they (not finish) the homework yet

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Using the Present Perfect Tense

Are you wondering when to use the present perfect tense? Or I should say, "have you learned" when to use the present perfect? We use this tense to talk about an action that started in the past and   has a connection to the present.

[Note: Click here to learn  how to form   the present perfect.]

Use #1:   Describe past situations / things that have a strong connection to the present

We use the present perfect simple to describe an action  or state that started at an unknown or unspecified time in the past  AND has a connection to the present .

Learners are sometimes confused by this. They ask, if this tense is called the "present" perfect, why are we talking about "past" actions? Excellent question.

With this tense we're talking about the past   and the present . These actions or situations may have started and ended in the past but we are focusing on the effect of this action now in the present moment. Let's look at some examples to try to make this clearer:

• Your poor grades have become a problem. (The result now is that there is a problem.)
• Have you seen Selma? (Where is she now?)
• She 's gone to school. (She left home and is at school now.)
• Take off your shoes. I have just cleaned the floor. (A short while ago I mopped the dirty floor and it is clean now.)
• I can't find my keys. Have you seen them? (I lost my keys and can't find them now.)
• Have you done your homework? (Is your homework finished now?)
• I started but I haven't finished my homework yet. (My homework is not finished now.)
• I've been sick all day. (I'm still sick now.)

In each of these examples we are focusing on the result now or why the action is important at this present time.

Use #2: Describe past actions or conditions that continue in the present

It's usually easier for learners to understand the second use which is for actions that started in the past and are still continuing in the present moment.

The tense helps to answer " how long ago " something has been happening (in relation to now) or for how long a period of time  something has been happening. 

FOR / SINCE

We often use the words " since " (after a specific time) or " for " (a period of time) with this usage.

• We have lived here for  25 years.(We came here 25 years ago and still live here.) 
• My parents have been married since   1967. (They're still married.)
• We 've waited 20 minutes already for the bus. (We are still waiting.)
• My daughter has been sick for a week.
• I haven’t slept for two days.
• We haven’t seen each other since high school.
• I haven’t had a drink since the accident.
• He hasn’t dated anyone since his wife left him.
• I haven’t smoked a cigarette for three months now.

Note : we cannot use the present perfect tense with a completed time word. For example:

• Wrong:   We have seen the movie last night.  (Correct: we saw the movie last night.)
• Wrong :  Yesterday, I had worked very late. (Correct: Yesterday, I worked very late.)

With finished time words we use the present simple.

Use #3:  To ask about whether we ever   had past experiences

We frequently use the present perfect tense to ask or talk about whether someone has  experienced something during their life (at any time in the past until this moment).

EVER / NEVER / BEFORE

Often, we use the words " ever " (in questions) and " never ".  We will sometimes also add the word " before ."

• Have you ever   eaten fried insects?
• No, I haven't   tried fried insects and never will.
• Has  Jimmy ever   been this sick before?
• Have you taken private English lessons?
• I ' ve never travelled by train before.
• Have the children  ever   done something like this before?
• Never   in my life have I been so much in love.

Adverbs that are frequently used with the present perfect tense:  Already / yet / just / still

The following words (adverbials) are often used with the present perfect tense:

Just describes something that happened a short time before this moment.

• I 've just   received your email and will read it now.
• He 's just   arrived , I hear the car pulling to the garage.
• I'm so excited. Lady Gaga has just   released her latest album.

Just about means that something that was started is almost finished .

• I 've just about   finished this novel.
• Have you finished the report yet? Just about .
• I 've just about   used up all the milk.

Already has two main meanings:

1. Already = before this time (before now)

• Where's that letter? I 've already   mailed it.
• Can I help you clean? I 've already   swept to the floor but you can vacuum the carpet.
• We 've already   eaten at that restaurant so let's go somewhere else.

2. Already = so soon (something happened quickly or earlier than expected)

• We need to take the trash out. I 've already   taken it out.
• Has my boyfriend arrived already? I'm still getting dressed.
• You don't have to ask. Your mother has already   ironed your shirt.

Yet = at this time , until this time , as soon as this time

Note :  Yet usually comes at the end of the sentence. We use yet with negative statements and questions.

