Definition / Explanation
The words just, already, yet, and still often appear with the present perfect because they help describe time in relation to now. They show whether something happened very recently, earlier than expected, not up to now, or remains unchanged. They are small words, but they strongly change the meaning and tone of a sentence. Their usual position in the sentence also matters, so word order is part of the grammar here. This is why learners need to study both meaning and placement.
Key Rules
- just means a very short time ago: I have just finished.
- already means earlier than expected: She has already left.
- yet is common in questions and negatives, usually at the end: Have you done it yet?
- still often goes before the main idea of no change: I still haven't heard from him.
- Put just and already before the past participle.
Examples
- I have just finished the report.
- She has already left the office.
- Have you done it yet?
- We still haven't received an answer.
- They have already booked the tickets.
Common Mistakes
- ❌ I have finished just. -> ✅ I have just finished.
- ❌ Have you yet done it? -> ✅ Have you done it yet?
- ❌ She still has not yet called me. -> ✅ She still hasn't called me.