In English, the words “just,” “already,” and “yet” are commonly used in the present perfect tense to indicate the timing or completion of an action or situation. Here is a detailed explanation of each word in relation to the present perfect tense.
JUST
“Just” is used to indicate an action that happened a short time before the present moment. It emphasizes recentness.
Example:
- I have just finished my homework. (I finished my homework a short time ago.)
ALREADY
“Already” is used to express that something has happened sooner than expected or earlier than a particular point in time. It implies that the action or situation is completed.
Example:
- She has already seen that movie. (She saw the movie before now or earlier than expected.)
YET
“Yet” is used in negative statements and questions to indicate that an action or situation has not happened or been completed up to the present moment. It implies an expectation of completion in the future.
Examples:
- He hasn’t finished his work yet. (He has not completed his work up to now, but it is expected that he will complete it in the future.)
- Have you finished your dinner yet? (Is your dinner completed up to the present moment?)
More examples
Here are a few more examples to illustrate the use of “just,” “already,” and “yet” in the present perfect tense:
- They have just arrived at the party. (They arrived a short time ago.)
- I have already eaten lunch. (I ate lunch earlier than expected.)
- Has she finished her presentation yet? (Is her presentation completed up to now?)
- He hasn’t called me yet. (He has not made the call up to the present moment, but it is expected in the future.)
These words provide additional information about the timing, completion, or expectation of actions or situations in the present perfect tense.