• Have my parents arrived yet?   (They are expected to arrive soon.)
• Have you finished the report yet?   (It should be done or finished soon.)
• He hasn't called yet.   (Until this time he hasn't called but he should call soon.)
• It's 3 o'clock and I haven't had lunch yet .

We use still in negative sentences with the present perfect to emphasize an action or situation happening or existing before now and continuing into the present:

• I can't believe you still   haven't written your paper.
• He said he sent an email an hour ago but I still  haven't received it.
• We still   haven't decided what to eat for lunch. 

If you need to review how to form   the present perfect tense please check this page. I go over the positive and negative forms, questions, review the irregular past participles and spelling changes and give lots of examples.

• Main Grammar Page
• Using the Present Perfect

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Present perfect: 'just', 'yet', 'still' and 'already'

Do you know how to use just , yet , still and already with the present perfect? Test what you know with interactive exercises and read the explanation to help you.

Look at these examples to see how just , yet , still and already are used.

I've just seen Sai. He's really enjoying his new job. We haven't decided what to do yet. I still haven't called Yumi to see how she is. I've already had lunch but I'll join you for coffee.

Try this exercise to test your grammar.

'just', 'yet', 'still' and 'already': Grammar test 1

Read the explanation to learn more.

Grammar explanation

We often use just , yet , still and  already with the present perfect because they are related to the present moment. This page focuses on the meaning and use of these words when they are used with the present perfect.

Just used with the present perfect means 'a short time before'.

I've just seen Susan coming out of the cinema. Mike's just called. Can you ring him back, please? Have you just taken my pen?!

Just comes between the auxiliary verb ( have/has ) and the past participle.

Yet used with the present perfect means 'at any time up to now'. We use it to emphasise that we expect something to happen soon. Yet (in this context) is only used in negative sentences and questions.

Have you finished your homework yet? I haven't finished it yet. I'll do it after dinner. A. Where's Sam? B: He hasn't arrived yet.

Yet comes at the end of the sentence or question.

Still used with the present perfect means that something hasn't happened. We use it to emphasise that we expected the thing to happen earlier. Still (in this context) is only used in negative sentences.

I've been waiting for an hour and the bus still hasn't come. They promised me that report yesterday but they still haven't finished it. She still hasn't replied to my email. Maybe she's on holiday.

Still comes between the subject ( the bus, they, etc.) and auxiliary verb ( haven't/hasn't ).

Already used with the present perfect means 'before now'. We use it to emphasise that something happened before something else or earlier than expected.

I've already spent my salary and it's two weeks before payday. He wanted to see Sudden Risk but I've already seen it. The train's left already!

Already can come between the auxiliary and the main verb or at the end of the clause.

Do this exercise to test your grammar again.

'just', 'yet', 'still' and 'already': Grammar test 2

Language level

Hello, Could you tell me the difference in meaning between these two sentence? I just moved in I've just moved in

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Hello Khangvo2812,

Generally, we use the present perfect ( I have moved in ) when an action in the past (moving in) has a present result or effect (here I am/I'm your new neighbour). We use the past simple ( I moved in ) when an action is solely in the past without any present echo.

However, for very recent actions in the past with just there is a difference in British and American English. British English speakers tend to use the present perfect with just while American speakers often us the past simple instead. I would say that that is the main difference here. A British English speaker would choose the second sentence, while an American English speaker would be more likely to choose the first.

You can read more about the present perfect and past simple here:

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/past-simple-or-present-perfect

https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/learning-english/activities-for-learners/b1g003-past-simple-and-present-perfect

The LearnEnglish Team

Hi, team! Can you please clarify why we use "yet" and present perfect tense (we have been to the restaurant...) in the last sentence? As far as i know "yet" mostly used in negetive and questions with present perfect tense. The context is following: B: I ate sushi for the first time on my dad's 50th birthday. He invited the whole family to a Japanese restaurant. A: Did you like it? B: Absolutely. In fact, it was so good that we have been to that restaurant three times yet. And on my mum's birthday, we ordered some sushi and had it at home.

Hello Babanova,

That does not look like a correct use of 'yet' to me. I would use 'already' or 'since then'.

