Signal words help us talk about the order and time of events.
For and Since
for (preposition/conjunction)
Indicates a period of time.
We have been on the island for two weeks.
since (adverb)
From a time in the past until now.
We have waited for a taxi since we arrived.
We have waited for a taxi since 8:00AM.
For or Since? Try the quiz:
Already, Yet, and Still
already (adverb)
Something occurred before the present time, or by a specific time. We use already in affirmatives and questions.
I have already reserved the tickets.
I had already been to the art gallery.
Notice where the word goes in the sentence. We put already between the auxiliary verb and the past participle. We can also place it at the end of a sentence to express surprise or annoyance.
Wow! Have you finished the quiz already?
Stop complaining. That’s enough already!
yet (adverb)
Something still has not occurred. We use yet in negatives and questions.
I haven’t bought the tickets yet.
Have you packed yet?
Note: Yet is also used in a completely different way, as a conjunction that means but.
We wanted to leave, yet we stayed.
Already or Yet? Try the quiz:
Try the for, since, already, yet house and home quiz.
Still
Still means continue to. We use it in the Perfect Tenses with affirmatives and negatives to refer to something that is (or isn’t) continuing to occur now.
Tomas and I have still decided to be friends, even though we broke up.
I still haven’t forgiven her for what she did.
Note: Still is also an adjective that means calm and quiet. We can also put it at the beginning of a sentence or clause as a conjunction that means nevertheless, on the other hand, or all the same.
Be still.
I am angry. Still, I want you to be happy.
Practice still in the Present Perfect with U2’s song I still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.
Ever and Never
ever (adverb)
At any time
Have you ever been here before?
never (adverb)
At no time.
I have never been to France.
Just, Recently, and So Far
just (adverb)
Something occurred a short time before speaking.
I have just heard the news.
Just is also an adjective that means fair.
recently/lately (adverb)
Something has occurred in the recent past.
I bought a new car recently.
What have you been up to lately?
so far (adverbial phrase)
Something has occurred, or not occurred until now.
This cruise has been amazing so far!
We haven’t seen any dolphins so far.
Try the quizzes!
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