Already

Definition

'Already' is an adverb used to indicate that something has happened before the present moment or earlier than expected. It often appears in perfect tenses to emphasize that an action is complete, thus connecting it to a specific timeframe or context where timing is crucial, such as past, present, or future perfect forms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Already' can be used in positive statements and questions, but it often conveys a sense of surprise when placed in negative contexts.
2. In present perfect sentences, 'already' emphasizes that an action has taken place before now, such as 'I have already eaten lunch.'
3. 'Already' can also be found in future perfect constructions to indicate that something will have been completed by a certain time, like 'I will have already finished my homework by 5 PM.'
4. When used with past perfect, 'already' clarifies that something had been completed prior to another past event, as in 'She had already left when I arrived.'
5. 'Already' helps convey urgency or expectation and is often used with verbs that suggest completion or readiness.

Review Questions

• How does the use of 'already' enhance the meaning of present perfect sentences?
  • 'Already' adds emphasis and urgency to present perfect sentences by indicating that an action has occurred before the present moment or sooner than expected. For example, in the sentence 'I have already finished my assignment,' it suggests not only completion but also that it happened ahead of time. This usage helps listeners understand the significance of timing regarding the action being discussed.
• Discuss the role of 'already' in the context of past perfect tense and how it affects the interpretation of events.
  • 'Already' in past perfect sentences provides clarity about the sequence of events by showing that one action was completed before another took place. For instance, in 'He had already eaten when she called,' it highlights that his eating occurred prior to her call. This structure emphasizes the order and timing of actions, helping to establish a clearer narrative for listeners or readers.
• Evaluate how 'already' can shift meaning depending on its placement within a sentence, especially in negative constructions.
  • 'Already's placement within a sentence can dramatically change its meaning, particularly when used negatively. For instance, 'I haven't already done my homework' implies surprise or disappointment at the lack of completion, while 'I already haven't done my homework' can sound more emphatic about the failure to complete it. Analyzing these shifts reveals how subtle changes in word order can affect tone and urgency, impacting overall communication.

Related terms

Perfect Tense: 'Perfect tense' describes a grammatical structure used to express actions that have been completed at some point in time relative to another time, emphasizing the relevance of the completed action.

Present Perfect: 'Present perfect' is a verb tense used to describe actions that occurred at an unspecified time in the past but are relevant to the present, typically formed using 'has/have' + past participle.

Past Perfect: 'Past perfect' is a verb tense indicating that an action was completed before another action in the past, typically formed using 'had' + past participle.