LoginYet
'Yet' is a commonly used word that has different functions in the English language. It can be used as both an adverb and a conjunction.
'Yet' can be used as both an adverb and a conjunction. In this lesson, we will discuss how to learn and use it.
Functions of 'Yet'
'Yet' as an Adverb
'Yet' can act as an adverb. Below, we are going to see the kinds of adverbs it can be:
Use
'Yet' as an Adverb of Time
Since 'yet' refers to the time of something, we call it an adverb of time. Below, we are going to analyze its different meanings:
- When we want indicate the time of something up until now, we use 'yet'. Wen we use 'yet' it shows that we have expected the action to have happened by now but it hasn't happened yet.Take a look:
She hasn't talked to me
Here, it signifies that the action has not happened up until now, but it might happen in the future.
We haven't called upon anyone
Here, it means we were supposed to call upon everyone but we haven't done it yet. We will definitely do it in the future.
- When we want to show that someone should not do something, we use 'yet'. Take a look:
Anna shouldn't give up
Henry must not leave
Position in a Sentence
When 'yet' functions as an adverb of time, it mainly comes as the last word of the sentence to signify that something has not taken place. Take a look:
Martha and her boyfriend haven't arrived at the train station
As you can see, 'yet' comes after the object, preposition, adjective, and etc.
They haven't gone to the party
However, if we have 'not', we can put 'yet' either after it, or use it as the last word of the sentence. Look:
She has
The Cassevetes should
'Yet' as a Commenting and Viewpoint Adverb
Sometimes, we can use 'yet' to give ideas, and opinions, or to emphasize the thing we are saying. In such cases, it functions as an 'adverb of commenting and viewpoint'. Look:
Here, 'yet' is used to emphasize something that has been added.
My friend has cancelled our trip
As you can see, 'yet' is used to show that the action has happened before.
Position in a Sentence
When we use 'yet' as a commenting or viewpoint adverb, It mainly comes before determiners or other adverbs to modify them. Look below:
She has mistreated us
Here, 'yet' is modifying an adverb of time here.
Here's
Here, 'yet' is modifying a determiner.
'Yet' as a Conjunction
As it was stated above, 'yet' can also function as a conjunction. Below, we are going to see the kinds of conjunctions it can be:
Use
'Yet' as a Coordinating Conjunction
We use 'yet' to connect two contrasting ideas. That is why we can also call it concession conjunction. Take a look at the following examples:
Serial killers enjoy killing people,
The wind has started to blow,
Position in a Sentence
Since 'yet' is a conjunction here, we use it to connect words, phrases, or clauses. So, it always comes between the two ideas that it connects. Please note that the two ideas that are joined together, oppose each other. Look:
I'm waiting here,
The Adams are coming,
Warning!
Please note that we must always add a comma before 'yet' when we are using it as a conjunction.
Idioms with Yet
We have some idioms with 'yet' in English. Let us learn all about them below:
- As yet: It is used to indicate till the present moment.
The perpetrator is
She cannot
- Not yet: It means 'not for the present moment', but it might be expected later.
We have
Here, the sentence indicates that the action still has not happened, but it might happen in the future.
I have
- And yet: It is used when we want to say in spite of our expectations, something happened/did not happen.
Tip!
It might come in handy to know that 'but' and 'yet' can be used interchangeably as conjunctions. However, 'but' means no more while 'yet' means not until the present time.
Comments
