'Still', 'Yet', 'Already', 'Anymore'
B1 IntermediateThese adverbs describe the timing of events in relation to the present moment, often used with the present perfect and present continuous tenses.
Core Meanings
Still describes a situation that continues and has not changed. Yet refers to something expected that has not happened by now. Already indicates that something happened sooner than expected.
Not … anymore is the mirror image of still: it marks a situation that used to be true but has now stopped.
Usage and Sentence Position
Still is primarily used in affirmative and negative sentences. Yet is used in questions and negative sentences. Already is used in affirmative sentences and questions to show surprise.
Anymore appears in negative sentences and questions, and sits at the very end of the clause.Examples in Context
- It is 11:00 PM and he is still working on the report.
- I have already finished my lunch, even though it is only noon.
- Have the guests arrived yet?
- We haven't decided where to go on holiday yet.
- My grandfather still gardens every weekend, but he doesn't drive anymore.
- They don't make this model anymore, so spare parts are hard to find.
Common Mistakes
I yet haven't finished my homework.
I haven't finished my homework yet.
Yet usually goes at the end of a negative sentence, not before the verb.
Are you already living in London?
Are you still living in London?
Use still to ask if a continuous state remains unchanged.
I don't anymore play tennis.
I don't play tennis anymore.
Anymore goes at the end of the clause, never before the verb.
I don't want anymore soup.
I don't want any more soup.
Two words (any more) = quantity; one word (anymore) = time, meaning 'no longer'.
Practice
I've _____ seen this movie three times, so I don't want to watch it again.
Show answer
already
Answer:already
Why:Already is used to show that an action happened before now or sooner than expected.
Is it 10:00 AM? Is he _____ in bed?
Show answer
still
Answer:still
Why:Still is used to describe a situation that is continuing and has not stopped.
We are hungry because we haven't eaten _____.
Show answer
yet
Answer:yet
Why:Yet is used at the end of negative sentences to talk about something that hasn't happened but is expected.
He moved to Rome, so he doesn't live in Paris _____.
Show answer
anymore
Answer:anymore
Why:The situation (living in Paris) has stopped, so anymore goes at the end of the negative sentence.