Just, Already or Yet?
Just, already and yet go with the present perfect: has it happened or not, up to now?
JUSTA moment ago
Right before now.
I've just cleaned the kitchen.
ALREADYDone
The kids have already had dinner.
YETNot done, still waiting
The package hasn't arrived yet.
just = a moment ago · already = done · yet = not done so far
Just and already go after have / has. Yet goes at the end. Yet does not make a sentence negative. A not-yet sentence still needs haven't or hasn't.
TRY IT
- Question 1
"Don't call Nam now. He's blank gone to bed."
- Question 2
"I blank eaten yet. I'm starving."
The forms
POSITIVE · JUST / ALREADY
Shave / hasjust / alreadypast participle…
She's already paid the bill.
NEGATIVE · YET
Shaven't / hasn'tpast participle…yet
We haven't booked the hotel yet.
QUESTION · YET
Have / HasSpast participle…yet?
Has the film started yet?
Answers: Yes, it has. · No, it hasn't. · No, not yet.
With ten minutes ago, use the past simple and no just: I called her ten minutes ago.
TRY IT
- Question 1
"Mum has blank the tea."
When to use them
Saying no to food or drink
No, thanks. I've just eaten.
You are not hungry.
Common phrases: just had lunch · just woken up · just got home
Telling someone it is done
Don't buy milk. I've already bought some.
No need to do it.
Common phrases: already paid · already sent it · already told him
Something you are waiting for
The shop hasn't opened yet. Let's wait a bit.
It has not happened so far.
Common phrases: hasn't called yet · haven't decided yet · hasn't started yet
Already or Yet?
At this level, choose by the kind of sentence: positive → already. Negative or question → yet.
| ALREADY | YET | |
|---|---|---|
| position | after have / has | at the end |
| example | Dad has already washed the car. | Dad hasn't washed the car yet. |
TRY IT
- Question 1
"Don't tell me the score. I haven't watched the match blank!"
In American English you will also hear the past simple: I just ate. Did you eat yet? That is correct too. This lesson uses the present perfect.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:I haven't already finished my report.
Correct:I haven't finished my report yet.
In a negative, use yet at the end.
Incorrect:I don't read that book yet.
Correct:I haven't read that book yet.
Not done up to now: haven't + past participle.
Incorrect:I just have woken up.
Correct:I have just woken up.
Just goes after have or has.
Incorrect:He has just left five minutes ago.
Correct:He left five minutes ago.
Ago says when. Use the past simple.
Incorrect:Have you called Grandma yet? No, not already.
Correct:Have you called Grandma yet? No, not yet.
The short answer is not yet.
Quick check · 5 questions
Choose the correct word:
"Let's buy a present for Hương." "I've already bought one."
- A. already — Correct
- B. yet
Answer: A. already
Yet is for negatives and questions.
Still waiting:
The water hasn't boiled yet.
- A. hasn't boiled — Correct
- B. has boiled
- C. not boiled
Answer: A. hasn't boiled
Yet alone is not negative.
Choose the correct question:
Have you seen the new Doraemon film yet?
- A. Have you seen — Correct
- B. Has you seen
- C. Have you saw
Answer: A. Have you seen
Seen, not the past form saw.
Choose the correct reply:
"Has the doctor called you back?" "Not yet. Maybe this afternoon."
- A. Not yet — Correct
- B. Not already
- C. Yet not
Answer: A. Not yet
"Not already" is not English.
Choose the correct sentence:
My sister got home an hour ago.
- A. My sister got home an hour ago. — Correct
- B. My sister has just got home an hour ago.
- C. My sister has got home an hour ago.
Answer: A. My sister got home an hour ago.
Ago says when.
See whether it really stuck.
Start the quiz · 12 questions
