Today we are going to talk about the use of ever, before, already, yet and never. These words are important to know about as they will help clearly express yourself when writing or speaking in English.
What these words mean in Spanish:
- Ever: alguna vez
- Before: antes
- Already: ya
- Yet: ya o aún
- Never: nunca
These words are regularly used with the present perfect tense in English.
1. Use ever or before in yes/no questions about life experiences
- Ever: use before the verb in past participle:
Have you ever traveled to London? (No, I have not (haven´t) Yes, I have).
- Before: use at the end of the sentence:
Have you ever tried Korean food before? (No, I haven´t Yes, I have).
2. You can use both (ever / before) in the same sentence
Have you ever been to Roma before?
3. Use yet / already in yes/no questions
- Yet: use at the end of the sentence:
Have you visited Spain yet?
- Already: use before the verb:
Have you already visited Spain?
4. Use yet in negative statements
- Use at the end of the sentence
She hasn´t visited Rome yet.
- Use before the verb:
She hasn´t yet visited Rome.
5. Use already in affirmative statements
- Use at the end of the sentence
I´ve booked my ticket to Argentina already.
- Use before the verb:
I´ve already booked my ticket to Argentina.
6. Use ever in yes/no questions and negative statements:
Have you ever heard about Gabriel García Márquez?
I havent ever heard about Gabriel García Márquez.
7. Use never in affirmative statements:
- I have never hear about Gabriel García Márquez.
- Don´t use in questions.
TIPS
- Don´t use yet in affirmative sentences: He´s read the book yet already.
- You can use yet and already in questions: Have you read the book yet? Yes, he already read the book.
- Don´t use already in negative sentences: She hasn´t already yet read that book.
- Don´t use ever with yet/already in the same sentence: Have you ever eaten sushi yet? / Have you already ever eaten sushi?
