B1 · Intermediário Capítulo 20

Dominando o Timing: Use Just, Already, Yet e Still com Confiança

4 Regras totais
44 exemplos
6 min
Regras neste capítulo Prática 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.

O que você vai aprender

Você já sentiu que sua conversa em inglês fica um pouco travada quando precisa falar sobre o que acabou de acontecer ou o que ainda está pendente? Neste capítulo, vamos destravar seu ritmo! Você vai aprender a dominar o timing perfeito usando quatro palavras essenciais que mudam completamente o sentido de uma frase: just, already, yet e still. Vamos mergulhar no Present Perfect para mostrar como essas pequenas palavras conectam o passado ao presente. Você aprenderá a usar o 'just' para falar de novidades que acabaram de ocorrer e a posicionar o 'already' no meio da frase para soar super fluído ao confirmar tarefas. Imagine que você está no trabalho: você saberá exatamente como dizer que «já» terminou um relatório ou como usar o 'yet' no final da frase para perguntar se alguém já terminou a parte dele. Além disso, vamos explorar o 'still haven't' para quando você quer expressar aquela pontinha de surpresa ou frustração porque algo está demorando demais para acontecer. Ao final deste capítulo, você não estará apenas repetindo regras, mas sim comunicando expectativas e conclusões com a precisão de um falante experiente. Prepare-se para soar muito mais natural e expressivo no seu dia a dia!

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'.

Guia do 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.

Exemplos-chave (8)

1

I've just seen your TikTok!

Acabei de ver seu TikTok!

Present Perfect: Just, Already, Yet (Acabar de, Já, Ainda)
2

We've already ordered the pizza.

Já pedimos a pizza.

Present Perfect: Just, Already, Yet (Acabar de, Já, Ainda)
3

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

Eu já terminei minha tarefa, então estou livre hoje à noite!

Present Perfect: 'Already' em Posição Média
4

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

Ela já enviou sua inscrição, mesmo que o prazo seja na próxima semana.

Present Perfect: 'Already' em Posição Média
5

Have you seen the new superhero movie yet?

Você já viu o novo filme de super-herói?

Present Perfect: Usando 'yet' no final
6

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

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

Present Perfect: Usando 'yet' no final
7

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

Estou esperando há séculos! Meu café ainda não esfriou.

Present Perfect: Ainda não (Surpresa e Atraso)
8

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

Ele prometeu me responder, mas ainda não mandou nada.

Present Perfect: Ainda não (Surpresa e Atraso)

Dicas e truques (4)

💡

A Conexão 'V3'

Sempre use esses advérbios com o Past Participle (o 'V3', tipo 'gone', 'seen', 'done'). Nunca com o infinitivo ou Past Simple, ok? Tipo: "I've just finished my work."
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Present Perfect: Just, Already, Yet (Acabar de, Já, Ainda)
💡

A Posição é Fundamental!

Sempre lembre da regra do 'sanduíche': have/has + already + past participle. Essa posição no meio (mid-position) soa mais natural e fluente para falantes nativos.
I have already finished my work.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Present Perfect: 'Already' em Posição Média
💡

Sempre no Final com Yet

Lembre-se, 'yet' é como o ato final de uma frase no Present Perfect. Ele quase sempre fica bem no final de perguntas e frases negativas. Não o deixe 'passear' para o meio da frase!
Have you finished your homework yet?
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Present Perfect: Usando 'yet' no final
💡

Dê Ênfase à Expectativa

Se você tá surpreso ou meio irritado que algo não aconteceu, "still haven't
é a sua melhor amiga! É mais forte que só
haven't... yet" porque adiciona aquela camada de expectativa. Pense: 'Eu esperava que isso já estivesse pronto!'. Tipo: "I still haven't received the package." (Eu ainda não recebi o pacote.)
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Present Perfect: Ainda não (Surpresa e Atraso)

Vocabulário-chave (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

Erros comuns

'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.
Correto: 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.
Correto: 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.
Correto: 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: O que há de novo? Domine as novidades no dia a dia

Prática rápida (9)

Encontre e corrija o erro na frase.

