Still, yet, and already
Still, yet, and already, these three words are constantly being used in English, but they are usually confused by English learners. We use these three words to talk about whatever is going on either in the present or the expected future. These words are used to state where someone or something is, in relation to the present moment or time (relative to the speaker).
(1) Still; used to talk about something unfinished in the present.
- Jill, are you still working on that issue?
- I’m still jet-lagged from my flight.
- It is still so hot here, I wish the temperature would go down.
(2) Yet; used in questions to ask if something or someone ‘expected’ has occurred. Also, it’s mainly used in questions and negative answers with a similar meaning to ‘still’.
- Has our boss written the reports yet? No, he hasn’t done it yet.
- I have yet to run 100 metres in under eleven seconds.
- Sonia still hasn’t completed her homework yet.
(3) Already; only used for things or people in the past or present – not the future. It usually means that something or someone has finished or it can have the sense of surprise.
- I have already done all the cleaning, what else do you need?
- He’s already there and waiting for you.
- Have you already written the code for the programme?