Grammar: Present Perfect
B1 Lesson 18: Recent Events with 'Just', 'Already' & 'Yet'
Using Adverbs for Recent Events
We often use the Present Perfect with the adverbs just, already, and yet to add more detail about *when* a recent action happened.
Just
For actions that happened a very short time ago (e.g., a minute ago).
Example: I have just finished my coffee.
Already
For actions that happened sooner than expected.
Example: She has already started her new job.
Yet
For expected actions that haven't happened (used in negatives and questions).
Example: I haven't seen the new film yet.
The Grammar Rule 📖
Summary of Adverb Usage
| Adverb | Used In... | Meaning | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Just | Positive (+) | A moment ago | Between 'have' and verb |
| Already | Positive (+) | Sooner than expected | Between 'have' and verb |
| Yet | Negative (-) & Questions (?) | Until now | End of sentence |
In Conversation
Let's see how these words are used in a conversation between friends in Siem Reap.
Lina: Have you eaten lunch yet?
Piseth: Yes, I've already eaten. I was really hungry!
Lina: That was fast! I haven't decided what to eat yet.
Piseth: I've just had some delicious kuy teav from the cafe next door. You should try it!
Practice Your Grammar 🎯
Exercise: Choose the Correct Word
Choose the best word (just, already, or yet) to complete each sentence.
- Have you booked your guesthouse in Kampot ___?
→ yet - Don't buy any more mangoes. I have ___ bought a kilo.
→ already - She hasn't called me back ___. I'm still waiting.
→ yet - A: "Is Sopheak here?" B: "No, you've ___ missed her. She left a minute ago."
→ just - Wow, that was fast! I can't believe you've ___ finished your work.
→ already
Your Grammar Mission ⭐
What would you say?
Write a full sentence for each situation using the Present Perfect and the word in brackets.
- Your friend asks if you want to see a new movie, but you saw it yesterday. (already)
→ Example: No thanks, I have already seen it. - You are waiting for a bus from Phnom Penh that is late. (yet)
→ Example: The bus hasn't arrived yet. - You receive an important email one minute ago and tell your colleague. (just)
→ Example: I have just received an important email.
Key Vocabulary
- Recent Happening or starting only a short time ago.
- Just A very short time ago.
- Already Before now, or sooner than was expected.
- Yet Used in questions and negatives to talk about things that are expected but have not happened.