Find and fix the mistake:

They already have finished their homework.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: They have already finished their homework.
O advérbio 'already' deve ser colocado entre o verbo auxiliar 'have' e o particípio passado do verbo principal 'finished'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Present Perfect: 'Already' em Posição Média

Escolha a forma correta para expressar surpresa ou atraso.

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

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: still hasn't
Para expressar surpresa ou atraso sobre uma ação que não aconteceu até agora, 'still hasn't' é a escolha certa. 'Didn't' se refere a um evento passado específico, e 'already hasn't' está gramaticalmente incorreto aqui.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Present Perfect: Ainda não (Surpresa e Atraso)

Escolha o verbo auxiliar correto para completar a frase.

He ___ arrived at the party yet.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: hasn't
Como o sujeito é 'He' (terceira pessoa do singular), o verbo auxiliar deve ser 'hasn't' para uma frase negativa no Present Perfect com 'yet'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Present Perfect: Usando 'yet' no final

Encontre e corrija o erro na 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.
O advérbio 'still' deve ser colocado antes do verbo auxiliar 'haven't/hasn't' nesta construção. Fique esperto com a ordem!

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Present Perfect: Ainda não (Surpresa e Atraso)

Encontre e corrija o erro.

Find and fix the mistake:

He has yet called me.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He hasn't called me yet.
'Yet' não pode ser usado no meio de uma frase afirmativa; ele deve estar no final de uma negativa.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Present Perfect: Just, Already, Yet (Acabar de, Já, Ainda)

Escolha a forma correta para completar a frase.

My sister ___ already ___ for her trip.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: has / packed
Para 'my sister' (ela), usamos 'has'. O particípio passado de 'pack' é 'packed'. A estrutura correta é 'has already packed'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Present Perfect: 'Already' em Posição Média

Qual frase está correta?

Choose the grammatically correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I haven't seen that movie yet.
'Yet' sempre fica no final de frases negativas ou perguntas.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Present Perfect: Just, Already, Yet (Acabar de, Já, Ainda)

Preencha a lacuna com 'just', 'already' ou 'yet'.

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

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: just
Usamos 'just' para mostrar que a ação aconteceu há pouquíssimo tempo.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Present Perfect: Just, Already, Yet (Acabar de, Já, Ainda)

Qual frase usa 'yet' corretamente?

Escolha a frase correta:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: They haven't finished yet.
Em frases negativas, 'yet' sempre vai no final da frase ou da oração. Também é incorreto usar 'yet' em uma frase positiva como 'They have finished yet'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Present Perfect: Usando 'yet' no final

Score: /9

Perguntas comuns (6)

Até pode, mas é raro e soa bem específico. Geralmente, usamos 'yet' ou 'still' para negativas. Por exemplo, "I haven't just arrived" pode soar estranho, a menos que você queira enfatizar que não acabou de chegar *agora mesmo*.
Quase sempre no finalzinho da pergunta! É o lugar mais natural para ele. Por exemplo:
Have you seen the new episode yet?
Ele te diz que uma ação has already been completed antes do momento atual ou mais cedo do que o esperado. Ele adiciona uma camada sutil de significado sobre tempo e conclusão.
A estrutura é simples: Subject + have/has + already + Past Participle. Por exemplo, 'I have already eaten lunch' ou 'She has already left for work'.
R: Ele indica que uma ação ou evento esperado não aconteceu até o momento presente, ou pergunta se tal ação ocorreu. Sinaliza uma antecipação para que algo aconteça, como "I haven't eaten lunch yet."
R: No inglês B1, 'yet' quase sempre vai no final de uma pergunta ou de uma frase negativa. Pense nele como a palavra final sobre se algo aconteceu, por exemplo,
Have you seen it yet?
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