Already vs Yet at a glance
- already
/ɔːlˈredi/ · adverb
Before now, or sooner than expected.
- I've already seen this episode.
- Is it ten o'clock already?
- yet
/jet/ · adverb
Until now; used in questions and negatives about something you expect to happen.
- Have you finished your homework yet?
- The results haven't come out yet.
How to remember it
Already = done (positive). Yet = still waiting (question or not).
Good to know
In British English both usually go with the present perfect: "Have you eaten yet?" American English often uses the past simple: "Did you eat yet?" Already usually goes before the main verb or at the end; yet usually goes at the end. Already in a question shows surprise: "Have you finished already?"
Common mistakes
Wrong: I haven't finished already.
Right: I haven't finished yet.
Wrong: I've done it yet.
Right: I've already done it.
Quick quiz
1.Don't cook for me, I've had lunch.
2.Has the parcel arrived ?
3.I haven't decided .
Pick the right word for each gap.