Most people get confused on how to use the words ‘already’ and ‘yet’, since they refer to something that has happened or has not happened. It is important to know that one of the words is used in positive statements, while the other is used in negative statements and questions. To have a clear understanding of each word, let’s know the difference.
already:
It is used in positive statements to express something has happened.
Examples:
| – Paty has bought her new car already. – I have gone to Acapulco twice this year already. |
yet:
It is used in negative statements and questions to express something has not happened.
Examples:
– She has not finished her English course yet.
– Have you learned to play the guitar yet?
Don’t Say:
I have seen the new Minions movie yet. It’s funny!
Say:
I have seen the new Minions movie already. It’s funny!
EXERCISE
DIRECTIONS: Complete the sentences with already or yet.
EXAMPLE: Have Bob and Mary gotten married yet? No, they haven’t.
*Note: A misspelled word counts as incorrect.
ANSWER KEY
1) I’m very hungry! Is dinner ready yet?
2) My family and I have visited the Eiffel Tower already.
3) I haven’t been to that new restaurant yet, have you?
4) Steve already knows about his surprise birthday party. He is so excited!
5) Flight BD193 has already arrived, please go to Gate C to board.
FUN PHRASES
“Already” and “all ready” sound the same, but have different meanings. “All ready” means “to be prepared”. For example, “I will be all ready as soon as I put on my shoes.” or “Are you all ready to go?”
The word “already” can be placed in different positions in a sentence, but the meaning is the same. For example, “I have already been to Disney World.” or “I have been to Disney World already.”
“Yet” can have several meanings, such as: “in addition”, “up to now”, “in spite of the fact”. For example, (in addition) “She was late again, yet she gave another excuse.” For example, (up to now) “They haven’t done much on the project yet.” For example, (in spite of the fact) “Jim felt sick, yet he went to work.”
