Still, already, yet Any more/any longer/no longer

This lesson explains how to use the time adverbs still, already and yet, and the phrases any more / any longer and no longer. These words tell us about timing and continuation, and they are common in business English and TOEIC contexts.

• still — shows that an action or situation continues (often with be, have, or a main verb)
• already — shows that something happened earlier than expected (common with perfect tenses)
• yet — used mainly in questions and negatives to mean 'up to now'
• any more / any longer / no longer — express that something has stopped (negative forms) or ceased

Remember where each item usually goes and how it changes meaning:

• still often goes before the main verb (I still work) or after be/auxiliary (She is still working).
• already signals completion — common with present perfect (We have already signed).
• yet appears at the end in questions and negatives (Have you paid yet? / I haven't paid yet).
• use any more / any longer after negatives (We don't use it any more) or no longer before the verb (We no longer use it).

Think about whether you want to say 'continuation' (still), 'earlier completion' (already), 'up to now' (yet), or 'stopped' (any more / no longer).

Learners often confuse position and choice of word. Watch out for these errors:

• Incorrect: I yet finished the file. → Correct: I haven't finished the file yet. (yet in negatives/questions; at end)
• Incorrect: Have you already finished? (OK) — but avoid putting already at the very beginning in neutral statements in business style
• Incorrect: We no longer using that system. → Correct: We no longer use that system. (no longer + base verb)
• Incorrect: We use that supplier any more. → Correct: We don't use that supplier any more. (any more needs a negative)

If you are unsure, ask: Do I mean 'continues' (still), 'completed early' (already), 'up to now' (yet), or 'stopped' (any more/no longer)?