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Present perfect: just, already, yet
A2 A2 grammar · lesson 8 of 25
You know the present perfect for experiences. Now you learn to use it for recent actions that matter now, with the words just, already and yet.
Recent actions with a result now
We use the present perfect when a past action is important now. I’ve lost my keys means I don’t have them now.
Just, already, yet
| Word | Meaning | Position | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| just | a very short time ago | between have and the participle | I’ve just finished. |
| already | before now, sooner than expected | between have and the participle | She’s already left. |
| yet | until now (we expect it to happen) | at the end, in negatives and questions | Have you finished yet? / I haven’t finished yet. |
I’ve just had lunch, so I’m not hungry.
Tom has just called. He’s on his way.
‘Do you want to see this film?’ ‘No, I’ve already seen it.’
We’ve already done our homework.
Have you cleaned your room yet?
The bus hasn’t arrived yet.
Has Anna answered your message yet?
I haven’t decided yet.
With a past time, use the past simple
If you say when (yesterday, at 3 o’clock, last week), use the past simple: I finished my homework an hour ago. In American English people often use the past simple with just and already, but in this course we use the present perfect.
Common mistakes
✗ I have finished yet my work.
✓ I haven’t finished my work yet.
✗ She has seen already the film.
✓ She has already seen the film.
✗ I’ve just eat.
✓ I’ve just eaten.
✗ Have you just finished yesterday?
✓ Did you finish yesterday?