What is the Difference Between Already and Yet?

The difference between "already" and "yet" lies in their usage and meaning:

• Already:
• Refers to actions that have happened or are expected to have happened.
• Used in affirmative sentences.
• In questions, it expresses surprise because the action happened sooner than expected.
• When used at the end of a sentence, it emphasizes the surprise.
• Yet:
• Refers to actions that are expected to happen but have not happened, or people think may not happen.
• Used mostly in negative sentences and questions.
• Always goes at the end of a sentence.

In questions, "already" is used to ask if something has happened or not, expressing surprise that it happened sooner than expected, while "yet" is used to simply ask if something has happened or if we still have to wait for it. For example:

• "Have you finished your homework already?" (expressing surprise)
• "Have you finished your homework yet?" (simple inquiry)

Comparative Table: Already vs Yet

The difference between "already" and "yet" can be summarized as follows:

For example, "already" is used to express that something was completed earlier than expected, as in "He has finished his work already". On the other hand, "yet" is used to express that something has not happened but might or will in the future, as in "He hasn't finished his work yet".