already

The word 'already' is an adverb used to indicate that something has happened or is true before the present time, or before a particular time in the past or future. It emphasizes the completion of an action or the existence of a state by a certain point. It's a common word in everyday English, often used to express surprise or simply to state a fact about a completed event.

'Already' is typically placed before the main verb, after an auxiliary verb (like 'be', 'have', 'do'), or after the first auxiliary verb in a verb phrase. For example, 'I have already eaten.' or 'She is already here.' It can also sometimes appear at the end of a sentence for emphasis, though this is less common in standard usage.

'Already' is frequently used in everyday conversations and informal writing. It can be used to answer questions about whether something has been done, or to point out that a situation has progressed further than expected. For instance, when someone asks if you've finished a task, you might reply, 'Yes, I've already finished it.' It's also common in expressing mild surprise, such as 'Are you leaving already?' when you thought they had more time.

'Already' is distinct from words like 'yet' and 'still'. 'Yet' is typically used in negative sentences and questions to indicate that something has not happened but is expected to happen. 'Still' is used to indicate that a situation or action continues to happen and has not stopped. For example, 'He hasn't arrived yet' (implies he is expected), but 'He is still waiting' (implies the waiting continues). 'Already' focuses on the fact that something has happened before the current moment.