just, already, still and yet: news and progress
Give news and talk about what's done and what isn't, with the word in the right place
What you'll be able to do
Give quick updates at work and at home: what you've just done, what's already finished, and what you still haven't done yet.
The words
| Word | Meaning | Where it goes | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| just | a very short time ago | between have and the participle | I've just finished. |
| already | sooner than expected | between have and the participle (or at the end) | She's already left. |
| yet | up to now (in questions and negatives) | at the end | Have you eaten yet? I haven't eaten yet. |
| still | it continues; it hasn't changed | before haven't | I still haven't heard from them. |
- The meeting has just started.a moment ago
- I've already paid for the tickets.earlier than you might think
- Has the parcel arrived yet?up to now
- We still haven't found a flat.it's taking longer than we hoped
British and American English
With just, already and yet, British English nearly always uses the present perfect. American English often uses the past simple too, and both are correct in that variety:
- I've just had lunch.common everywhere
- I just had lunch.common in American English
In this course, both are accepted where they're both natural. With yesterday, last week and other finished times, every variety uses the past simple.
Common mistakes
I've finished yet.Yet goes in questions and negatives. Positive: I've already finished.I haven't still finished.Still goes before the negative: I still haven't finished.I've finished just.Just goes before the participle: I've just finished.Have you already eaten yesterday?A finished time takes the past simple: Did you eat yesterday?
Practice
- Have you replied to the client _____?Options: yet · still · just
Show the answer
yet — Yet goes at the end of questions about up to now.
- I _____ heard back from the bank. It's been two weeks!Options: still haven't · haven't still · haven't yet still
Show the answer
still haven't — Still goes before haven't.
- Sorry, Sam isn't here. He's _____ gone out.Options: just · yet · still
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just — Just: a moment ago, between has and the participle.
- Which sentence is correct?Options: We've already booked the hotel. · We've booked yet the hotel. · We already have booked yesterday the hotel.
Show the answer
We've already booked the hotel. — Already goes between have and the participle; yet is for questions and negatives.
- The film has _____ started. If we hurry, we won't miss much.
Show the answer
just — A very short time ago: just.
More on this topic: Present perfect or past simple?