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Differences of 5 words Yet, Already, Still, Just, and Since in English

Yet, Already, Still, Just, and Since are words that people often confuse in terms of meaning and usage. In today's article, PREP will share the definitions, usage, and differences between Yet, Already, Still, Just, and Since. Read now!

I. Definition and usage of Yet

Before distinguishing Yet, Already, Still, Just, and Since, let's explore the definition, usage, and notes when using Yet with PREP!

1. What is Yet?

In English, Yet is pronounced as /jet/ and functions as an adverb with the meaning: still; until the present time. We primarily use Yet in negative sentences or questions in the present perfect tense. For example:

I haven't spoken to Maria yet.
Jennie hasn’t registered for dancing class yet.

In addition, Yet also functions as a conjunction, meaning: (and) despite that; used to add something that seems surprising because of what you have just said. For example: Benny is overweight and bald, (and) yet somehow, he's attractive.

Phrases associated with Yet:

Phrase associated with Yet	Meaning	Example
As yet (phrase)	until and including this time	We haven't needed extra staff as yet, but we may in the future.
Yet again (phrase)	to show an increase in amount or the number of times something happens	I'm afraid my flight has been delayed yet again.
Have yet to (phrase)	if you have yet to do something, you have not done it	My friends have yet to make a decision.
The best, worst, etc. yet (phrase)	the best, worst, etc. until now	This film’s season looks to be the best yet.
You ain't seen nothing yet (phrase)	said to mean that more surprising or exciting things are likely to happen	That was just the start - you ain't seen nothing yet.

2. Usage of Yet

To accurately differentiate Yet, Already, Still, Just, and Since, let's explore the various usages of Yet alongside its role as an adverb with PREP!

Usage of Yet		Meaning	Example
Yet is used in negative sentences		An anticipated event will happen in the future.	Jack hasn’t phoned yet. ➞ Hopefully Jack will call soon.
Yet is used in questions	Affirmative questions	The speaker is expecting something to happen.	Has your passport arrived yet? ➞ Hopefully you have your passport in hand.
Yet is used in questions	Negative questions	Strong anticipation or eagerness that something will happen.	Hasn’t Andrew arrived yet? ➞ Hopefully Andrew has arrived by now.
Yet is used in affirmative sentences		A situation or event is still ongoing in the present and will continue in the near future.	I’ve got a lot more work to do yet. ➞ Indicating that the work is still incomplete.
Yet is used in comparisons		We often use Yet in superlative comparisons.	Mark’s latest book is his best yet.
Yet is used for emphasis		We use yet for emphasis, with a similar meaning to "even," preceding "more, another, and again".	The computer has broken down yet again!
Yet functions as a conjunction		Yet acts as a conjunction with a similar meaning to "but, nevertheless", indicating contrast. Yet often follows "and".	So many questions and yet so few answers.

3. Common errors when using Yet

Let's quickly explore some common errors when using Yet in English with PREP!

We don't use Yet to express something that has already happened; instead, we use "Already". For example:
- Linda has booked the flights yet. (❌)
- Linda has booked the flights already. (✅)
We don't use Yet to talk about ongoing events. For example:
- Riica is living yet (is yet living) in Manchester. She’s not moving to London till next month. (❌)
- Riica is still living in Manchester. She’s not moving to London till next month. (✅)

II. Definition and usage of Already

Before distinguishing Yet, Already, Still, Just, and Since, let's explore the definition, usage, and notes when using Already with PREP!

1. What is Already?

In English, Already is pronounced as /ɑːlˈred.i/ and functions as an adverb..

Already is used to emphasize that something has been completed earlier than the time expected, in a short time, or before the present time. Already is often used with the present perfect tense and the past perfect tense. For example: I asked Alex to come to the exhibition but he'd already seen it.
Already used to express surprise about something that has happened or will happen sooner than expected. For example: It's twelve o'clock already. I'm surprised. I thought it was earlier.