Hello, I think your website is good but it's better to have more practices and tests because for example when we've just studied grammer,we need many perfect tests and challenge to overcome over the grammer subject. We also need advance grammer , if you could add to this site,please. Thank you

Hello mr_bahrami2011,

Thanks for your feedback. There are quite a few advanced grammar points covered in our English grammar reference . There are also usually more exercises on those pages.

I'm also pleased to say that we are working on a C1 grammar and hope to publish it here soon.

You might also want to consider some of the options in our Online courses section if you'd like more in-depth work.

All the best, Kirk LearnEnglish team

Hello I think this is a real good place to learn English, but I am new here I can't find the worksheet in grammar B1 section.

Hello samayullah,

We're glad you found LearnEnglish!

Most of our site has worksheets, but I'm afraid our Grammar and Vocabulary sections do not. One day we'd like to create them, but at the moment it's simply too much work for our small team.

Hi there, I hope you are fine, and doing well. I, personally, think that this is the best website for English learners. However, I have a feedback which is what if you share a video with the grammar lessons, this way I think we will better learn each lesson.

Hi johny-jan,

Thanks for your message! We're always glad to hear that people find LearnEnglish useful and are happy to get suggestions.

That's a great idea about video lessons for grammar. We did a series of webinars on different grammar points which you can find in General English > LearnEnglish webinars .

There are also quite a lot of resources focusing on grammar on our Facebook page  that I expect you might find useful. 

I hope you find something useful there too!

All the best, Kirk LearnEnglish Team

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Present Perfect

For recently finished actions.

Table of Contents

In this grammar section we will have a look at the tense Present Perfect to talk about recently finished/completed actions.

A: How long have you worked there? B: I have worked there for 3 years.

A: How long have you been friends? B: We haven’t been friends for long. We have been friends since 2022

The video gives an overview of to Present Perfect for something recently completed/finished actions.

It shows the meaning/usage: when and why to use the Present Perfect.

For the form and the pronunciation have a look a the different webpages:

• Present perfect form
• Present perfect pronunciation

Usage/ Meaning

How and when do we use the Present Perfect?

Present Perfect is also used to talk about something recently finished.

I have just done my homework: This means not so long ago you finished your homework . It is an unspecified time in the past . We don’t know when the person did it, but it wasn’t so long ago . It is usually used to stress that you finished the action and there it no need to do it anymore or no need to worry about it anymore .

I have already done my homework: This means you finished your homework somewhere before now . It is an unspecified time in the past . We don’t know when the person did it . It is usually used to stress that you finished the action and there it no need to do it anymore or no need to worry about it anymore .

Present Perfect is also used to talk about something that is not finished.

I haven’t done my homework yet : This means you did not finished your homework somewhere before now but that you will do it later . It is usually used to stress that you did not finished the action but you will do it somewhere soon in the future.

• Just: recently finished actions. positive and questions. Between have and the main verb : I have just finished . 
• Already: finished actions. positive and questions. Between have and the main verb : I have already finished .
• Yet: not finished, but will finish it later. Negative and questions. At the end of the sentence: I haven’t finished yet .

Have a look at the questions and write your answers in the comments below . Also give us some more details about when, where, why,….

• What have you already done today?
• What haven’t you done yet today, but must still do today?
• What have you just finished before answering these questions?
• Have you just had some food?
• Have you already finished your homework?
• Have you already studied today?
• Have you just had a phone call?
• Have you already had lunch today?
• Which movie have you already seen more than 2 times?
• Which goals in your life have you already achieved?

Spread the word

Kristof Abrath Teacher, Trainer, Course Designer Teaching in English on 4 different continents since 2006.

