5 Minute English Video: How to use Still, Yet, and Already

Have you ALREADY studied these three words and STILL have problems when trying to use them? In that case, you haven’t studied them with Real Life English, YET.

English learners from all over the world commonly have a lot of problems when it comes to using the words: STILL, YET, and ALREADY.

If you are one of these people, then don’t worry because today is the day that you are going to figure out (discover) how to use these three words correctly, and never mix them up (mistake them) again.

One of the main reasons why people have problems with these three English words is because in many other languages these words can be one word; like in Portuguese still and yet can both be said as ainda.

Take a look at the following presentation of “How to Use Still, Yet, and Already,” and if you are STILL finding it difficult, then read through the text below.

How to use Still

1) We use still with the to say that an action is continuing to happen and that nothing has changed.

• He still  works at the same restaurant.
• I still want to go to Jamaica next year.
• He still had the same E-mail?
• Is she still dating the same guy?
• Does Bob still live on the same street?
• Are you still going to have the RLE party next week?

2) Still is also used in the negative form of the present perfect tense. We use it in this form to express that we are expecting something to happen that hasn’t been done.

• My student still hasn’t done his homework.
• I still haven’t cut my hair.
• She still hasn’t told him that she’s pregnant.
• We still haven’t had lunch!

How to Use Yet

Yet, is always used in a negative sentence or a question. The meaning of yet in both if these cases is “until now.”

In British English, yet is always used with the simple present or present perfect, but in American English, you’ll notice that people often use yet with the simple past too. For example:

• John is usually early, but he’s not here yet.
• I ‘m not sure where I’m going to spend my holiday, yet.
• Have you bought your ticket, yet? (British)
• Did you buy your ticket, yet? (American)
• Have you told your husband that you’re pregnant, yet?
• Did you tell him, yet?

How to use Already

Already, is used to say that something happened sooner than you expected. Already will always go after the verb to be (I am already here), or before the main verb (I already know). We never use already in the negative form.

Similar to yet, already is commonly used in the simple past in American English, and in the present perfect in British English.

• Can you pay those bills? I already paid them / I’ve already paid them
• I want to buy that jacket, but I’ve already got one.
• Have you already finished work for the day? It’s only 2 p.m.

Learn More with Real Life English

If you are ready to take your English to the next level, then consider adopting the Real Life Method. Real Life English aims to inspire and teach you all aspects of the English language through real-life situations and the things that you are really interested in.

We foster a community-based learning methodology where you can connect to others from all around the world to practice your English and help each other by sharing quality information. Having peer support gives you a huge advantage when learning and can really boost motivation. Join the Real Life English facebook community and take advantage of all the benefits we have to offer

Make sure you don’t miss out on all the newest Real Life English articles, podcasts, videos, parties, and more by joining our mailing list where you’ll get all the latest news.