[Grammar] already in questions

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tom3m

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


Thank you in advance
 

Rover_KE

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We certainly can.

Why don't you have a try?

Rover
 

kimlang

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


Kimlang
 

tom3m

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:-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

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:-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

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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

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Chicken Sandwich

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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

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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

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Haven't we already covered this?
 

Tdol

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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.
 
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