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When to Use the Adverbs Always, Already, Yet, Still

Are you familiar with adverbs?

Adverbs are one of the eight parts of speech that are fundamental in creating good and appropriate

sentences. There are numerous kinds of adverbs in the English language. When adverbs are used a

sentence, the sentence becomes better and it sounds more specific and detailed. However, it is best to

know how and when to use these adverbs. There are times that adverbs are misplaced in sentences, and

as a result, the sentence becomes vague and incorrect.

At this point, let us discuss four different adverbs that are commonly used in sentences and

conversations: Always, Already, Yet and Still.

ALWAYS

Always is an adverb of frequency. When we say adverb of frequency, it shows how often the action is

done. Always can be used in any tenses. When always is used with a be verb (am, is, are), it is placed

after these verbs. It is placed before the verb when the verb used in the sentence is an action or state

verb.

Examples:

She is always late. She was always early for class.

Joel always eats oatmeal for breakfast.

I will always wear this ring as a symbol of loyalty.

ALREADY

Already means that an action has been done sooner than expected. This adverb is placed after be verbs

and before action or state verbs in the sentence.

Examples:

A: Call me when the documents are here. I will be waiting.

B: Actually, they have already arrived.

She has already paid the bill.

I was already late for the program.

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YET

Yet is used in negative and question sentences. Yet means something is still expected to happen.

Examples:

Are we there yet?

Has she filed the report yet?

I haven’t eaten dinner yet.

They aren’t married yet.

STILL

Still means that something is ongoing, the action or the state exists up to the present time. It is usually

placed after the “be” verbs and before action or state verbs.

Examples:

She was still sitting on the couch when I arrived.

The cup will still be there when I go inside.

I am still in love with my ex-boyfriend.

She is still here despite his rejections.

How important is it to study these adverbs?

For starters, these adverbs indicate how long the action happens, is happening, happened or will be

happening. Let us say that adverbs add colour to the meaning of the sentence. It adds more life and

makes the content more detailed.

Though grammar can be pretty difficult, the best thing to do is being familiar with the rules that

surround these adverbs. As you are informed with its use, using it in sentences will no longer be a

problem. Find exercises online to practice your skills in using adverbs.

Improve your English proficiency with the following:

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http://www.docstoc.com/docs/164065174/IELTS-Grammar-Tips-Who-vs-Whom http://learnenglishwithpictures.blogspot.com/

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