Yet

'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 yet.

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 yet.

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 yet.

Henry must not leave yet because the boss is still talking.

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 yet.

As you can see, 'yet' comes after the object, preposition, adjective, and etc.

They haven't gone to the party yet.

However, if we have 'not', we can put 'yet' either after it, or use it as the last word of the sentence. Look:

She hasn't yet decided where to go.

The Cassevetes shouldn't read their poems yet.

'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:

Yet another reason to care for her.

Here, 'yet' is used to emphasize something that has been added.

My friend has cancelled our trip yet again.

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 yet again.

Here, 'yet' is modifying an adverb of time here.

Here's yet another reason we should be more careful in trusting other people.

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, yet many are interested in them.

The wind has started to blow, yet there is so much dust in the air.

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, yet she is wasting time with those strangers.

The Adams are coming, yet we aren't ready.

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 as yet unknown.

She cannot as yet decide what she wants to do with her life.

Not yet: It means 'not for the present moment', but it might be expected later.

We have not yet performed any tasks.

Here, the sentence indicates that the action still has not happened, but it might happen in the future.

I haven't yet had time to practice for my singing class.

And yet: It is used when we want to say in spite of our expectations, something happened/did not happen.

And yet there's no going back.

And yet she betrayed you.

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.

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