B1 · 중급 챕터 20

Perfecting Your Timing with Adverbs

4 총 규칙
44 예문
6 분
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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.

배울 내용

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'.

챕터 가이드

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.

주요 예문 (8)

1

I've just seen your TikTok!

네 틱톡 방금 봤어! 진짜 웃겼어.

현재완료: Just, Already, Yet (방금, 이미, 아직)
2

We've already ordered the pizza.

우리 피자 벌써 시켰어.

현재완료: Just, Already, Yet (방금, 이미, 아직)
3

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

숙제를 이미 다 끝내서, 오늘 밤은 자유예요!

현재 완료: 'Already' 중간 위치
4

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

그녀는 마감일이 다음 주인데도 이미 지원서를 제출했어요.

현재 완료: 'Already' 중간 위치
5

Have you seen the new superhero movie yet?

새 슈퍼히어로 영화 아직 봤어?

현재완료: 'yet'을 문장 끝에 사용하기
6

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

아직 커피를 다 못 마셨으니 안 나갈 거야.

현재완료: 'yet'을 문장 끝에 사용하기
7

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

오랫동안 기다렸는데! 내 커피가 아직도 안 식었어.

현재완료: 아직 ~하지 않았다 (놀라움 & 지연)
8

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

답장해 주겠다고 약속했는데, 아직도 아무것도 안 보냈네.

현재완료: 아직 ~하지 않았다 (놀라움 & 지연)

팁과 요령 (4)

💡

과거분사(V3)와 짝꿍!

이 부사들은 항상 have/has 뒤에 나오는 과거분사(V3)와 함께 쓰여요. 'gone', 'seen', 'done' 같은 형태로요. 원형이나 과거형과는 같이 쓸 수 없어요. "I've just seen your TikTok!"
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 현재완료: Just, Already, Yet (방금, 이미, 아직)
💡

위치가 핵심!

'already'는 꼭 have/has와 past participle 사이에 '샌드위치'처럼 넣어주세요. 이렇게 중간에 두는 것이 원어민에게 가장 자연스럽게 들린답니다.
I have already finished.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 현재 완료: 'Already' 중간 위치
💡

'Yet'은 항상 문장 끝에!

'yet'은 현재 완료 의문문이나 부정문에서 거의 항상 문장 맨 끝에 와요. 마치 대화의 마지막을 장식하듯이요.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 현재완료: 'yet'을 문장 끝에 사용하기
💡

기대감을 강조할 때

무언가 끝났어야 하는데 아직 안 끝나서 놀라거나 조금 짜증 날 때 "still haven't«를 써보세요. 단순히 »haven't... yet«보다 훨씬 강한 느낌을 줘요. 마치 »나는 이게 이미 끝났을 줄 알았는데!« 하고 말하는 것 같아요. »I still haven't received the email."
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 현재완료: 아직 ~하지 않았다 (놀라움 & 지연)

핵심 어휘 (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

자주 하는 실수

'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.
정답: 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.
정답: 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.
정답: 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

빠른 연습 (9)

문장의 오류를 찾아 고치세요.

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.
부사 'still'은 이 구조에서 조동사 'haven't/hasn't' 앞에 위치해야 합니다.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 현재완료: 아직 ~하지 않았다 (놀라움 & 지연)

문장을 완성하기 위해 올바른 형태를 선택하세요.

My sister ___ already ___ for her trip.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: has / packed
'my sister' (그녀)에는 'has'를 사용해요. 'pack'의 과거분사는 'packed'입니다. 따라서 올바른 구조는 'has already packed'입니다.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 현재 완료: 'Already' 중간 위치

문장을 완성하는 올바른 조동사를 고르세요.

He ___ arrived at the party yet.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: hasn't
주어가 'He'(3인칭 단수)이므로, 'yet'과 함께 쓰이는 현재 완료 부정문에서는 조동사 'hasn't'를 사용해야 해요.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 현재완료: 'yet'을 문장 끝에 사용하기

올바르게 'yet'을 사용한 문장을 고르세요.

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: They haven't finished yet.
부정문에서 'yet'은 항상 문장이나 절의 맨 끝에 와요. 'They have finished yet.'처럼 긍정문에서 'yet'을 사용하는 것도 잘못된 표현이에요.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 현재완료: 'yet'을 문장 끝에 사용하기

빈칸에 just, already, yet 중 알맞은 것을 채우세요.

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

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: just
행동이 아주 최근에 일어났다는 것을 보여주기 위해 'just'를 사용해요.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 현재완료: Just, Already, Yet (방금, 이미, 아직)

문장에서 틀린 부분을 찾아 고치세요.

Find and fix the mistake:

They already have finished their homework.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: They have already finished their homework.
부사 'already'는 조동사 'have'와 주동사의 과거분사 'finished' 사이에 와야 해요.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 현재 완료: 'Already' 중간 위치

놀라움이나 지연을 표현하기 위한 올바른 형태를 고르세요.

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

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: still hasn't
현재까지 일어나지 않은 행동에 대한 놀라움이나 지연을 표현하려면 'still hasn't'가 올바른 선택입니다. 'Didn't'는 특정 과거 사건을 나타내고, 'already hasn't'는 문법적으로 틀린 표현입니다.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 현재완료: 아직 ~하지 않았다 (놀라움 & 지연)

올바른 문장을 고르세요.

문법적으로 올바른 문장을 고르세요:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I haven't seen that movie yet.
'Yet'은 부정문이나 의문문의 맨 끝에 와야 해요.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 현재완료: Just, Already, Yet (방금, 이미, 아직)

실수를 찾아 고치세요.

Find and fix the mistake:

He has yet called me.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He hasn't called me yet.
'Yet'은 긍정문 중간에 올 수 없어요. 부정문의 끝에 와야 자연스러워요.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 현재완료: Just, Already, Yet (방금, 이미, 아직)

Score: /9

자주 묻는 질문 (6)

기술적으로는 가능하지만 매우 드물어요. 보통 부정문에는 'yet'이나 'still'을 써요. 예를 들어, 'I haven't just arrived'는 매우 특별한 상황에서 사용될 수 있어요.
거의 항상 문장의 맨 끝에 위치해요. 예를 들어,
Have you seen the new episode yet?
처럼요.
어떤 행동이 현재 시점보다 «미리» 완료되었거나 예상보다 더 «일찍» 끝났다는 것을 알려줘요. 완료 시점과 그 시기에 대한 미묘한 의미를 더한답니다.
I have already seen it.
구조는 간단해요: 주어 + have/has + already + 과거분사. 예를 들어,
I have already eaten lunch
또는
She has already left for work
처럼 사용해요.
A: 예상했던 행동이나 사건이 지금까지 일어나지 않았거나, 그런 행동이 일어났는지 물어볼 때 사용해요. 뭔가 일어날 거라는 기대를 나타내죠. 예를 들어, "I haven't eaten lunch yet."처럼요.
A: B1 레벨 영어에서는 'yet'이 거의 항상 의문문이나 부정문의 맨 끝에 와요. 뭔가 일어났는지 여부에 대한 마지막 단어라고 생각하면 돼요. 예를 들어,
Have you seen it yet?
처럼요.
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