How to Use Just and Already: The Complete Guide with 100+ Examples

Mastering “just” and “already” is key to speaking natural, nuanced English. These common adverbs place actions in time, but their usage often confuses learners. This definitive guide explains how to use just and already correctly, with clear rules, 100 real examples, and essential tips for exams and daily conversation.

Introduction: How to Use Just and Already

Understanding how to use just and already correctly is a milestone in English fluency. These small but powerful adverbs are essential for expressing the precise timing of events, especially in relation to the present moment. Misusing them can lead to confusion, while mastering them adds sophistication and accuracy to your speech and writing. This article will provide a comprehensive breakdown of the rules, contexts, and subtle nuances of how to use just and already, complete with extensive examples and practical advice for learners and exam candidates.

Rules for Using “Just” and “Already”

• Just: Used to indicate that an action happened a very short time ago. It emphasizes the recent completion of an event. It is commonly used with the present perfect or past perfect tenses.
  • Example: She has just finished her report.
• Already: Used to indicate that something happened sooner than expected or before a specific time. It emphasizes that an action is complete, often with a sense of surprise or emphasis. It is used in affirmative statements with the present perfect or past perfect.
  • Example: They have already eaten dinner.

Important Positioning: Both “just” and “already” typically come between the auxiliary verb (have/has) and the main past participle.

• Structure: Subject + have/has + just/already + past participle.

Key Tips for Exams and Competitive Tests:

1. Tense is Crucial: “Just” and “already” are most commonly tested with the Present Perfect Tense. Be wary of sentences that place them with simple past without context; it’s often incorrect.
2. Difference from “Yet”: “Already” is used in affirmative sentences, while “yet” is used in questions and negatives for similar time frames. (e.g., “Have you finished yet?” / “I haven’t finished yet.” / “I have already finished.”)
3. “Just Now” vs. “Just”: “Just now” can be used with the simple past tense to mean “a moment ago” (e.g., “He left just now.”). This is a common exception.
4. Word Order in Questions: In questions, “already” can come at the end for emphasis (e.g., “Have you completed the assignment already?” implying surprise).

100 Examples of How to Use Just and Already

1. I have just arrived home.
2. She has already seen that movie.
3. We have just spoken to the manager.
4. Have you already booked the tickets?
5. He has just graduated.
6. They have already delivered the package.
7. I have just finished my coffee.
8. The meeting has already started.
9. She has just sent the email.
10. It has already stopped raining.
11. We have just decided to go.
12. He has already replied to my message.
13. The train has just left the station.
14. I have already told you the answer.
15. They have just bought a new car.
16. Has the news already been announced?
17. I have just heard the good news.
18. She has already packed her bags.
19. He has just woken up.
20. The children have already fallen asleep.
21. We have just received the payment.
22. They have already fixed the problem.
23. I have just cleaned the kitchen.
24. The sun has already set.
25. She has just accepted the job offer.
26. Have you already had lunch?
27. He has just completed the project.
28. I have already read that book.
29. They have just returned from vacation.
30. The flowers have already bloomed.
31. I have just spoken to John.
32. She has already made plans for the weekend.
33. We have just installed the update.
34. The results have already been published.
35. He has just apologized.
36. I have already paid the bill.
37. They have just signed the contract.
38. The cake has already been eaten.
39. I have just realized my mistake.
40. She has already left the office.
41. We have just hired a new designer.
42. Has he already gone to bed?
43. I have just watered the plants.
44. The decision has already been made.
45. He has just learned how to drive.
46. They have already sold their house.
47. I have just finished exercising.
48. She has already mastered the technique.
49. We have just celebrated our anniversary.
50. The movie has already ended.
51. I have just met your brother.
52. He has already forgotten my name.
53. They have just launched the product.
54. I have already explained the procedure.
55. The guests have just arrived.
56. She has already prepared the presentation.
57. We have just moved to a new city.
58. Winter has already begun.
59. He has just recovered from his illness.
60. I have already chosen my destination.
61. They have just won the championship.
62. The store has already closed.
63. I have just submitted my application.
64. She has already achieved her goal.
65. We have just reached an agreement.
66. The time has already run out.
67. He has just proposed to her.
68. I have already seen the report.
69. They have just discovered the truth.
70. The bell has already rung.
71. I have just finished the call.
72. She has already checked in online.
73. We have just saved enough money.
74. The opportunity has already passed.
75. He has just painted the fence.
76. I have already informed the team.
77. They have just adopted a puppy.
78. The software has already been updated.
79. I have just found my keys.
80. She has already ordered food.
81. We have just confirmed the booking.
82. The show has already been canceled.
83. He has just joined the company.
84. I have already taken my medicine.
85. They have just announced the winner.
86. The leaves have already changed color.
87. I have just made a reservation.
88. She has already completed the course.
89. We have just missed the bus.
90. The problem has already been solved.
91. He has just returned my call.
92. I have already memorized the speech.
93. They have just entered the building.
94. The light has already turned green.
95. I have just started a new hobby.
96. She has already volunteered for the task.
97. We have just crossed the border.
98. The deal has already been finalized.
99. He has just uploaded the file.
100. I have already heard that joke.

FAQs: How to Use Just and Already

Q1: Can I use “just” and “already” with the simple past tense?
A: Typically, no. Their primary use is with the present perfect tense to link a recent or completed action to the present. An exception is “just now,” which pairs with the simple past (e.g., “I saw him just now”).

Q2: What’s the main difference between “already” and “yet”?
A: “Already” is used in affirmative statements to say something has happened (often earlier than expected). “Yet” is used in questions and negative statements to ask if something has happened or to say it hasn’t happened up to now. (e.g., “Have you eaten yet?” vs. “I have already eaten.”).

Q3: Where should I place “just” and “already” in a sentence?
A: The standard position is between the auxiliary verb (have/has) and the main verb’s past participle. For example: “She has already finished.” In questions, “already” can sometimes move to the end for emphasis.

Conclusion: How to Use Just and Already
Achieving fluency in English requires a solid grasp of these essential time markers. By studying the rules and examples provided, you now have a clear roadmap for how to use just and already with confidence. Remember, consistent practice is key to making their correct usage feel natural. Incorporate these adverbs into your daily conversations and writing to reinforce your understanding and impress examiners or colleagues with your precise command of the English language.

Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes. Language usage can vary slightly in different dialects and informal contexts. Always refer to specific examination guidelines for prescribed grammatical rules.

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