B1 · Intermedio Capítulo 20

Perfecting Your Timing with Adverbs

4 Reglas totales
44 ejemplos
6 min
Reglas en este capítulo Práctica rápida

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the timing of your life by using four essential adverbs with the present perfect tense.

  • Signal that an action happened very recently.
  • Express that something happened earlier than expected.
  • Ask if something has occurred or show it is still pending.
Timing is everything: tell the world exactly where you stand.

Lo que aprenderás

Ever wonder how to talk about things you've just done, or things that haven't happened *yet*? This chapter will perfectly tune your timing! We'll explore just, already, yet, and "still haven't" so you can express completion, surprise, and delay confidently.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to distinguish between 'just', 'already', and 'yet' in conversation.
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to correctly place 'already' between the auxiliary and the main verb.
  3. 3
    By the end you will be able to express frustration or surprise about delays using 'still haven't'.

Guía del capítulo

Overview

Mastering how to talk about events in relation to the present moment is a crucial step in sounding more natural and confident in English. For B1 English grammar learners like you, understanding adverbs like just, already, yet, and still haven't is key to perfecting your timing with adverbs. These little words are incredibly powerful because they allow you to precisely express when an action happened, whether it’s a surprise, or if it's something you’re still waiting for.
This chapter will guide you through connecting past actions to the present, adding nuance to your sentences, and expressing completion, surprise, or delay. From telling someone you have just finished a task, to confirming if a friend has arrived yet, or even expressing impatience that something still hasn't happened, these adverbs will upgrade your communication skills. By the end, you'll feel much more comfortable and accurate in your everyday English conversations, ensuring your message is understood with the right temporal context.

How This Grammar Works

These adverbs primarily work with the Present Perfect tense, which connects a past action or state to the present moment. Think of them as tools to fine-tune that connection, adding specific information about the timing.
First, let’s look at just, already, and yet.
* Just indicates that an action happened a very short time ago, emphasizing its recency. It usually goes between have/has and the past participle.
*
I have just seen him.
(Meaning: I saw him a moment ago.)
* Already tells us an action happened earlier than expected or before a specific point in time. It can go between have/has and the past participle (mid-position) or at the end of the sentence.
*
They have already left.
(Meaning: They left sooner than we thought, or before now.)
* Yet is used in negative sentences and questions to talk about something expected to happen but hasn't, or to ask if it has. It always goes at the end of the sentence.
* "She hasn't arrived yet." (Meaning: We expect her, but she's not here.)
*
Have you eaten lunch yet?
(Meaning: Are you expecting to eat, or have you done it?)
The mid-position for already (between the auxiliary have/has and the main verb's past participle) often emphasizes the *surprise* or *earliness* of the completion. For instance,
I have already finished the report!
might imply,
Wow, that was fast!
Finally, still haven't is a powerful phrase used to express that an expected action has *not* happened up to the present moment, often with a feeling of surprise, impatience, or frustration. It combines still (indicating continuation of a state) with the negative Present Perfect.
* "I still haven't received my package." (Meaning: I expected it, and I'm a bit surprised/impatient that it hasn't arrived.)
* "He still hasn't called me back." (Meaning: I'm waiting for his call, and it's taking longer than expected.)
These adverbs and phrases are essential for accurately reflecting the temporal nuances of your thoughts in English.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Using 'just' with Simple Past for recent actions:
* ✗ I just ate my lunch 5 minutes ago.
* ✓ I have just eaten my lunch. (For very recent actions connected to now, use Present Perfect.)
* ✓ I ate my lunch 5 minutes ago. (If you specify a past time, use Simple Past.)
* *Explanation:* Just with the Present Perfect emphasizes the action's immediate connection to the present moment. If you specify *when* in the past, the Simple Past is more appropriate without just.
  1. 1✗ Incorrect placement of 'yet':
* ✗ Yet I haven't seen that movie.
* ✓ I haven't seen that movie yet.
* *Explanation:* In negative sentences and questions, yet almost always goes at the very end of the sentence.
  1. 1✗ Confusing 'already' and 'yet' in questions:
* ✗ Have you eaten dinner already? (When you are asking neutrally or expecting a no)
* ✓ Have you eaten dinner yet? (This is the standard, neutral way to ask if an expected action has happened.)
* ✓ Have you already eaten dinner? (This implies surprise, like,
Wow, you ate dinner early!
)
* *Explanation:* Use yet in neutral questions about expected events. Use already in questions if you're expressing surprise that something might have happened sooner than expected.

Real Conversations

A

A

Have you started packing for your trip yet?
B

B

Yes, I have just finished packing my clothes. I have already bought my travel insurance too!
A

A

Wow, your new computer arrived quickly!
B

B

"I know! I have already set it up and installed all my programs. I still haven't downloaded that new game you told me about, though."
A

A

Is John coming to the meeting?
B

B

"He still hasn't confirmed. I have already sent him three emails, but he hasn't replied yet."

