B1 · Lesson 2 · 20 min
For, since, already and yet
In this lesson
- I can use for and since to say how long a situation has continued.
- I can choose just, already, yet and still in clear present-perfect contexts.
Grammar in context
Maya moved to Leeds in 2021. She has worked at a bookshop since then, and she has already made several friends there. This morning, she has just finished a busy shift, but she has not replied to her brother's message yet.
Which words tell us when Maya's continuing situation started, how long it lasts, and what has or has not happened?
For and since with continuing situations
Use the present perfect with for to give a length of time, and with since to give a starting point. The situation began in the past and continues now. Use for + a period: for two weeks, for ages. Use since + a point: since Monday, since 2021, since I moved here.
- I have known Daniel for eight years.
- Our neighbour has lived here since last summer.
Already, just and yet
Use just for something that happened a very short time ago. Use already when something has happened before now, often sooner than expected. In statements, already usually goes between have/has and the past participle. Use yet mainly in negative statements and questions; it normally comes at the end.
- The train has just left the station.
- Have you sent the invoice yet?
Still and useful negatives
Still means that a situation continues, often longer than expected. In a negative present-perfect sentence, still comes before have or has: I still have not heard from her. In everyday speech, use contractions naturally: I still haven't heard from her. Do not use yet in a positive statement when you mean still.
- We still have not chosen a holiday destination.
- Has Omar already booked the table?
Common mistakes
Compare the incorrect and corrected forms.
Avoid
I have lived in Bristol since three years.
Use
I have lived in Bristol for three years.
Use for with a length of time, not since.
Avoid
She hasn’t finish yet.
Use
She hasn’t finished yet.
The present perfect requires a past participle after has or hasn’t.
Put it into practice
Try the exercises, write your own examples and check your understanding.