# already

/ɔˈɹɛdi/ (US) · /ɔːlɹˈɛdi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/already
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. before now

adverb · CEFR A2

before a particular time, or before the present moment.

For teachers: prior to a specified or implied time; used to indicate that a state or action already exists or has occurred.

- I have already finished my homework, so I can go out now.
- By the time the rescue team arrived at the remote cabin, the hikers had already managed to start a fire and stabilize the injured party.

Usage: Typically placed between the auxiliary verb and the main verb, or at the end of a clause for emphasis.

### 2. so soon

adverb · CEFR B1

used to show surprise that something happened earlier than expected.

For teachers: indicates surprise or emphasis regarding the early occurrence of an event relative to expectations.

- Are you leaving already? You only just got here.
- The director was shocked to find that the budget had been exhausted already, despite the project being only halfway through its initial phase.

Usage: Often placed at the end of a question or a statement to express disbelief.

### 4. completed action

adverb · CEFR C2 · Dialect

used to show that an action is finished.

For teachers: functions as a perfective aspect marker to indicate the completion of an action or a change in state.

- I eat already, so I am not hungry.
- In local colloquial usage, a speaker might say 'He go already' to indicate that the person has departed, rather than using the past perfect.

Teaching tip: This usage is characteristic of Singlish (Singapore English) and some other regional dialects; it replaces standard tense markers.

## Examples

- I have already finished my homework.
- By the time the guests arrived for dinner, the host had already prepared the main course and set the table.
- The committee had already reached a consensus on the budget before the final presentation began, rendering the subsequent debate largely symbolic.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.