Quick FAQ

Q

Can I use just with the Simple Past?

Generally, for actions directly connected to the present, use the Present Perfect with just. For example,

I have just eaten.
If you specify a past time, use Simple Past:
I ate an hour ago.

Q

Is there a difference between "I haven't done it yet and I still haven't done it"?

Yes! "I haven't done it yet

is a neutral statement of non-completion.
I still haven't done it" adds a nuance of surprise, impatience, or frustration that it's taking longer than expected.

Q

Can already go at the end of a sentence?

Yes, placing already at the end, like "I've sent the email already,

is grammatically correct and common, especially in informal speech or to add emphasis. However, the mid-position (
I have already sent the email") is often considered more standard and natural.

Q

Why do we use these adverbs with the Present Perfect?

They help link a past action to the present moment, giving specific details about its timing and impact on the present. Just shows recent completion, already shows completion before expected, yet shows expectation for an action that hasn't happened, and still haven't emphasizes ongoing non-completion, often with a sense of impatience. They are all about the *timing* relative to *now*.

Cultural Context

These adverbs – just, already, yet, and still haven't – are incredibly common in everyday English conversations across all regions. They are not formal or informal exclusively; rather, they are integral to expressing nuances of time. While American English sometimes uses the Simple Past with adverbs like just (e.g., I just ate), British English overwhelmingly prefers the Present Perfect in such contexts.
For B1 learners, sticking to the Present Perfect is generally the safest and most broadly accepted approach for these adverbs to ensure your meaning about current relevance is clear.

Ejemplos clave (8)

1

I've just seen your TikTok!

Acabo de ver tu TikTok.

Present Perfect: Just, Already, Yet (Acabar de, Ya, Todavía)
2

We've already ordered the pizza.

Ya hemos pedido la pizza.

Present Perfect: Just, Already, Yet (Acabar de, Ya, Todavía)
3

I `have already finished` my assignment, so I'm free tonight!

Ya terminé mi tarea, ¡así que estoy libre esta noche!

Presente Perfecto: 'Already' en Posición Media
4

She `has already submitted` her application, even though the deadline is next week.

Ella ya envió su solicitud, aunque la fecha límite es la próxima semana.

Presente Perfecto: 'Already' en Posición Media
5

Have you seen the new superhero movie yet?

Você já viu o novo filme de super-herói?

Presente Perfecto: Usando 'yet' al final
6

I haven't finished my coffee yet, so I'm not leaving.

Eu ainda não terminei meu café, então não estou saindo.

Presente Perfecto: Usando 'yet' al final
7

I've been waiting for ages! My coffee still hasn't cooled down.

¡Llevo siglos esperando! Mi café todavía no se ha enfriado.

Presente Perfecto: Todavía no (Sorpresa y Retraso)
8

He promised to text me back, but he still hasn't sent anything.

Prometió responderme el mensaje, pero todavía no ha enviado nada.

Presente Perfecto: Todavía no (Sorpresa y Retraso)

Consejos y trucos (4)

💡

La Conexión 'V3'

Siempre úsalos con el Participio Pasado (la tercera forma del verbo, como 'gone', 'seen', 'done'), nunca con la forma base o el pasado simple. ¡Ojo! "I've just eaten.".
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Present Perfect: Just, Already, Yet (Acabar de, Ya, Todavía)
💡

¡La posición es clave!

Acuérdate de la regla del 'sándwich': have/has + already + past participle. Ponerlo en medio suena supernatural para los hablantes nativos.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Presente Perfecto: 'Already' en Posición Media
💡

¡Siempre al final con 'Yet'!

Acuérdate, 'yet' es como el gran final de la oración cuando usas el presente perfecto. Casi siempre va cómodo al final en preguntas y frases negativas. ¡No lo dejes vagar por el medio! Por ejemplo,
Have you finished your report yet?
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Presente Perfecto: Usando 'yet' al final
💡

Enfatiza la expectativa

'Still haven't' es perfecto cuando te sorprende o molesta un poco que algo no haya pasado. Es más fuerte que 'haven't... yet' porque añade ese sentimiento de anticipación. Piensa: '¡Esperaba que esto ya estuviera listo!'. "I still haven't received it."
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Presente Perfecto: Todavía no (Sorpresa y Retraso)

Vocabulario clave (6)

just a very short time ago already sooner than expected yet until now still continuing to happen (showing delay) finish to complete a task decide to make a choice

Real-World Preview

plane

Checking in at the Airport

Review Summary

  • have/has + just + past participle
  • have/has + already + past participle
  • have/has + not + past participle ... yet?
  • subject + still + haven't/hasn't + past participle

Errores comunes

'Yet' is used in negative sentences or questions, and it almost always comes at the end of the sentence.