Idioms and phrases associated with Already:

Idioms and phrases associated with Already	Meaning	Example
Enough already! (Idiom)	Used to show that you are losing patience and want someone to stop doing something or to do something more quickly	Enough already! I've heard everything you have to say.
All right already! (Phrase)	An impatient way of indicating agreement or acquiescence	All right already! Stop pushing me!
Have been down the road of (something) already (Idiom)	To have already pursued some course of action or explored some way of thinking, especially when it did not yield desired results.	My generation has been down the road of Internet addiction already. We fully understand the level of danger it poses and the consequences it brings.
That ship (has) already sailed (Idiom)	Some option, choice, or opportunity is no longer available or possible.	I thought I'd still be eligible for their internship program, but it sounds like that ship already sailed.
The train has (already) left the station
The horse has (already) left the barn (Idiom)	It is too late to prevent, change, or rectify some problem or situation, as the ill effects have already been wrought.	A: I came to apologize. I never wanted to hurt your feelings. B: Yes, well, that horse has left the barn, I'm afraid.

2. Usage of Already

In a sentence, the position of Already can vary depending on the intended usage. To accurately differentiate Yet, Already, Still, Just, and Since, let's explore the meanings of each position where Already can be placed with PREP!

Usage of Already	Meaning	Example
Already at the beginning of a sentence	Show formality in speech.	Already more than fifty thousand tickets have been sold for Sunday's cup final match.
Already in the middle of a sentence	Placed like other typical adverbs (between the subject and the main verb, or after modal or auxiliary verbs, or after the verb "to be" as the main verb).	John’s family had already heard the news.
Already at the end of a sentence	Emphasizes the statement and expresses surprise, often used in spoken language.	Gosh, Jordan has finished painting the kitchen already!

3. Common errors when using Already

Let's quickly explore some common errors when using Already with PREP!

We don't use the simple past tense with Already to express something that has been completed before another event. Instead, we use the present perfect tense. For example:
- Their wedding in Thailand was canceled but we already booked our flights and hotel, so we decided to go. (❌)
- Their wedding in Thailand was cancelled but we had already booked our flights and hotels, so we decided to go. (✅)
We don't use Already between the main verb and the object. For example:
- I’ve drunk already three coffees today! (❌)
- I’ve already drunk three coffees today! (✅)

III. Definition and usage of Still

Before distinguishing Yet, Already, Still, Just, and Since, let's explore the definition, usage, and notes when using Still with PREP!

1. What is Still?

In English, Still is pronounced as /stɪl/ and functions as both an adjective and an adverb.

Still acts as an adverb, meaning:
- Continuing to happen or continuing to be done. For example: I still haven't finished writing my thesis.
- Despite that. For example: You may not approve of what Mark did. Still, he's your brother.
Still acts as an adjective, meaning: staying in the same position; not moving. For example: Keep your head still.

Idioms associated with Still:

Idioms associated with Still	Meaning	Example
Hold still	used to tell someone to stop moving	Hold still, this won't hurt.
Much/ still less	used to make a negative statement stronger	At the age of 14 I had never even been on a train, still less an aircraft.
Better still	used to say that a particular choice would be more satisfactory	Why don't you give her a call or, better still, go and see her?
(Still) going strong	to still be successful after having existed for a long time	After one hundred years of service as a public institution, the state university system is still going strong.
Time stands still	When time stands still, everything around you seems to stop	I saw the car coming straight towards me, and for a moment time stood still.
The jury is still out	If the jury is (still) out on a subject, people do not yet know the answer or have not yet decided if it is good or bad	The jury's still out on the safety of irradiated food.
Still waters run deep	said about a person who says little, but who might in fact know a lot	Alex is very calm. Still waters run deep.
The ink is not dry/ still wet	You say that the ink is not dry/still wet on a document if it has just been written or produced	The ink was still wet on the peace agreement when fighting broke out again.

2. Usage of Still

To accurately differentiate Yet, Already, Still, Just, and Since, let's explore in more detail the usage and positions of Still below with PREP!

Usage of Still	Meaning	Example
Still at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence	Still can be placed at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence like other adverbs (between the subject and the main verb, or after modal or auxiliary verbs, or after the verb "to be" as the main verb). It is used similarly to phrases like "on the other hand" or "nevertheless”.	I don’t really like weddings. Still, I'll have to go. We offered £550,000 for the apartment but they still wanted more.
Still at the end of a sentence	Used in spoken language.	I can’t find my phone still. Has anyone seen it?
Still in negative sentences	Indicate that a situation is continuing despite not being desired or creating surprise. It is placed before auxiliary verbs or modal verbs.	Anna bought a new car one months ago and she still hasn’t taken any driving lessons.

