A2adverb 1K

Already

🇬🇧 UK /["/ɔːlˈredi/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ɔːlˈredi/"]/

Meaning of Already

before now or before a particular time in the past

In simple words: Before now; by this time.

Already in a sentence

• ‘Lunch?’ ‘No thanks, I've already eaten.’
• We got there early but Mike had already left.
• By 2025, filming of the sequel was already under way.
• Much of what he said I knew already.
• Is it 10 o'clock already?
• You're not leaving already, are you?
• I'm already late.
• The new company already has an excellent reputation.
• There are far too many people already. We can't take any more.
• Just stop already, no one feels sorry for you.

How to use Already

Use 'already' to indicate something has happened sooner than expected. It's appropriate in both spoken and written English, though more common in informal settings. Avoid using it in negative statements without context which can mislead timing.

Grammar pattern

already + past tense verb

Memory hint

Think of 'already' as 'all ready'—like when someone is prepared before the time expected.

Related words

Collocations with Already

• already completed
• already know
• already done

Synonyms for Already

• by now
• previously
• so far

Opposites of Already

• not yet

Common mistakes with Already

• Using 'already' with future tense incorrectly.
• Confusing 'already' with 'yet' when asking questions.
• Placing 'already' at the end of a sentence incorrectly.

Frequently asked questions about Already

What does Already mean?

Before now; by this time.

What is the definition of Already?

before now or before a particular time in the past

How do you use Already in a sentence?

‘Lunch?’ ‘No thanks, I've already eaten.’

Can you give another example of Already?

We got there early but Mike had already left.

What are synonyms for Already?

Common alternatives include by now, previously, so far.

What is the opposite of Already?

Opposite meanings include not yet.

What words go with Already?

It commonly pairs with already completed, already know, already done.

What are common mistakes when using Already?

Using 'already' with future tense incorrectly. Confusing 'already' with 'yet' when asking questions. Placing 'already' at the end of a sentence incorrectly.

How do you pronounce Already?

US: /["/ɔːlˈredi/"]/, UK: /["/ɔːlˈredi/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Already?

Use 'already' to indicate something has happened sooner than expected. It's appropriate in both spoken and written English, though more common in informal settings. Avoid using it in negative statements without context which can mislead timing.

What CEFR level is Already?

"Already" is at A2 level on the CEFR scale.