When do we use yet, still and already?

Let's discuss...

Yet means that we are expecting something.( It's the time to book our holidays.)

Still means 'going on longer than expected'.(It's late to be thinking about a holiday.)

Already means 'sooner than expected'. (It's early to have had a holiday.)

Yet

• Yet usually goes at the end of a negative statement or a question.

• Boris has got a present, but she hasn't opened it yet.

• Wait for a minute. I'm not ready yet.

• Have they sent you your cheque yet?

• No, not yet. I should get it next week.

Still and Already

• In a positive statement, still and already usually go in mid position.

• Anna isn't home yet. She's still at work.

• We wrote to the organization a month ago, and we're still waiting for a reply.

• I've only been writing for an hour, and my hand is  already tired.

• There's no need to inform him. He already knows.

• We can also use 'still' in negative statement. It goes before haven't, can't, etc.

• It's nearly lunch time, and you still haven't opened your mail.

• The boy is twenty, and he still can't swim.

Compare these sentences. The meanings are similar.

• Priti hasn't booked a holiday yet.

• Priti still hasn't booked a holiday.

• Still is stronger than yet. It often expresses surprise that the situation has gone for so long.

• In a question still and already usually go after the subject.

• Are you still waiting after all this time?

• Has Betty already been on holiday?