Present perfect: 'just', 'yet', 'still' and 'already'

Do you know how to use just, yet, still, and already with the present perfect? Enhance your knowledge with a lesson given below and the grammar explanation to guide you better.

Look at these examples to see how just, yet, still, and already are used.

• I've just finished my presentation. I'm relieved to have it done.

• We haven't chosen a restaurant yet.

• I still haven't replied to Mark's message.

• I've already seen that movie, but I’d love to watch it again.

Grammar explanation - Present perfect: 'just', 'yet', 'still' and 'already'

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.

1. Just

Just used with the present perfect means 'a short time before'.

• I've just met Laura at the coffee shop.

• Tom's just sent the report. Can you check it, please?

• Have you just finished your project?!

Just comes between the auxiliary verb (have/has) and the past participle.

2. 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.

• Have you completed your application yet?

• I haven't submitted it yet. I'll do it tomorrow.

• A. Where's Emma? B: She hasn't shown up yet.

Yet comes at the end of the sentence or question.

3. 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.

• I've been looking for my keys for an hour, and they still haven't turned up.

• They promised to send me the details last week, but they still haven't done it.

• He still hasn't called me back. I hope everything is okay.

Still comes between the subject (the keys, they, etc.) and the auxiliary verb (haven't/hasn't).

4. 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.

• I've already booked our flights for the summer vacation.

• She wanted to visit the exhibition, but I've already been.

• The movie has started already!

Already can come between the auxiliary and the main verb or at the end of the clause.

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