How to use Already

“Already” used with the Present Perfect

Already is an adverb that is used with the Present Perfect to explain or ask if things (actions) are completed or not.

Already

– Use already in affirmative sentences to explain or say that something happened before now (situation 1) or earlier than we expected (situation 2).

– Put already before the main verb (the past participle in the present perfect)

Situation 1: I saw the film ” Gladiator” twice at the cinema and once on DVD last year

Now:

• John: Do you want to see “Gladiator” on the television tonight?
• Mark: No, I’ve already seen it three times.

Situation 2: Isabel lost her job last year. Now she has a new job

• Mrs Jones: I heard that Isabel lost her job, is she looking for a new one?
• Isabel’s mother: No, she doesn’t need to look. She has already started working in an IT company. She’s very happy.

Already can also be used with the Past Perfect to explain or ask if things (actions) were completed or not before another past time.

1. The football match started at 11.0, I arrived at 11.15

• When I arrived at the football match, the game had already started.

Introduction: Yet, just and already

Using JUST in present perfect affirmative, questions and past perfect

Using YET in questions and negatives

Practise Yet, Already and Still with this exercise

Present Perfect – use

Practise Present Perfect forms and structures

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