Already vs. Still

Attribute	Already	Still
Definition	Previously done or completed	Continuing to be done or existing
Time frame	Past	Present
Usage	Indicates completion or past action	Indicates continuation or ongoing action
Examples	I have already finished my homework.	I am still working on my project.

Definition

Already and still are two words that are commonly used in the English language to indicate the timing of an action or event. Both words are adverbs that can be used to show the continuation or completion of an action. However, they are used in different contexts and have distinct meanings.

Already

Already is used to indicate that something has happened before a certain time or before the expected time. It is often used to show that an action has been completed or that a situation exists. For example, "I have already finished my homework" indicates that the homework has been completed before the expected time. Already is typically used in the past or present perfect tenses.

Another example of the use of already is in the sentence "She has already left for the airport." This sentence indicates that the action of leaving has been completed before the time of speaking. Already is often used to emphasize that something has been done earlier than expected or required.

Still

Still, on the other hand, is used to indicate that something is continuing to happen or exist. It is often used to show that a situation has not changed or that an action is ongoing. For example, "I am still waiting for the bus" indicates that the waiting is continuing at the time of speaking.

Another example of the use of still is in the sentence "He is still studying for the exam." This sentence indicates that the action of studying is ongoing and has not been completed. Still is typically used in the present continuous or present perfect continuous tenses.

Usage

Already is used to show that an action has been completed or that a situation exists before a certain time. It is often used to indicate that something has been done earlier than expected. Still, on the other hand, is used to show that an action is ongoing or that a situation has not changed. It is often used to indicate that something is continuing to happen.

Both already and still can be used in various tenses, but they are typically used in different contexts. Already is more commonly used in the past or present perfect tenses, while still is more commonly used in the present continuous or present perfect continuous tenses.

Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate the difference between already and still:

• Already: "I have already eaten dinner." (indicating completion before a certain time)
• Still: "I am still eating dinner." (indicating ongoing action)
• Already: "She has already left for the party." (indicating completion before the expected time)
• Still: "She is still getting ready for the party." (indicating ongoing action)

Conclusion

In conclusion, already and still are two adverbs that are used to indicate the timing of an action or event. Already is used to show that something has been completed before a certain time, while still is used to indicate that something is continuing to happen. Both words have distinct meanings and are used in different contexts, often in different tenses. Understanding the difference between already and still can help improve clarity and precision in communication.