Use just, already and yet with the present perfect: just for a short time ago, already for sooner than expected, and yet for something expected that has not happened so far.
A I've just ...
just = a short time ago.
The front door opens and Gran comes in with her suitcase. She has just arrived.
The word just goes between have/has and the past participle.
- A: Is Gran here? B: Yes, she's just arrived.
- A: Do you want a biscuit? B: No, thanks. I've just had lunch.
- A: Is Mo still here? B: No, sorry, he's just left. (= he has just left)
B I've already ...
already = before you expected, or before I expected.
You introduce your sister to your friend Leo. He smiles and says: "Yes, I know. We've already met." You had hoped to be useful. You were not needed.
- A: What time is Gran coming? B: She's already arrived. (= before you expected)
- It's only half past eight and Dad has already gone to bed. (= before I expected)
- A: Leo, this is my sister, Beth. B: Yes, I know. We've already met.
C I haven't ... yet / Have you ... yet?
yet = until now.
Use yet in negative sentences and questions. It usually goes at the end of the sentence.
In a negative sentence, yet means that the speaker expects the thing to happen soon. The concert has not started yet: the band is late, and the audience is beginning to notice.
- A: Is Gran here? B: No, she hasn't arrived yet. (but she is coming soon)
- A: Does Dad know you've crashed the car? B: No, I haven't told him yet. (but I am going to tell him soon)
- The concert hasn't started yet.
- Kate bought some new boots last month, but she hasn't worn them yet.
- A: Has Gran arrived yet? B: No, not yet. We're still waiting.
- A: Has Ali started his new job yet? B: No, he starts on Monday.
- A: I've got a new phone. B: Oh, nice. Have you used it yet?
Exercises
16.1 Write a sentence with just for each scene.
A man is holding a hot cup of tea. The kettle behind him is still steaming.
(he / make a cup of tea)
He's just made a cup of tea.
He's just made a cup of tea.
A girl is standing in the kitchen with her hand over her mouth. There is a broken glass on the floor in front of her.
(she / break a glass)
She's just broken a glass.
A bride and groom are walking out of a church. Everybody is throwing confetti.
(they / get married)
They've just got married.
The ball is in the back of the net and the Leeds players are celebrating.
(Leeds / score a goal)
Leeds have just scored a goal.
16.2 Complete the answers. Use already + present perfect.
"When are you going to tidy your room?" "I've already tidied it."
"When are you going to tidy your room?" "I've already tidied it."
"Do Kim and Raj want to come to the exhibition?" "No, they it."
"Do Kim and Raj want to come to the exhibition?" "No, they've already seen it."
"Don't forget to pay the gas bill." "I it."
"Don't forget to pay the gas bill." "I've already paid it."
"When is Gary leaving for Spain?" "He ."
"When is Gary leaving for Spain?" "He's already left."
"Would you like a sandwich?" "No, thanks. I lunch."
"Would you like a sandwich?" "No, thanks. I've already had lunch."
"When does Nina start her new course?" "She it."
"When does Nina start her new course?" "She's already started it."
16.3 Each scene shows a few minutes ago and now. Write a sentence with just (They've just ... / She's just ...) or a negative sentence with yet (They haven't ... yet / She hasn't ... yet).
A few minutes ago Rhys said, "I'm going to have a shower." Now he is still on the sofa, playing a game.
(he / have a shower)
He hasn't had a shower yet.
He hasn't had a shower yet.
A few minutes ago the shop was open. Now the owner is locking the door and the sign says CLOSED.
(the shop / close)
The shop has just closed.
A few minutes ago the plane was at the gate. Now it is still at the gate, and passengers are still getting on.
(the plane / leave)
The plane hasn't left yet.
A few minutes ago a parcel arrived for Zoe. Now the box is empty and she is holding a new pair of trainers.
(she / open / it)
She's just opened it.
A few minutes ago the children started their homework. Now they are still writing.
(they / finish / their homework)
They haven't finished their homework yet.
A few minutes ago the baby was crying. Now she is quiet and her eyes are closed.
(she / fall asleep)
She's just fallen asleep.
16.4 Write questions with yet.
Your friend has bought a new bike. Perhaps she has ridden it. You ask her:
Have you ridden it yet?
Have you ridden it yet?
Your friend has a new teacher. Perhaps he has met her. You ask him:
Have you met her yet?
Your friend has to book a hotel for your trip. Perhaps she has done it now. You ask her:
Have you booked the hotel yet?
Ellie was looking for a new flat. Perhaps she has found one now. You ask a friend about Ellie:
Has Ellie found a new flat yet?