3. Common errors when using Still

Let's quickly explore some common errors when using Still with PREP!

Not using Still after the main verb. For example:
- Teachers have still an important role in the classroom. (❌)
- Teachers still have an important role in the classroom. (✅)
Do not use Still after auxiliary verbs or modal verbs in negative sentences. For example:
- I can’t still find May’s phone number. (❌)
- I still can’t find May’s phone number. (✅)

IV. Definition and usage of Just

Before distinguishing Yet, Already, Still, Just, and Since, let's explore the definition and usage of Just with PREP!

1. What is Just?

In English, Just is pronounced as /dʒʌst/ and can function as a noun, adjective, and adverb. For example:

Just acts as a noun, meaning: people who behave in a morally correct way. For example: Mr.John is the just that I extremely respect.
Just acts as an adjective, meaning: fair; morally correct. For example: The judge's sentence was perfectly just in the circumstances.
Just acts as an adverb, meaning: now, very soon, or very recently For example: Peter had just got into the bath when the phone rang.

Idioms associated with Just:

Idioms associated with Just	Meaning	Example
Just a minute	wait a short period of time	Just a minute – I'm almost done.
Just in case	because of a possibility of something happening, being needed, etc.	Bring a map just in case you get lost.
Just one of those things	said to mean that there was no way of planning to avoid something	The road was blocked, so we missed the meeting - it was just one of those things.
Just now	a very short time ago	Who was that at the door just now?
Just like that	suddenly and unexpectedly	Their son got married last week, just like that.

2. Usage of Just

To accurately differentiate Yet, Already, Still, Just, and Since, let's explore the various meanings of Just in more detail with PREP!

Usage of Just	Meaning	Example
Just is synonymous with the words "simply" and "absolutely".	Emphasizes a statement	Our party was just perfect. perfect.
ust means "exactly".	Conveying the idea of similarity or sameness.	You look just like your brother.
Just means "only".	Indicating exclusivity or singularity.	His first pay cheque was just sixty pounds.
Just is used to express time.	It signifies a recent or very short period of time before or after the moment of speaking.	Where’s my book? I had it just now.
Just is used to express time.	Used in the present perfect or past perfect tense when referring to a short period of time before the time of speaking.	I’ve just decided to sell my flat.
Just is used to emphasize a statement.	Used to emphasize a command or instruction.	Just shut the window quickly or we're going to be late.
Just is used to soften a suggestion.		I was just wondering if I could talk to you about Maria?

V. Definition and usage of Since

Before distinguishing Yet, Already, Still, Just, and Since, let's explore the definition, usage, and notes when using Since with PREP!

1. What is Since?

In English, Since is pronounced as /sɪns/ and functions as an adverb, preposition, and conjunction. For example:

Since functions as both an adverb and a preposition and is a signal of the present perfect and past perfect tense, meaning: from a particular time in the past until a later time, or until now. For example: Anna went to work in Paris a year ago, and we haven't seen her since.
Since functions as a conjunction, meaning: because; as. For example: Since you've asked, I'll tell you what I really think.

Idioms and phrases associated with Since:

Idioms and associated with Since	Meaning	Example
From/ since the year dot (Idiom)	for an extremely long time	Alex has been in the local pantomime since the year dot.
From/ since the year one (Idiom)	for an extremely long time
Be the best thing since sliced bread (Idiom)	to be an excellent person or thing	If everyone's telling you you're the best thing since sliced bread, you start to believe it.
Ever since (Phrase)	continuously since that time	Mark has been depressed ever since he got divorced.
From/ since time immemorial (Phrase)	for a very long time	Anna’s family had farmed that land since time immemorial.

2. Usage of Since

To accurately differentiate Yet, Already, Still, Just, and Since, let's explore the various meanings of Since in more detail with PREP!

