ESL, Learn Basic English Vocabulary

Re: Yet and already

Yankee — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 05:03:19 GMT

Hi Yogician

I don't see MM online at the moment, so I'll try to give you an answer.

Yes, the expression "as yet" means up to the present time (or up to a specified time). To me it often sounds more formal, and I'd say it places a little added stress on the idea of 'now'.

The phrase 'as yet' can begin a negative sentence, but the word 'yet' (with a similar meaning) cannot. You'll often find 'as yet' in a sentence with a negative meaning or sense, but without the word 'not'. So, 'as yet' is also similar in meaning to the word 'still'.

I think you'll be able to understand my explanation better with some examples.

In a negative sentence (with the word 'not'):
- We do not know his exact whereabouts as yet.
- As yet, we do not know his exact whereabouts.

In a sentence without the word 'not' (but with a negative meaning or sense):
- His exact whereabouts are as yet unknown.
- His exact whereabouts are unknown as yet.
- As yet, his exact whereabouts are unknown.
- Are his exact whereabouts as yet unknown?
- His as yet unknown whereabouts are the main topic of conversation.

Maybe MM (or someone else) will be able to give you some additional input.

Re: Yet and already

Yogician — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 10:25:22 GMT

Mister Micawber wrote:

These are both OK, however:

The work hasn't yet started.

The work hasn't started yet.

Mr. M., Sometimes 'yet' is used with 'as' for example :

I haven't started the work as yet.

Here, the meaning will become 'till now'? Please clarify.

Re: Yet and already

Mister Micawber — Sun, 29 Apr 2007 11:57:33 GMT

These are both OK, however:

The work hasn't yet started.

The work hasn't started yet.

Re: Yet and already

Francesca — Sun, 29 Apr 2007 11:17:37 GMT

'yet' usually goes at the end of a negative sentence or a question: she hasn't opened it yet

'already' usually goes in mid position in a positive sentence: I've already done it

So 'The work hasn't started yet' should be the correct one

Yet and already

Anonymous — Sun, 29 Apr 2007 07:54:30 GMT

hello, which is correct:

The work hasn't yet started.

The work hasn't started yet.

I'm quite lost in using the words yet & already. Please explain. Thanks!