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You are here: Home / English lessons / Use and meaning of YET

Use and meaning of YET

25th January 2019 by Andrew

“yet” is an adverb.
“yet” can also be a conjunction.

Let’s look at each one:

“yet” as a conjunction

A conjunction joins together phrases, clauses or sentences.
“yet” as a conjunction means ‘but’ or ‘nevertheless’.
It shows contrast with the first part of the sentence.

Examples:
Mark doesn’t like Jane, yet he often talks to her.
She is intelligent, yet she failed her exams.


“yet” as an adverb

“yet” is usually used in a NEGATIVE sentence or in a QUESTION.
We often use “yet” with the present perfect tense and other perfect tenses.
We also sometimes use it in the present tense.
“yet” is sometimes used in an AFFIRMATIVE sentence.

“yet” with the present tense

We use “yet” in the present tense in negative sentences and questions.

“yet” in a NEGATIVE sentence

Something is not happening or is not true in the present
and
we expect it to happen or to be true in the future.

Examples:
They are not leaving yet.
She’s not tired yet.

girl jumping

“yet” in a QUESTION

To ask if something is happening or true in the present.
We expect it to happen or be true in the future.

Examples:
Are you hungry yet?
Is it raining yet?
Is mum cooking dinner yet?

“yet” with the present perfect tense

We use “yet” with the present tense in negative sentences and questions.

“yet” in a NEGATIVE sentence

Something has not happened in the past up to the present time
and
we expect it to happen in the future.

Examples:
I have not passed my driving test yet.
Jane hasn’t called me yet.

looking at phone
by adamr | FreeDigitalPhotos.net

“yet” in a QUESTION

To ask if something has happened in the past
and
we expect it to happen or be true in the future.

Examples:
Have they paid their rent yet?
Have you finished your homework yet?

boy homework

“yet” with affirmative (positive) sentences

To describe a situation that is continuing even when we think the situation will not continue.

Examples:
Jane: I think we’re late.
Mark: No, there is plenty of time yet.

Teacher: Sit down. The class isn’t finished. There are more exercises to do yet.

“yet” with superlative adjectives

Form:
superlative adjective + “yet“

Meaning:
Something is the best, worst, biggest etc up until the present time.

Examples:

airbus a380
The Airbus A380 is the biggest aeroplane yet.
That goal is his best yet.

Mark: How was your English exam?
Jane: It was my hardest exam yet.

“yet” as an adverb – position in a sentence

Negative

“yet” is usually at the end of the sentence.
“yet” can also be after “not”.

Examples:
I’m not hungry yet.
I’m not yet hungry.

Affirmative (positive) and questions

“yet” is usually at the end of the sentence.

Examples:
There is some more work to do yet.
Are you hungry yet?

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ting says

    4th February 2024 at 3:57 am

    very uesful and easy to understand

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