Usage of Since	Meaning	Example
Since is used to express time.	Refers to a point in time in the past, where Since functions as a preposition followed by a date or a noun phrase (since + date/noun phrase).	It was the band’s first live performance since May 1999.
Since is used to express time.	Since functions as a conjunction to introduce a subordinate clause (since + clause).	Linda had slept most of the way since leaving Texas.
Since is used in English tenses.	Indicates an action or event at a specific point in the past, where we can use the simple past or present perfect tense after Since and the present perfect tense in the main clause.	They haven’t received any junk mail since they've moved house.
	Uses the simple past, present perfect, or past perfect tense after Since. Formula: It + be + time + Since.	It’s been years since Anna rode a bike.
	When referring to an ongoing activity in the past that continues into the present, we use the present perfect form of the verb after Since and the present perfect form of the verb in the main clause.	Since I’ve been back at work, I’ve been feeling great.
Uses Since + V-ing to reduce a clause when the subject of the verb is the same in the main and subordinate clauses.		Since leaving school, Alex has had three or four temporary jobs.
Uses Since as a dependent conjunction to express a reason for something.		Barron had no reason to take a taxi since his flat was near enough to walk to.

3. Common errors when using Since

Let's quickly explore some common errors when using Since with PREP!

We do not use Since with a duration of time; instead, we use For. For example:
- Jennie was waiting since four hours. (❌)
- Jennie was waiting for four hours. (✅)
We use Since, not From, with a clause referring to a point in time. For example:
- I’ve been swimming from I was five years old. (❌)
- I've been swimming since I was five years old. (✅)
We use Since, not Once, to provide a reason. For example:
- I think I should have my money back once I didn’t have what was promised in the brochure. (❌)
- I think I should have my money back since I didn't have what was promised in the brochure. (✅)
We use Since, not Ago, after "It's a long time" when referring to a past point in time. For example:
- It’s a long time ago your last letter. (❌)
- It’s a long time since your last letter. (✅)

From the knowledge above, we can see that Since and For are two words that are often confused in usage. Refer to the article "Distinguishing the Usage of Since and For" to understand the differences between these two words better!

VI. Differences between Yet, Already, Still, Just, and Since

Let's quickly explore the differences of Yet, Already, Still, Just, and Since with PREP in the table below!

Differences of Yet, Already, Still, Just, and Since	Usage	Example
Yet	Expresses an event that hasn't happened until the time of speaking or to convey a contrasting opinion.	Maria hasn't finished her homework yet.
Already	Expresses that an action has occurred before the time of speaking or before another event.	Maria has already left for the airport.
Still	Expresses the continuity of a state or action up to the time of speaking.	Maria is still working on her project.
Just	Expresses an action that has happened recently or only a short time ago.	Maria has just finished my lunch.
Since	Indicates the starting time of an event and is often accompanied by a specific time reference.	Maria has been working here since 2010.

VII. Exercises to differentiate Yet, Already, Still, Just, and Since

To understand the differences of Yet, Already, Still, Just, and Since, let’s complete the exercises below with PREP!

Exercise: Choose the correct answer

She hasn't applied for the job _______.
1. Yet
2. Already
3. Still
I have _______ seen that movie.
1. Since
2. Already
3. Still
She is _______ waiting for the bus.
1. Already
2. Still
3. Just
They have _______ moved to a new house.
1. Since
2. Yet
3. Just
She hasn't learned to ride a bike _______.
1. Already
2. Still
3. Yet
Have you _______ booked your flight for the trip?
1. Already
2. Still
3. Yet
She _______ needs to finish the last chapter of the book.
1. Yet
2. Already
3. Still
I have _______ received your email.
1. Since
2. Yet
3. Just
He has been working for the company _______ last year.
1. Since
2. Yet
3. Just
They have known each other _______ childhood.
1. Since
2. Already
3. Still

Answer:

PREP hopes that through this article, you have grasped the definitions and usage of Yet, Already, Still, Just, and Since, as well as the differences between these five words. Keep following PREP to stay updated with more useful English knowledge! Good luck!

Master Tu Pham

Founder/CEO at Prep

Founder of Prep Smart Test Preparation Platform. With over 10 years of experience in teaching and test preparation, Mr. Tú has helped thousands of students achieve high scores in the IELTS exam. In addition, Mr. Tú Phạm is also a consulting expert in British Council programs and a speaker at many leading educational events, programs, and conferences.