still, yet, already

A. Still

An hour ago it was raining.
The rain hasn't stopped
It is still raining now.

still = something is the same as before:

• I had a lot to eat but I'm still hungry. (= I was hungry before and I'm hungry now)


• 'Did you sell your car?'   'No, I've still got it.'


• 'Do you still live in Barcelona?'   'No, I live in Madrid now'

B yet

Twenty minutes ago they were waiting for Bill.
They are still waiting for Bill.
Bill hasn't come yet.

yet = until now:

We use yet in negative sentences (He hasn't come yet.) and in questions (Has he come yet?).
Yet is usually at the end of a sentence:

• A: Where's Diane?
  B: She isn't here yet. (= she will be here but until now she hasn't come)

• A: What are you doing this evening?
  B: I don't know yet. (= I will know later but I don't know at the moment)

• A: Are you ready to go yet?
  B: Not yet. Wait a moment. (= I will be ready but I'm not ready at the moment)

• A: Have you finished with the newspaper yet?
  B: No, I'm still reading it.

Compare yet and still:

• She hasn't gone yet. = She's still here, (not 'She is yet here')


• I haven't finished eating yet. = I'm still eating.

C already = earlier than expected:

• 'What time is John arriving?'    'He's already here.' (= earlier than we expected)


• 'I'm going to tell you what happened.'   'That's not necessary. 1 already know'


• Ann doesn't want to go to the cinema. She has already seen the film.