Don’t let time be an issue. Already, yet, and still are all adverbs and describe time.

Already indicates that an event happened at some indefinite time before the present:

She has already graduated.

I already understand.

Yet describes an indefinite amount of time up to the present when change has not occurred but is expected:

She has not graduated yet.

I have yet to understand.

Still describes an indefinite amount of time up to the present when change has not occurred:

She has still not graduated.

I still do not understand.

Already (adv) Prior to a specified or implied time.

Yet (adv) Up to the present time.

 Still (adv) With reference to action or condition; without change, interruption, or cessation.

Definitions from WordNet.

Along with our website, The Internet Grammar of English discusses adverbs in more detail and has interactive exercises to test your skill with them. 

Test your understanding by choosing the correct word in each sentence.

1. I’m not sure whether Sheila is at home or whether she ____ needs a ride.

2. She may have ____ explained it to me, but I ____ don’t see the connection.

3. Even though Micah is ___ a part of the team, he has not finished registration ____.

 Answers
1. I’m not sure whether Sheila is at home or whether she still needs a ride.

2. She may have already explained it to me, but I still don’t see the connection.

3. Even though Micah is already a part of the team, he has not finished registration yet.

Grammatically Correct is a grammar tip of the week created by Academic Center Peer Writing Tutors at the University of Houston-Victoria in Victoria, Texas.

Comments about this newsletter should be directed to Summer Leibensperger, leibenspergers@uhv.edu.

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