In this article, we will discuss adverbs that add information about time. The adverbs about to, already, just, still, yet are used to describe things that are going on, are expected or close to the present time.
About to
We use ‘be about to do something’ to mean ‘be going to do something very soon’.
- Ssshhh…! The movie is about to start.
- They were about to complain when their meal finally arrived.
The structure is:
be + about to + base verb
Already, Just, Yet, Still
| Note: In British English, these adverbs are often used with the Present Perfect tense. Americans often use the past tense. |
Already
We use ‘already’ to say that something happened early, or earlier than we expected.
- I’ve already finished my homework.
- Really? That was quick!
- Would you like something to eat?
- No, thanks. We’ve already had lunch.
- Is it ten o’clock already? I can’t believe it!
Just
Here, ‘just’ means ‘a short time ago’.
- I’ve just had breakfast.
- Has he just arrived?
| Note: ‘Already’ and ‘just’ come between ‘have/has’ and the Past Participle. |
Yet
We use ‘yet’ to talk about things we expect to happen.
- I haven’t seen that movie yet.
- Have you cleaned your teeth yet?
- Is dinner ready yet?
| Note: We only use ‘yet’ in negative sentences and questions. It usually comes at the end of the sentence. |
Still
We use ‘still’ to talk about things which have not happened or finished as we expected.
- I’ve been here for twenty minutes but the bus still hasn’t come.
- You still haven’t washed the dishes.
- Is it still raining?
| Note: When we use ‘still’ with the present perfect, it comes before ‘have/has’. |
See how to use these adverbs in this video:
See also: