already Use the word "already" when something has finished. This word is also used to express surprise that something has been completed as the person is speaking: - Are you already finished with your homework? (This question expresses surprise.)
- They’ve already eaten their breakfast. (This does not express surprise. It’s just a statement of fact, but it could indicate that breakfast would normally be eaten at a later time.)
- Miriam told her son to clean his room, but he had already done it. (The past perfect is often used with "already.")
- By the time we arrived, the movie had already started.
- I looked at my watch and noticed it was already 5:00. (This expresses a surprise.)
- Are you going already? Why don’t you stay longer?
You might also hear the use of "already" when someone is irritated or angry with a person or a situation: - All right already! I’ll move my car.
- Would you stop doing that already?
- Okay, enough already. Be quiet!
Don’t confuse "already" with "all ready." You can use "all ready" in a way that is similar to "ready" which means to be prepared. - The students are all ready to take their test.
- All of the students are ready to take their test.
- I’ll be all ready to go as soon as I pack my bags.
- Dinner is all ready. Are you ready to eat?
Click here to go to the Word of the Day page. This page was first published on April 4, 2012. It was amended on January 17, 2015. |