Small Words, Big Impact: Just, Yet, Already, Still

1. Just

Meaning:

• Recently (a short time ago)
  ➡️ I’ve just finished my homework. 📚 (a few minutes ago)

• Exactly / only
  ➡️ It’s just what I wanted! (exactly)
  ➡️ I’m just tired, not sick. (only)

Pro tip: In the “recently” meaning, just is common in present perfect (subject + have/has + past participle)

2. Yet

Meaning:

• Up to now, so far (negative sentences and questions)
  ➡️ I haven’t finished yet. (I will, but not now)
  ➡️ Has the bus arrived yet?

Pro tip: Yet usually comes at the end of the sentence. EXCEPT when it means however/nevertheless. In this case it’s at the beginning.

➡️I see him every day at work. Yet I didn’t know he lived in my street!

3. Already

Meaning:

• Before now / earlier than expected
  ➡️ I’ve already eaten. (no need to eat again!)
  ➡️ You’re here already? (I’m surprised you’re early)

Pro tip: In speech, we use it to show surprise or impatience:
➡️ You’ve finished already? 😲

4. Still

Meaning:

• Continuing from the past until now
  ➡️ I’m still waiting for my coffee. ☕ (it’s taking forever…)
  ➡️ He still lives with his parents.

Pro tip: Still usually comes before the main verb, or after be.

Mini Quiz – Can You Choose the Right Word?

Fill in the blanks with just, yet, already, still:

1. She’s ______ in the shower.

2. I haven’t finished my lunch ______.

3. He’s ______ moved to New York – last week!

4. I’ve ______ spoken to her about the problem.

Answers:

1. still

2. yet

3. just

4. already

💬 Final Tip : These words are small, but if you use them well, your English will sound smoother, more natural, and more confident. Practice putting them into your everyday sentences — and notice how native speakers use them in films, TV shows, and songs.