Just, already and yet
Use just, already, yet and still with the present perfect to talk about recent events and expectations.
In this lesson you will
- Use just for very recent actions
- Use already and yet correctly
- Use still for things not done
Learn
just = a very short time ago, between have and the participle: I’ve just* finished.*
already = sooner than expected, usually between have and the participle: She’s already* left.*
yet = in negatives and questions, at the end: Have you called him yet? I haven’t decided yet.
still = something continues and hasn’t changed, often with negatives, before haven’t: I still* haven’t found my keys.*
Examples
- The train has just left.
- I’ve already seen this episode.
- Has the parcel arrived yet?
- We still haven’t heard from the bank.
Vocabulary
just
a moment ago
already
before now; sooner than expected
yet
until now (negatives/questions)
still
continuing, not changed
parcel
a package sent by post
Practice
Have you finished ___?
Speaking
Talk about your to-do list this week: what you’ve already done, what you’ve just done, what you haven’t done yet and what you still haven’t done.
Writing
Write a progress update for a group project (50–70 words) using just, already, yet and still.
Lesson quiz
I’ve ___ booked the tickets.
Review
Key points
- just = a moment ago.
- already = sooner than expected.
- yet = negatives/questions, at the end.
- still + haven’t = not done, continuing.
What you learned
- ✓ I can use just, already, yet and still.
- ✓ I know their positions.
- ✓ I can report progress.
Grammar reference: Present perfect