Main Difference – Still vs Yet
Still and yet are two adverbs that confuse many English learners. Both these adverbs are used to talk about actions that have happened over time or actions that were expected to happen. However, these two adverbs have a distinctive meaning and usage. The main difference between still and yet is that still is mainly used in affirmative sentences whereas yet is used in negative sentences and interrogatives. In addition, differences can also be noticed in their usage and position in a sentence. However, still and yet can be used interchangeably in some instances.
This article covers,
1. Grammar, Meaning and Usage of Still
2. Grammar, Meaning and Usage of Yet
3. Key Differences Between Still and Yet
Still – Grammar, Meaning and Usage
Still is used with actions that have continued to the present because it has not finished yet. It also used to describe actions that have been happening for longer than expected. For example,
He is 80 years old, but he still works at his shop.
I ate a whole fish bun; I’m still hungry.
Are you still reading the same book?
He is still angry with his wife.
It is still raining outside.
You must have noticed that this adverb take different positions in the above examples. If a sentence has only a single verb, still can be used in front of the verb. (He still writes novels) However, if the verb is a present simple or simple past form of the be verb, still should be used after the verb. (He is still hungry)
If the verb has two parts, the adverb goes between the two verbs. For example, He is still singing that song. However, if one of the verbs is negative, still goes before the negative verb. (He still hasn’t called me.)
It’s still snowing outside.
Yet – Grammar, Meaning and Usage
The adverb yet is mainly used to refer to an action that is expected to happen in the future. It cannot be used in the past. Yet is mainly used in negative and interrogative sentences.
He isn’t here yet.
Have you fixed your glasses yet?
It isn’t snowing yet.
The project has not been completed yet.
They haven’t paid the contractors yet.
Yet is usually used at the end of a sentence.
Still can often be used to replace yet in a sentence. However, still cannot be replaced by yet.
They haven’t paid the contractors yet. – They haven’t still paid the contractors.
It’s still raining. – It’s raining yet. x
Isn’t he here yet?
Difference Between Still and Yet
Meaning
Still is used with actions that have continued to the present because it has not finished yet.
Yet is mainly used to refer to an action that is expected to happen.
Usage
Still is mainly used in positive and interrogative sentences.
Yet is mainly used in negative and interrogative sentences.
Position
Still is usually used after the main verb. (except in the case of present simple or simple past form of the be verb)
Yet is used at the end of a sentence.
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