Present perfect with 'just', 'already', 'yet'
A2 ElementaryThe present perfect with 'just', 'already', and 'yet' describes recent actions and expectations. These adverbs indicate how recently an event occurred or if it has happened sooner or later than expected.
Usage of Just, Already, and Yet
These three adverbs modify the timing of a completed action in the present perfect:
- Just indicates that an action happened a very short time ago.
- Already shows that something happened sooner than expected or before the present moment.
- Yet is used in questions and negative sentences to talk about something that is expected to happen.
Sentence Placement
have/has + [just/already] + past participle ... [yet]
The position of the adverb depends on which word is used:
- Just and already usually sit between the auxiliary 'have/has' and the past participle.
- Yet almost always appears at the very end of the sentence or question.
Examples
Common mistakes
I have yet finished.
I have already finished.
'Yet' is not used in affirmative statements to mean 'already'.
I just have seen him.
I have just seen him.
In the present perfect, 'just' should follow the auxiliary verb 'have'.
Practice
Complete the sentence: 'I'm not hungry. I have ___ (short time ago) eaten.'
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just
Answer:just
Why:'Just' is the correct adverb for an action that happened a very short time before the present.
Fix the sentence: 'Have you finished your homework already?' (Asking if it is done now)
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Have you finished your homework yet?
Answer:Have you finished your homework yet?
Why:While 'already' can be used in questions to show surprise, 'yet' is the standard adverb for asking if an expected action is complete.
Put the words in order: (yet / they / arrived / haven't)
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They haven't arrived yet
Answer:They haven't arrived yet
Why:In negative present perfect sentences, 'yet' is placed at the end of the clause.