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English Grammar – Using ALREADY & YET

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• I 've already visited three universities.
• She 's just won the match.
• I haven't made a decision yet .
• ‘ Have you seen that new film yet ? ’   ‘ Yes, I have . / No, I haven't . ’
• visit  →  visit ed   arrive  →  arriv ed
• have, had  →  had   lose, lost  →  lost
• do, did  →  done   eat, ate  →  eaten
• They 've just made a big announcement.
• Have you finished that book yet ?
• Spring has already arrived in Madrid!
• Practice 1   Gap-fill
• Practice 2   Gap-fill
• Practice 3   Multiple choice
• Practice 4   Multiple choice
• Practice 5   Gap-fill
• Practice 6   Multiple choice
• Practice 7   Multiple choice
• Practice 8   Gap-fill
• Practice 9   Gap-fill
• Practice 10   Gap-fill
• Practice 11   Gap-fill

• Adverbs with the Present Perfect Tense

In the last lesson we saw when to use the present perfect tense . Now we will look at more situations of when to use the present perfect tense but now using adverbs .

We often use the adverbs just, ever / never, still, yet and already with the present perfect tense. These adverbs generally refer to a time period between the past and now. Let’s look at each one more in detail.

JUST – Events that recently occurred – Recent past events

We often use the adverb JUST with the present perfect tense. JUST means very recently, a short moment ago. This is a recently completed action with a connection to now. For example:

• Be careful, I have just broken a glass and there are pieces on the floor.

This is a recently completed action. It is a finished event: The glass broke in the past. BUT with a connection to now, the present: Be careful NOW because you might cut yourself.

Notice how the word JUST is positioned between have/has and the Past Participle. Look at this example:

• A: Would you like to go out to dinner with us? B: Thanks, but I ‘ve  just  eaten  an entire pizza. (I ate the pizza recently so now I am not hungry)

Now, something important to know is: In British English , JUST is used with the PERFECT TENSE

• Be careful, I have just broken a glass.

Now look at this sentence.

• Be careful, I just broke a glass.

It has JUST but not with the present perfect tense. That is because in American English the PAST SIMPLE tense is often used instead of the present perfect tense. So…

• Be careful, I have just broken a glass. (🇬🇧 British English – Perfect Tense)
• Be careful, I just broke a glass. (🇺🇸 American English – Past Tense)

EVER / NEVER – Talking about general experiences

When the adverbs EVER and NEVER are used with the present perfect tense, they usually refer to an event happening (or not happening) at some moment in your life – any time up to now.

EVER is used in the present perfect question: Have you ever …?

• Have you ever fallen asleep at work? (at any moment in your life up to now)
• Has  he ever   tried  a steak and mushroom pie? (in his life)

EVER can also be used with the first time :

• This is the first time I have ever been to Australia.
• It is the first time she has ever done

EVER in these cases emphasizes that it has never happened before in your life. Also, notice the position of EVER between HAVE/HAS and the past participle.

NEVER = at no time in my past. It is considered a negative sentence.

• I ‘ve   never   seen  a UFO. (in my life)
• She ’s never been to Argentina. (in her life – up until this point of her life)

Again, the adverb never is between the auxiliary have or has and the past participle .

STILL – Events that continue to happen after a long time

The adverb STILL can be used with the present perfect tense to express that we have waited a long time for something to happen or be done and it hasn’t happened yet. This situation continues to happen. When used in the present perfect tense, it is normally in negative sentences.

• He still hasn’t finished the report. (It has taken a long time)
• I still haven’t had (I have had to wait to have lunch)
• They still haven’t paid (I’m waiting for it to happen)

Notice how STILL goes before the auxiliary haven’t or hasn’t .

YET – An event has not happened, but it is expected

The adverb YET usually refers to something that has not happened, but you expect it to happen (usually soon). We normally put YET at the end of the sentence. YET is used in negative sentences and questions.

• A: Are Jack and Jill at this event?

B: No, they  haven’t arrived   yet . (they’re not here now, but I expect them to be here soon)

• I’m hungry. I haven’t had lunch yet . (I thought I was going to have lunch before now, but it hasn’t happened. I expect to have lunch soon)
• Have you finished your homework yet ?

Now look at this sentence:

• I haven’t received a letter from her yet .

In British English , YET is used with the PERFECT TENSE Now look at this sentence:

• I didn’t receive a letter from her yet .

It has YET but not with the present perfect tense. That is because in American English the PAST SIMPLE tense is sometimes used instead of the present perfect tense. So…

• I haven’t received a letter from her yet . (🇬🇧 British English – Present Perfect)
• I didn’t receive a letter from her yet . (🇺🇸 American English – Past Simple)

ALREADY – Events that occurred before you expected

The adverb ALREADY can be used with the present perfect tense to express that something has happened early or before expected. This can come as a surprise.

