Already can show that a change happened before now, sometimes sooner than expected.

The idea

In a present-perfect statement, already often comes between the auxiliary and the participle: has already left. It can also appear in questions or with be: it is already dark.

Examples

  • I have already finished my lunch.
  • She has already left the office.
  • The train has already arrived.
  • Have you already seen the message?
  • We have not finished yet.
  • It is already dark outside.

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Watch out

Not yet says the expected change has not happened; already says it has happened or asks whether it has.

Try it yourself

  1. She left before now and is no longer at the office. She has ___ left the office. (already / never)

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    already

    already fits a completed departure before now.

  2. The train is here now. Choose the usual position after has. The train has ___ arrived. (already / yet)

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    already

    already commonly follows has in this statement.

  3. It is dark now. Choose the sentence that says this. It is already dark. / It is not dark yet.

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    It is already dark.

    The first sentence says darkness has arrived; the second says it has not.

Use it today

Describe something you have already done and something you have not done yet.