Already vs yet vs still - what's the difference?
"Already", "yet", and "still" are all about time - but they describe different situations. Here's how to use each one correctly.
Already - happened sooner than expected (positive/neutral):
"I've already eaten." (before you asked)
"He's already left." (sooner than expected)
Position: middle or end of sentence.
Yet - not happened, but expected (questions and negatives):
"Have you finished yet?" (I expect you will)
"I haven't eaten yet." (it hasn't happened, but it will)
Position: end of sentence (usually).
Still - continuing longer than expected (can be positive, neutral, or negative):
"She's still sleeping." (more time has passed than expected)
"I still don't understand." (ongoing, expected to have changed by now)
Position: before the main verb; after be.
The trap - still vs yet in negatives
"I haven't finished yet." (neutral - normal progress)
"I still haven't finished." (stronger - implies delay or surprise)
Already in questions - expresses surprise:
"Have you finished already?" (wow, that was fast)
Summary
- Already β done (earlier than expected)
- Yet β not done (but expected)
- Still β ongoing (longer than expected)
What does "Already vs yet vs still - what's the difference?" mean?
"Already", "yet", and "still" are all about time - but they describe different situations. Here's how to use each one correctly.
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