Notice how the adverb ALREADY goes between the auxiliary and the past participle.

• She has   already   finished  the report. (I expected her to finish it later, not so quickly)
• I ’ve already had lunch. (Yes, it happened some time before now. You didn’t expect it.)
• We ’ve already chosen what we would like to eat. (You probably expected us to take more time to choose.)
• He has already taken the trash out. (Earlier than you expected. You probably thought he would do it later)

You can see that ALREADY is used in affirmative sentences. We don’t use ALREADY with negative sentences. Now look at this sentence:

• I have already eaten .

In British English , ALREADY is used with the PERFECT TENSE Now look at this sentence:

• I already ate .

It has ALREADY but not with the present perfect tense. That is because in American English the PAST SIMPLE tense is sometimes used instead of the present perfect tense. So…

• I have already eaten . (🇬🇧 British English – Present Perfect)
• I already ate . (🇺🇸 American English – Past Simple)

Still vs. Yet vs. Just vs. Already

Now compare these sentences and see how there is a difference in meaning between them:

• He still hasn’t finished the report. (It has taken a long time and I continue to have to wait for it)
• He hasn’t finished the report yet . (It has not been done though I expect it to happen soon)
• He has just finished the report. (It was completed a moment ago)
• He has already finished the report. (It has been done sooner than expected)

See our other English lesson about STILL / YET / ALREADY .

I hope you found this lesson about using adverbs with the present perfect tense useful. If you did, please let other people know about it.

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• When to use the Present Perfect Tense
• Still - Yet - Already
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Which Is Correct: Not Yet or Yet Not?

By: Author Tahira Hanif

Posted on Published: September 8, 2021

“Not yet” is a motto for procrastinators all over the world. You know you’re supposed to finish something, but when someone asks you about it, your response is always, “Not yet.”

“Not yet” is correct. It functions as a stand-alone phrase or a short sentence. By itself, “yet not” cannot function as a grammatically correct phrase. However, there are some sentence structures where “yet” precedes “not” and is still acceptable. In this case, there are usually other words between the two that make it grammatically accurate.

“Not yet,” is a phrase that is full of hope. Just because you haven’t done something yet, does not mean that you will never do it. To understand the meaning of “not yet” and when you can use “yet” and “not” together, read on.

What Does “Not Yet” Mean?

“Not yet” is an adverb of time. It indicates that something has not happened until that point in time but will happen in the future ( source ). It is a response to a question about whether something has occurred.

Example sentences:

• Q: Have you done your homework?  
• A: Not yet .
• Q: Did you call Sarah about her interview? 
• A: Not yet , but I will first thing in the morning.
• Q: Have you washed the dishes yet? 
• A: Nope, not yet .

The phrase “not yet” can stand alone, or it can be part of a longer statement. It informs others about the status of a situation or event. You can also create a contraction for an informal tone.

• We have not yet found the right person for this position.
• I have not yet asked her if she wants to go to dinner.
• Anthony hasn’t yet asked Kate to marry him.

“Not” is a negative word that you’ll often see after auxiliary verbs ( source ). The word separates and negates a part of the sentence, such as “I told him not to do that.” Finally, you can also use it directly after verbs to indicate that something has not happened.

“Yet” is an adverb that you can use to convey that something hasn’t happened until this moment in time ( source ). It is most often accompanied by “not” in some form. 

It also has a comparative meaning. For example, “This is the best chocolate cake I have had yet .” This sentence indicates that there is a possibility that there may be a better chocolate cake in the future.

“Not Yet” or “Yet Not”?

You can use “not yet” as a short sentence, and it does make sense on its own, but “yet not” requires some addition to become grammatically correct. Therefore, in direct comparison, “not yet” is the only logical form of the phrase.

“Not yet” also makes sense if you add other words for more information. In the following example, the verbs (in red) along with the preposition (in orange) and the object of the preposition or direct object (in green) can also appear after “not yet” and make sense. 

When the rest of the sentence appears after “not yet,” the tone of the sentence changes despite the meaning remaining the same. The sentence becomes more formal. 

