A. just ( = a short time ago)
We use just with the present perfect or the simple past.
- A: Are Diane and Paul here?
B: Yes, they¡¯ve just arrived. Or Yes, they just arrived.
- A: Are you hungry?
B: No, I¡¯ve just had dinner. Or I just had dinner.
- A: Is Jiro here?
B: Sorry, he¡¯s just left. Or Sorry, he just left.
B. already ( = before you expected / before I expected)
We use already with the present perfect or the simple past.
- A: What time are Diane and Paul coming?
B: They¡¯ve already arrived. Or They already arrived.
- It¡¯s only nine o¡¯clock, and Anne has already gone to bed.Or¡¦Anne already went to bed.
- A: John, this is Mary.
B: Yes, I know. We¡¯ve already met. Or We already met.
C. yet ( = until now)
We use ¡®yet¡¯ with the present perfect or simple past. We use ¡®yet¡¯ in negative sentences (I haven¡¯t¡¦yet) and questions (Have you¡¦yet?). ¡®Yet¡¯ is usually at the end.
yet in negative sentences
- A: Are Diane and Paul here?
B: No, they haven¡¯t arrived yet. Or¡¦they didn¡¯t arrive yet.
(but B is going to tell him soon)
- Joy bought a new dress, but she hasn¡¯t worn it yet. Or¡¦she didn¡¯t wear it yet.
yet in questions
- A: Have Diane and Paul arrived yet? Or Did Diane and Paul arrive yet?
B: No, not yet. We¡¯re still waiting for them
- A: Has Nicole started her new job yet? Or Did Nicole start her new job yet?
B: No, she¡¯s starting next week.
- A: This is my new dress.
B: Oh, it¡¯s nice. Have you worn it yet? Or Did you wear it yet?