Use of "already" in present tense

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anhnha

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Assad already faces U.S. and European sanctions against Syria's oil exports and several state businesses, and has alienated his powerful northern neighbor, Turkey.

Is the use of "already" here correct?
Is it possible to use "already" in present tense?
 

5jj

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Yes and, therefore, yes.
 

anhnha

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Is it better to use the perfect present here?
Assad has already faced U.S. and European sanctions against Syria's oil exports and several state businesses, and has alienated his powerful northern neighbor, Turkey.
 

5jj

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anhnha

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Can anyone help me about the use of "already" with present simple? I am confused about it. I know that "already" can be used with past simple, future perfect, present perfect, and past perfect but why it can be used with present simple. "Already" means that the action has finished and how can I use it with present simple?
 

5jj

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"Already" means that the action has finished
No, it doesn't. It can be used to express surprise that a present situation exists: Is it five o'clock already? I should be at the meeting.
 
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SoothingDave

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I don't think it's expressing surprise here. It is saying that in addition to the sanctions that are already in place, there are additional challenges. He faces the sanctions, present tense. If we say he "faced" them the situation would be over.
 
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