However, to use “yet not” correctly, you need additional information and context. In this context, you’ll have to use “yet” as a conjunction. It functions similarly to “but” and “nevertheless.”

• I’m wearing shorts, yet I’m not cold.
• I love the sun, yet I do not hate this soft rain.
• He always gets good marks, yet Mark is not optimistic about his finals.

To have “yet” precede “not,” another clause (including the addition of pronouns or nouns) is necessary for your sentence to make sense, as you can see from the example above. Therefore, “yet not” will usually be incorrect in that form, but you can use the phrase in a sentence, keeping the words in that order.

There are a few examples where “yet not” stands alone as one phrase, but you’ll need a comma preceding the phrase for it to make sense, even in that case.

• You can turn everyone against you, yet not your mother.
• I made my sister do it, yet not my brother.

As you can see in the examples, these sentences are quite clunky, and you can easily write them more logically by replacing “yet” with the conjunction “but.”

Is It “Not yet Started” or “Not Started Yet”?

Both phrases above are correct, but the text type and audience will decide which one is more appropriate. As we mentioned earlier, using “not yet” followed by the verb makes a sentence a lot more formal than splitting the phrase with the verb.

• They told me that the party had not yet started.
• They told me that the party had not started yet .
• I have not yet finished my homework.
• I have not finished my homework yet .

All of these sentences have the same meaning. The main difference has to do with tone and formality rather than meaning.

In the sentences where “not yet” appears together, the tone is more formal, and such sentences would be more appropriate when speaking or writing for an older audience. 

However, that does not mean that “not,” followed by the subject or verb and ending with “yet,” is informal. On the contrary, the sentence is still functional in a formal setting and is more a matter of preference.

“Did Not Started” or “Did Not Start”?

In contrast, there is a correct answer when comparing the phrase “did not started” to “did not start.” “Did not started” is grammatically incorrect.

“Started” is the past tense and past participle form of “start.” “Start” means to begin something. Thus, “started” means that the action has already begun or took place in the past.

• You did not start your homework yet, did you?
• You did not start your engine correctly.
• He didn’t start the race as he overslept.

In the previous examples, “did not start” is correct. 

To understand why “did not started” is incorrect, we need to break down the parts of speech in the sentence. To begin with, the word “did” is the past tense verb form of “do,” which indicates that you completed something previously. It marks the performance of an action. 

“Started” as a Past Participle

You might think that “started” and “did” should appear in the same sentence since they are both in the past tense. However, the past participle verb that you should use with “started” is “had.”

If you are struggling with understanding the perfect past tense, look no further. Read “ Can We Use Yesterday with Past Perfect? ” to know when past perfect tense is appropriate.

• She had started the car.
• They had not started their project, so they got an F.
• Jake had not started the coffee machine that morning.

By using “had” with “started,” the sentence is grammatically accurate. In contrast, we should combine “did” with “start” to be correct. 

There are a few instances where “did” can precede “started,” but it needs particular conditions to be accurate. For example, if you wish to write in the passive voice, the verb “get” and the past participle will provide a grammatically correct sentence.

• When did the party get started?
• Please tell me that they did not get started without me.
• It’s always challenging to get started in a new career field.

As you can see in the previous sentences, “get” has to precede “started” for your sentence to make sense and be correct. 

“Started” as Past Tense

“Started” as a past tense form is only correct in the simple past tense.

• I started the car before you got here.
• She started when I entered the room, dropping her phone in shock.
• Mark started to run after his friends.

Essentially, “did” cannot immediately precede “started.” That is grammatically incorrect. However, if “get” is between the two words, your sentence will make sense.

For Those Who Have Not Submitted Yet

The above heading is one of the worst phrases to hear from a boss, teacher, or lecturer. You open up your email and see a sentence that includes “For those who have not submitted yet.” It’s a blatant reminder that you should have done something and haven’t completed it yet.

But within the context of English grammar, this is another sentence where you use the verb to split “not” and “yet.” The main question is why this is the case and whether it changes the meaning at all.

