apartment yet.
- She is still studying for the exam, even though it is midnight.
- I have already seen that documentary twice.
- We haven’t eaten lunch yet.
Common Mistakes
- Mistake 1: ❌ “I didn’t eat lunch yet.”
✅ “I haven’t eaten lunch yet.” (Use present perfect, not past simple, for “yet” in most cases.) - Mistake 2: ❌ “She hasn’t already called me.”
✅ “She hasn’t called me yet.” (Use “yet” in negatives, not “already.”) - Mistake 3: ❌ “I still don’t understand the lesson still.”
✅ “I still don’t understand the lesson.” (Do not repeat “still” in the same sentence.) - Mistake 4: ❌ “Have you still finished your work?”
✅ “Have you finished your work yet?” (Use “yet” in neutral questions about completion; “still” is for continuing actions.) - Mistake 5: ❌ “He is yet here.”
✅ “He is still here.” (Use “still” for continuing situations; “yet” is not used in positive statements like this.)
Quick Summary
- Still = continuing now (positive: “I still love you.” / negative: “I still haven’t found it.”)
- Already = before now, earlier than expected (positive: “She already left.” / question: “Have you already eaten?”)
- Yet = not happened up to now (negative: “I haven’t finished yet.” / question: “Did you call her yet?”)
- Position: “Still” and “already” go before the main verb (after “to be”). “Yet” goes at the end.
- Common tenses: Present perfect is most common, but present simple, present continuous, and past simple also work.
Practice Exercises
Fill in the blank with still, already, or yet.
- I haven’t read that book __________. Is it good?
- She is __________ at the office. She works very late every day.
- We have __________ bought the tickets. We don’t need to rush.
- Has the package arrived __________? I’ve been waiting all week.
- He __________ hasn’t replied to my message. I’m getting worried.
Answers:
- yet
- still
- already
- yet
- still
Conclusion
Now you know how to use “still,” “already,” and “yet” with confidence. Remember the key rules: “still” for continuing actions, “already” for things that happened early, and “yet” for things that haven’t happened. Practice using them in your daily conversations, and soon they will feel completely natural.
Keep practicing, and don’t worry if you make mistakes at first. Every learner improves step by step. You’ve got this!
FAQ
1. Can I use “yet” in positive sentences?
In modern everyday English, “yet” is rarely used in positive statements. You will almost always see it in negatives and questions. For example, “I have yet to meet him” is grammatically correct but very formal. In casual speech, we say “I haven’t met him yet.”
2. What is the difference between “still” and “yet” in negative sentences?
Both can be used in negatives, but the feeling is different. “I still haven’t eaten” emphasizes that the situation continues (and often expresses frustration or surprise). “I haven’t eaten yet” is a simple statement of fact. For example: “I still haven’t eaten, and it’s 3 PM!” (impatient) vs. “I haven’t eaten yet, so let’s go soon.” (neutral)
3. Can “already” be used with past simple tense?
Yes, especially in American English. For example: “I already ate lunch.” In British English, the present perfect is more common: “I have already eaten lunch.” Both are correct, but the present perfect sounds more formal in American English and is standard in British English.
4. Do I always have to put “yet” at the end of a sentence?
In most cases, yes. “Yet” goes at the end of negative sentences and questions. However, in very formal or literary English, you might see “yet” placed before the verb: “I have yet to see the results.” This is rare in spoken English. For everyday use, keep “yet” at the end.