How to Use Still and Yet Correctly with Examples
Many students are confused about the difference between still and yet in English grammar. Knowing how to use these two adverbs is important for school exams, written assignments, and daily spoken English. Mastering their correct usage can make your language sound more natural and correct.
| Word | Meaning | Common Usage | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Still | Shows something continues up to now | Positive, negative, and questions | He still lives here. |
| Yet | Means something is expected but not done | Mostly negatives and questions | Has she finished her homework yet? |
Difference Between Still and Yet
Still and yet are both adverbs of time, but their meanings and uses are different. “Still” is used for actions or conditions that started in the past and continue now. “Yet” is used for actions expected to happen, but have not happened up to the present moment.
Definition of Still
“Still” is used to show that something began earlier and continues in the present. It is usually placed before the main verb in a sentence. “Still” can be used in positive sentences, questions, and sometimes in negatives to show surprise or emphasis.
How to Use Still
- Before the main verb: She still goes to school.
- In questions: Do you still play football?
- In negatives (with surprise): He still hasn’t called!
Definition of Yet
“Yet” is an adverb used to talk about actions that have not happened but are expected. It usually comes at the end of the sentence. “Yet” is mostly used in negative sentences and questions, especially in the present perfect tense.
How to Use Yet
- At the sentence end: She hasn’t arrived yet.
- In questions: Have you finished your homework yet?
- Not common in positive sentences.
Still vs Yet: Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Still | Yet |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Continuation from past to now | Expected action not done up to now |
| Typical Position | Before main verb | End of sentence |
| Sentence Type | Positive, negative, questions | Negatives, questions (rarely positives) |
| Example | She still lives in Mumbai. | Has the bus left yet? |
Present Perfect Tense: Still vs Yet
In the present perfect tense, “still” and “yet” often appear in negatives and questions. “Still” is used before “have/has not” to show something is surprisingly not finished. “Yet” is used at the end to show the action is expected but not done.
| Form | Still | Yet |
|---|---|---|
| Negative | I still haven’t eaten lunch. | I haven’t eaten lunch yet. |
| Question | Do you still not understand? | Have you finished yet? |
Common Mistakes with Still and Yet
- Using “yet” at the start of a sentence (not correct).
- Placing “still” at the end (should be before the verb).
- Using “yet” in positive sentences (rarely done unless special phrases like “as yet” are used).
- Mixing both words: “He hasn’t come still yet.” (Correct: “He still hasn’t come yet.”)
Tips to Remember the Difference
- Use “still” for ongoing actions.
- Use “yet” for actions waiting to happen.
- “Still” before verb, “yet” at the end.
- In the present perfect tense negative: “still” shows surprise, “yet” just states the action is not done.
Practice Exercises: Still vs Yet
Fill in the blanks with “still” or “yet”:
- She __ hasn’t received the parcel.
- Is the teacher here __?
- They are __ working on their project.
- Have you seen the new movie __?
- I __ don’t understand the question.
Answers: 1. still 2. yet 3. still 4. yet 5. still
Summary Table: Difference Between Still and Yet
| Word | When to Use | Position in Sentence | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Still | Ongoing action, continuing situation | Before main verb | He still studies at Vedantu. |
| Yet | Action not finished but expected | End of sentence | Has she called yet? |
Where to Learn More and Practise
To strengthen your understanding, explore these related topics on Vedantu:
- Present Perfect Tense
- Adverbs
- Adverbs of Time
- Affirmative to Negative Sentence Exercises
- English Grammar Topics
- Sentence Structure
- Present Perfect Tense Exercises
Understanding the difference between still and yet helps improve your grammar for exams, writing, and conversation. “Still” is for ongoing actions before the verb, while “yet” is for expected actions at the sentence end. For more detailed guidance and practice, continue learning with Vedantu’s English resources.
FAQs on Difference Between Still and Yet in English Grammar
1. What is the main difference between "still" and "yet" in English?
The core difference between still and yet lies in their usage to indicate the continuation or expectation of an action. Still highlights an action continuing, often in positive sentences, while yet suggests an action hasn't happened but is expected, predominantly in negative sentences and questions.
2. What is the difference between already, still and yet?
Already, still, and yet are adverbs of time indicating different stages of an action. Already shows an action is completed. Still indicates the action continues. Yet implies the action hasn't happened but is expected.
3. When should I use yet?
Use yet to indicate that something hasn't happened but is expected to. It typically appears at the end of negative sentences and questions. For example: "Has the train arrived yet?" or "She hasn't finished her homework yet."
4. Where do we use still?
Still indicates that an action or state continues. It usually comes before the main verb in a sentence. For instance: "He still lives in London." or "It is still raining."
5. What is the difference between better yet and better still?
Both "better yet" and "better still" suggest a preferable alternative. However, "better still" implies a slightly more superior option, often used as a follow-up suggestion while "better yet" presents a direct improvement.
6. When do we use still in questions?
Use still in questions to check if an action or state continues. For example: "Do you still play the piano?" or "Is the shop still open?" It often implies ongoing activity or a situation that has not changed.
7. What is the difference between still and yet in present perfect tense?
In the present perfect tense, still usually comes before the main verb to emphasize the continuation of an action. Yet typically appears at the end of the sentence. For example: "I have still not completed my assignment." and "Have you finished your work yet?"
8. Still and yet example?
Here are examples showing the difference: "I still remember that day." (continuation) vs. "Has the package arrived yet?" (expectation). The placement and context significantly influence their meaning.
9. How do "still" and "yet" work in negative sentences?
In negative sentences, both still and yet can show an action is incomplete. However, still emphasizes the continuation of the incompletion, often implying surprise or unexpected delay. Yet simply indicates the action hasn't happened.
10. Difference between still and yet exercises?
Practice using still and yet with exercises involving sentence completion and transformation. Focus on correctly placing these adverbs within different tenses and sentence structures. This helps strengthen understanding and application of these grammar rules.
11. Why do I confuse still and yet?
Confusion between still and yet arises because they both relate to time. However, **still** focuses on continuation while **yet** highlights expectation. Practice using them in sentences to better understand their distinct roles and contexts.
12. How not to mix up still and yet?
To avoid mixing up still and yet, remember their distinct functions. Still shows continuation; yet indicates expectation or incompletion, often in negative sentences and questions. Pay attention to sentence context and verb tense.