As discussed earlier, you can use “not yet” together as a single phrase or split it with other words or phrases. This does not generally change in meaning. In keeping with the same example, you could also write, “For those who have not yet submitted.”

When writing a sentence that splits “not” and “yet,” it’s vital to understand which parts of speech are required between them to make the sentence grammatically accurate. 

On the most basic level, you’ll require a verb between “not” and “yet.” However, you can also add pronouns, direct and indirect objects, and prepositions as needed. 

• I have not made that call yet.
• Daphne hasn’t broken up with Simon yet.
• Padgette has not told Cameron the truth about the bet yet.

Another point where you may have to discuss the usage of a verb after “not” is in the article “ Including but not Limited to: Meaning, Punctuation, and Usage .” This should help you break down the phrase and its correct usage. 

The most vital aspect of ensuring your sentence is correct is to include the verb directly after “not.” As “not” is a negation of something, it requires that something is happening to inform your reader that you are not completing that action.

Synonyms for “Not Yet”

“Not yet” means that an event or task has not happened or you did not complete the task until this moment in time. If you find the phrase a little complicated or repetitive, there are some other phrases that you can use instead.

It is difficult to find a synonym for the adverb “not.” Therefore, the bulk of synonyms for “not yet” will focus on “yet.”

“Not thus far” is a synonym that you can use for “not yet.” You can use this phrase to indicate an event or action that has not taken place yet. “Thus far” also has some space for changing the syntax of the sentence.

• She has not bought her dress yet .
• She has not bought her dress thus far .
• Thus far , she has not bought her dress.

Another synonym for “not yet” can be “not at this time.” You can also change the syntax as you require.

• I have not applied for college yet.
• At this time , I still haven’t applied to any colleges.
• I have not applied to any colleges at this time .

Finally, “not now” is a somewhat appropriate synonym. However, you can only use it when you intend “not yet” to negate something taking place or not give permission to do something. 

• Q: Can I open my eyes? 
• A: Not yet.
• A: Not now.

This article was written for strategiesforparents.com. 

The distinction of this synonym is that it only indicates an event cannot take place at the current moment in time. In contrast, “not yet” suggests that while the event cannot take place now, it can occur in the future.

Final Thoughts

Now that you understand that “not yet” is the correct phrase, you can remind people that even when they have not completed something, that does not mean that they will never do it. “Not yet” is indicative of a growth mindset and our ability to learn from our mistakes.

“Yet not” will almost never be the correct form, but there are situations when it can work, as long as the purpose of “yet” is as a conjunction and not as an adverb of time.

• Trắc Nghiệm Trực Tuyến
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• Sách Ôn Thi Điểm 10

DÀNH CHO MỌI LỚP 6 ĐẾN 12

They (not/finish)         homework yet

Give the correct form or tense of the verbs in the brackets

They ( not/finish )          homework yet

Đáp án đúng:

Lời giải của tự học 365.

Giải chi tiết:

Đáp án .haven’t  finished                                            

Yet = vẫn chưa -> dấu hiệu của thì hiện tại hoàn thành

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but I <haven't finished><didn't finish> my homework yet

• Thread starter JJXR
• Start date Oct 28, 2018

Senior Member

• Oct 28, 2018

Hello to all, Thanks for reading my post. Context: I'm telling someone about what I've done so far. Sample sentences: 1. I' ve already walked the dog but I haven't finished my homework yet. 2. I' ve already walked the dog but I didn't finish my homework yet. Question: I know that sentence #2 would be incorrect in British English in the context given, and that sentence #1 is how British English speakers would express the thought. However, I know that it's possible to say in American English "Jack didn't finish his homework yet" ( this link ) . So, I wonder if it's possible to mix the present perfect " have walked " with the simple past " didn't finish " in American English. Can the two sentences above be used interchangeably in American English? Thanks a lot for any comments, corrections or suggestions! Regards, JJXR  

post mod (English Only / Latin)

• Nov 1, 2018

I am a speaker of American English and I wouldn't use 'didn't finish' with 'yet'. 'I didn't finish my homework' sounds fine to me, unless you add 'yet'. With 'yet' it sounds wrong.  

Thanks for the explanation, Cagey.  

I agree 100% with Cagey.  

Thanks Cenzontle.