Being the most confusing adverbs of time, understanding the correct use of Yet, already, and still becomes so important.
“Yet” as an adverb used to describe the uncompleted state of action. Or action that need more time to complete. “Already” indicates that action is over. And, “Still” as an adverb indicates that action should have completed but continue.
Understanding meaning of “Yet, already and still” as adverbs
Before to explain the correct use of Yet, already, and still adverbs of time, let’s begin with hidden meanings of these adverbs one by one.
Meaning and examples of “Yet” as an adverb of time
- Monsoon is yet to reach at the west coast of India.
- They have been driving since yesterday, nevertheless they are yet to reach.
- He has yet to complete his homework.
- She has proved her abilities many a times, but she hasn’t been successful yet.
“Yet” as an adverb used to describe negative results. It expresses any action that needs more time to complete.
It doesn’t mean it should have been completed. But, expected to be completed based on given circumstances.
Using “Yet” as Adversative coordinating conjunctions
As adversative coordinating conjunction, “Yet” is used to describe negative contrast to the given condition in the main clause like:
- This bike is so funtastic, Yet it is poor in mileage.
- His plan to celebrate birthday looks unique, yet it is not sure where to celebrate.
Difference between yet and already adverbs
As I just mentioned that “Yet” adverb of time is used to describe state of action that hasn’t been completed.
On the other hand, “Already” as an adverb of time is used to describe state of action that has been completed as per the expectation.
In short, all express state of action whether it is being completed or in the process.
- We have ‘already’ signed the agreement.
- They have already reached at the station.
- Train has already left the platform.
- She has already won the election
- He has already been nominated by party president.
How to use “Still” adverb of time and adversative coordinating conjunction?
- “Many Chinese are still hesitant of Covid vaccine as cases surge in several cities”– “India Today news”.
- Contractor is still working on that project.
- The match is not yet over. It is still continuing.
It is expected to complete the ongoing action before prescribed time but it is not yet completed.
The meaning of “Still” as an adverb of time is that action is not yet over but it should have.
“Still” as an adversative coordinating conjunction
- Donald Trump is so optimistic about victory, still he is lagging behind of his rival.
- He has claimed that he is a national leader, still he is unknown in tribal areas
As an adversative coordinating conjunction, “Still” is used to describe situation in which the outcome should have been realised on the basis of given circumstances, but opposite happens.
In layman’s understanding, action or activity should have been completed as per expectations but still not. This type of sense is embedded in “Yet, and Still”
“Already” implies that action has been completed as per expectations. All the adverbs of time are used in the present perfect tense.
Useful examples of correct use of “Yet, already, and still” adverbs of time in sentence
- We have already signed the agreement. (Done earlier as expected)
- Second, we haven’t signed the agreement yet. (Not done. No confirmation, contrary to expectations)
- Third, we haven’t signed the agreement yet, but we are moving in that direction. (We are thinking to sign)
- Fourth, we are still discussing the clauses of the agreement and sooner or later we will sign it.(process is on and hoping to get completed in near future.)
Solved questions on the correct use of Yet, already, and still adverbs of time
Q 1.Difference between Yet and Already?
And: Grammatically, both are adverbs show the time aspect of ongoing or completed action, especially in perfect present tense.
“Already” indicates that the action completed much earlier at the time of speaking but not in past. While, “Yet” sounds that more time requires to action to be completed or still continue.
Q.2 How to differentiate between Still And Yet?
And: As I described earlier that “Yet” adverbs sounds that action need more time. Whereas, “still” adverb indicates that action should have completed but continue.
“Yet” on the other hand, denotes that the time to complete action is over but no confirmation when it will get completed.
This is all about the correct use of “Yet, already and still” adverbs of time.
Persent perfect and continuous perfect
Simple continuous and perfect past