What is the difference between still, yet, and already?

'Still' means something is continuing: 'He is still sleeping.' 'Yet' means something is expected but hasn't happened (used in negatives/questions): 'Have you eaten yet?' 'Already' means something happened sooner than expected: 'She has already finished.' These words are often used with the present perfect tense.

Where does 'still' go in a sentence?

'Still' is placed before the main verb or after the verb 'be': 'I still love her.' / 'She is still here.' In negative sentences, 'still' goes before the auxiliary: 'He still hasn't called.'

Where does 'yet' go in a sentence?

'Yet' is usually placed at the end of a negative sentence or question: 'I haven't finished yet.' / 'Has she arrived yet?' It can also appear after 'not': 'She hasn't yet decided.'

Still vs. Yet vs. Already: What's the Difference?

Quick Answer

Still = something is continuing (not finished): "He is still sleeping."
Yet = expected but not done (negatives and questions): "Have you eaten yet?"
Already = happened sooner than expected: "She has already finished!"

Explanation

STILL

Shows something is continuing. Used in affirmative, negative, and question sentences.

Position: before main verb / after "be"

She is still here.
I still love you.
He still hasn't called.

YET

Shows something is expected but hasn't happened. Mainly used in negatives and questions.

Position: at end of sentence

I haven't done it yet.
Has she arrived yet?
Not ready yet.

ALREADY

Shows something happened earlier than expected. Used in affirmative sentences.

Position: between auxiliary and main verb

I've already eaten.
She has already left.
He is already there.

Position Summary

Word	Sentence type	Position
still	all types	before main verb / after "be"
yet	negative / question	end of sentence
already	affirmative	between auxiliary + main verb

Examples

✔The kids are still playing outside. (continuing)

✔I haven't packed my bags yet. (expected but not done)

✔She has already passed the exam. (sooner than expected)

✘I haven't done it still. (use "yet" in negatives at end of sentence)

✔I haven't done it yet. / I still haven't done it.

✘Have you already arrived? (not wrong, but sounds unnatural, "yet" is more natural in questions)

✔Have you arrived yet?

Common Mistake

Incorrect: I have yet eaten dinner.

Correct: I haven't eaten dinner yet. / I have already eaten dinner.

"Yet" is used in negative sentences and questions. For affirmative sentences expressing early completion, use "already."

Practice

Choose the correct word:

"I can't believe it, she is _____ here! The meeting doesn't start for another hour." (still / yet / already)

Show answer

Answer: She is already here!

"Already" is used because her arrival happened sooner than expected.

Related Grammar

Put the time word where the meaning is clear

Still emphasizes continuation, yet asks about or negates something expected, and already marks earlier completion. Compare She is still working, Has she finished yet? and She has already finished.

Practise the distinction

I have not received it ___.
Show answer and explanation
yet
Yet usually comes at the end of this negative sentence.
He is ___ asleep.
Show answer and explanation
still
The state continues.
They have ___ left, so we cannot meet them here.
Show answer and explanation
already
The departure happened before now.