Wrong: I have finished yet my work.
Correcto: I haven't finished my work yet.

In standard British and American English, 'already' usually goes between 'have' and the past participle.

Wrong: I already have seen that movie.
Correcto: I have already seen that movie.

'Still' goes before the auxiliary 'haven't/hasn't' in negative sentences to emphasize the delay.

Wrong: I haven't still called him.
Correcto: I still haven't called him.

Next Steps

You've made incredible progress today! Mastering these small adverbs is what separates intermediate learners from advanced speakers. Keep practicing and you'll be sounding like a pro in no time.

Write a 'To-Do' list and mark what you have already done and what you haven't done yet.

Continue to: Breaking News and Recent Changes

Práctica rápida (9)

Elige la forma correcta para expresar sorpresa o un retraso.

My train was supposed to leave an hour ago, but it ___ left yet.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: still hasn't
Para expresar sorpresa o retraso sobre una acción que no ha ocurrido hasta ahora, 'still hasn't' es la opción correcta. 'Didn't' se refiere a un evento pasado específico, y 'already hasn't' es incorrecto gramaticalmente aquí.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Presente Perfecto: Todavía no (Sorpresa y Retraso)

Elige la forma correcta para completar la oración.

My sister ___ already ___ for her trip.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: has / packed
Para 'my sister' (ella), usamos 'has'. El participio pasado de 'pack' es 'packed'. La estructura correcta es 'has already packed'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Presente Perfecto: 'Already' en Posición Media

Completa el espacio con 'just', 'already' o 'yet'.

I'm not hungry. I've ___ eaten a big burger.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: just
Usamos 'just' para indicar que la acción ocurrió muy recientemente.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Present Perfect: Just, Already, Yet (Acabar de, Ya, Todavía)

Encuentra y corrige el error en la oración.

Find and fix the mistake:

They already have finished their homework.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: They have already finished their homework.
El adverbio 'already' debe colocarse entre el verbo auxiliar 'have' y el participio pasado del verbo principal 'finished'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Presente Perfecto: 'Already' en Posición Media

¿Cuál oración usa 'yet' correctamente?

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: They haven't finished yet.
En las oraciones negativas, 'yet' siempre va al final de la oración o de la cláusula. Tampoco es correcto usar 'yet' en una oración positiva como 'They have finished yet'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Presente Perfecto: Usando 'yet' al final

¿Qué oración es correcta?

Elige la oración gramaticalmente correcta:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I haven't seen that movie yet.
'Yet' siempre va al final de las oraciones negativas o preguntas.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Present Perfect: Just, Already, Yet (Acabar de, Ya, Todavía)

Elige el verbo auxiliar correcto para completar la oración.

He ___ arrived at the party yet.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: hasn't
Dado que el sujeto es 'He' (tercera persona del singular), el verbo auxiliar debe ser 'hasn't' para una frase negativa en presente perfecto con 'yet'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Presente Perfecto: Usando 'yet' al final

Encuentra y corrige el error en la frase.

Find and fix the mistake:

They haven't still given us the project details.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: They still haven't given us the project details.
El adverbio 'still' debe colocarse antes del verbo auxiliar 'haven't/hasn't' en esta construcción.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Presente Perfecto: Todavía no (Sorpresa y Retraso)

Encuentra y corrige el error.

Find and fix the mistake:

He has yet called me.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He hasn't called me yet.
'Yet' no se usa en medio de una oración afirmativa; debe ir al final de una oración negativa.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Present Perfect: Just, Already, Yet (Acabar de, Ya, Todavía)

Score: /9

Preguntas frecuentes (6)

Técnicamente sí, pero es muy raro. Normalmente usamos 'yet' o 'still' para las negativas. Decir 'I haven't just arrived' suena muy específico, como si quisieras aclarar que no acabas de llegar en este instante preciso, sino hace un rato.
Casi siempre va al final de la pregunta. Por ejemplo: 'Have you seen the new episode yet?', es la forma más natural y común.
Te dice que una acción has already been completed (ya se completó) antes del momento actual o más pronto de lo esperado. Añade un matiz sutil sobre el tiempo y la finalización.
La estructura es sencilla: Sujeto + have/has + already + Participio Pasado. Por ejemplo, 'I have already eaten lunch' (Ya almorcé) o 'She has already left for work' (Ella ya se fue a trabajar).
R: Su función principal es indicar que una acción o evento esperado no ha sucedido hasta ahora, o preguntar si ya ocurrió. Señala una anticipación, como en "I haven't eaten lunch yet."
R: En el inglés B1, 'yet' casi siempre va al final de una pregunta o de una negación. Piensa que es la palabra final sobre si algo ha pasado o no, por ejemplo,
Have you seen it yet?
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