Already, Yet and Still: The Difference Explained

Already says something has happened or is true by now, often sooner than expected. Yet asks whether an expected event has happened, or says it has not happened so far. Still says an earlier situation continues. Learn the meanings first, then the usual positions in a sentence.

Already = it has happened or is true by now

Use already for something that has happened or is true by now: I've already sent the email, I'm already ready. It usually goes before the main verb, after an auxiliary, or after be when be is the main verb.

At the end, for emphasis. In speech, already often moves to the end of the sentence. The meaning is the same, but it sounds a little more surprised or emphatic.

In questions, already shows surprise. "Have you finished already?" is a real question, but it also says "so soon?". A neutral question uses yet — see below.

Yet = has it happened? / not so far

Use yet to ask whether an expected event has happened, or to say that it has not happened so far. It usually goes at the end: Have you eaten yet? / I haven't eaten yet.

Not yet means “not so far”. It often suggests the event may happen later; it does not promise that it will.

In more formal writing you may see I haven't yet decided or The committee has yet to decide (= has not decided yet). Yet also has other uses: at the start of It was cold. Yet nobody left, it means “however”.

Still = it continues (maybe longer than expected)

Use still for a situation that began earlier and continues. It normally goes before a main verb, after the first auxiliary or modal, or after be as a main verb: I still work here, I can still help, She's still here.

To stress that a negative situation continues, put still before the negative auxiliary: still haven't / still doesn't / still isn't. This is the pattern in the examples below.

Notice the feeling: "He still hasn't called" sounds impatient or surprised — the waiting has gone on too long. Compare it with the next section.

Still can also mean “however”. Then it starts a new point, after a period or a comma. In the middle of the clause, the same word means the situation continues. Context and punctuation help distinguish the meanings; position alone is not a complete rule.

Yet vs still in negatives — and a note on American English

Both yet and still can appear in a negative sentence, and the facts are the same. The difference is the attitude.

Which tense? When asking whether an action has happened or reporting a recent result, already and yet usually go with the present perfect. Informal American English also uses the past simple. Duration can be expressed with since or for; still adds that a situation continues: I've lived here for ten years, and I still like it. If the length of the wait is the point, the present perfect continuous fits: I've been waiting for an hour, and he still hasn't called. Other verb forms are fine too: I'm already ready; Are you ready yet?

The three words at a glance

In one conversation

The three words often show up together. Here, two people are waiting for a delivery.

Yet asks about the expected delivery. Already says the email is done. Still says the waiting goes on — first about the package, then about the hope.

Common mistakes

Starting the sentence with already. In everyday English, already usually goes inside the clause rather than at the beginning. Put it before the main verb, or at the end for emphasis.

Initial already is possible for emphasis, including with a present-time meaning. It is less neutral here, so the first example is marked △, not a grammar error.

Yet for a completed action. In I have finished my homework, add already to say it is done by now. The formal construction have yet to finish means the opposite: it is not done yet.

The usual position of still. End-position still occurs in informal speech. For the neutral pattern taught here, put it before hasn't. Use end-position yet for “not so far”.

Using yet to mean "continuing". For something that goes on, the word is still.

Already or yet in a negative? To say simply that you have not seen something so far, choose yet. Already in a negative needs a context that makes “before now” relevant.

Already is possible in negative clauses: If you haven't already seen it, watch it tonight. The sentence with already above is context-dependent, not a general grammar error.

Quick exercise

Fill in already, yet or still. In number 2, ask a neutral question; in number 6, express surprise.

1. Don't buy milk — I've ___ bought some.
2. Has the taxi arrived ___? We need to leave.
3. It's midnight and the neighbors are ___ playing music.
4. — Have you talked to your manager? — Not ___.
5. I ___ haven't received my order, and it's been three weeks.
6. You've finished the whole book ___? You only started it yesterday!

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between yet and still?

Both can appear in negative sentences, but with a different focus. 'I haven't finished yet' is neutral: not done so far. 'I still haven't finished' stresses that the situation continues, often with surprise or frustration.

Where does yet go in a sentence?

In everyday English, yet usually goes at the end of a question or a negative sentence: 'Have you eaten yet?', 'I haven't eaten yet.' The short answer is 'Not yet.'

Can I use already in a question?

Yes. 'Have you finished already?' is a real question, but it also shows surprise that something happened so soon. A neutral question uses yet: 'Have you finished yet?'