Yet
English vocabulary module: Yet. Learn the meaning, usage, and pronunciation of 'yet' in different contexts. Suitable for A2 level learners.
Core meaning
"Yet" marks that something has not happened up to now but may happen in the future. It signals that the situation is still open or unfinished. It often points to an expected result that has not arrived at the time of speaking.
| Word/Phrase | Definition |
|---|---|
| yet |  "Yet" shows that something has not happened up to now and may still happen. |
| already |  "Already" shows that something happened before now or earlier than expected. |
| still |  "Still" shows that a situation continues and has not changed up to now. |
Negative sentences
In negative sentences, "yet" shows that an action has not happened up to now. It typically appears at the end of the sentence. This use often suggests that the speaker thinks the action might happen later.
| Rule |
|---|
 In negative sentences, place "yet" at the end to mean the action has not happened up to now. |
Questions
In questions, "yet" asks if something has happened up to now. It usually appears at the end of the question. This use often expects a recent result or completion.
| Rule |
|---|
 In questions, place "yet" at the end to ask if something has happened up to now. |
Common structures
"Yet" is common with the present perfect tense because both refer to a connection with the present. The structure is usually "have/has not" plus the verb, with "yet" at the end. In questions, the structure is "Have/Has" plus the subject and verb, with "yet" at the end.
| Rule |
|---|
 Use present perfect with "yet" to connect past experience to now. |
 In negatives, use "have/has not" plus the verb and put "yet" at the end. |
 In questions, use "Have/Has" plus the subject and verb and put "yet" at the end. |
Other uses
"Yet" can also mean "even now" or "still" in more formal or written English. In this use, it often appears in the middle of the sentence. At A2 level, the main focus remains on "yet" with negatives and questions.
| Rule |
|---|
 "Yet" can mean "still" or "even now" in formal English, often inside the sentence. |
Pronunciation
"Yet" is pronounced with a short vowel sound, like the first part of "yes." The final "t" is usually clearly pronounced. The word is one syllable and is spoken quickly in natural speech.
| Word | Notation | Description |
|---|---|---|
| yet | /jet/ |  "Yet" has a short "e" sound and a clear final "t". |