Description
Grammar B1-B2: 'just', 'yet', 'still' and 'already'
Present perfect: 'just', 'yet', 'still' and 'already'
GRAMMAR EVALUATION (100 pts)
Grammar explanation
We often use just, yet, still and already with the present perfect because they are related to the present moment. This page focuses on the meaning and use of these words when they are used with the present perfect.
Just
Just used with the present perfect means 'a short time before':
1- I've just seen Susan coming out of the cinema. Mike's just called. Can you ring him back, please? Have you just taken my pen?!
2- Just comes between the auxiliary verb (have/has) and the past participle.
Yet
Yet used with the present perfect means 'at any time up to now'. We use it to emphasise that we expect something to happen soon. Yet (in this context) is only used in negative sentences and questions.
1-Have you finished your homework yet? I haven't finished it yet. I'll do it after dinner. A. Where's Sam? B: He hasn't arrived yet.
2-Yet comes at the end of the sentence or question.
Still
Still used with the present perfect means that something hasn't happened. We use it to emphasise that we expected the thing to happen earlier. Still (in this context) is only used in negative sentences.
1-I've been waiting for an hour and the bus still hasn't come. They promised me that report yesterday but they still haven't finished it. 2-She still hasn't replied to my email. Maybe she's on holiday.
3-Still comes between the subject (the bus, they, etc.) and auxiliary verb (haven't/hasn't).
Already
Already used with the present perfect means 'before now'. We use it to emphasise that something happened before something else or earlier than expected.
1-I've already spent my salary and it's two weeks before payday. He wanted to see Sudden Risk but I've already seen it. The train's left already!
2-Already can come between the auxiliary and the main verb or at the end of the clause.
Grammar B1-B2: 'just', 'yet', 'still' and 'already': 1
Choose the correct word to complete the sentences.
1- They say they posted it two weeks ago but it _____ hasn't arrived.
2- I haven't found a flat _____. Everything around here is so expensive.
3- I've _____ seen this film. Let's watch something else.
4- A: Is Al here? B: Oh, he's _____ left, I'm afraid.
5- Have they finished painting your house _____?
6- He's only 22 and he's _____ written a best-selling book.
7- They said they'd have the results yesterday but they _____ haven't phoned.
8- I'm sure she's on her way. I've ____ seen her in reception.