[Grammar] already in questions

[tom3m]

Can we use 'already' in questions? If so, what are the cases?


Thank you in advance

 

[Rover_KE]

We certainly can.

Why don't you have a try?

Rover

 

[kimlang]

We can use it in Present Perfect simple. For example: Have you already done your homework?


Kimlang

 

[tom3m]

:-D Well I was expecting explanation :-D, but nevertheless, I was taught that only 'yet' can be used like this. But I don't like these so-called general rules that are mostly utterly worthless.

Would this be correct, for example: We haven't already done it.

My question is about the exceptions to the 'general rule'.

Thank you Rover

 

[bhaisahab]

:-D Well I was expecting explanation :-D, but nevertheless, I was taught that only 'yet' can be used like this. But I don't like these so-called general rules that are mostly utterly worthless.

Would this be correct, for example: We haven't already done it.

My question is about the exceptions to the 'general rule'.

Thank you Rover

That is not natural and it's not a question.

 

[Chicken Sandwich]

Can we use 'already' in questions? If so, what are the cases?


Thank you in advance

Did you eat already?
Have you eaten already?

Practical English Usage, p.444.

 

[bhaisahab]

Did you eat already?
Have you eaten already?

Practical English Usage, p.444.

I don't find "Did you eat already?" at all acceptable.

 

[Chicken Sandwich]

I don't find "Did you eat already?" at all acceptable.

According to the author, this structure is used in AmE:

In American English, it is also possible to use the simple past with indefinite past-time adverbs like already, yet, ever and before.

 

[bhaisahab]

According to the author, this structure is used in AmE:

In American English, it is also possible to use the simple past with indefinite past-time adverbs like already, yet, ever and before.

It's not acceptable in BrE.

 

[SoothingDave]

Haven't we already covered this?

 

[Tdol]

But I don't like these so-called general rules that are mostly utterly worthless.

Look on 'rules' as patterns or a trends rather than absolutes.