Distinguishing Between Yet & Still

Yet vs Still

Still and yet are two words in the English language that are often confused when it comes to their usage. It is essential to understand the difference between yet and still to avoid making errors in the English language. These two words have different meanings and usages, although both are used as adverbs. Yet is also used as a conjunction, while still is used as a noun, adjective, and verb in addition to being an adverb. This article will provide a detailed look at the differences between yet and still.

What does Yet mean?

The Oxford dictionary defines yet as an adverb used in various situations. It is used to indicate “up until the present or a specified or implied time; by now or then.” For example:

– Haven’t you gone to the stables yet?
– I have yet to find the mystery.
– I have not finished baking the cake yet.

Yet, as an adverb, is also used to convey “still; even (used to emphasize increase or repetition).”

– “Crows, crow, and yet more crows. How am I to have a harvest this way?”
– Under his bed, I found yet another cigarette butt.

As a conjunction, yet is used to express “but at the same time; but nevertheless.”

– It was still raining, yet I walked home without an umbrella.

What does Still mean?

The Oxford dictionary explains the various uses of still as an adverb, adjective, noun, and verb in the English language. As an adjective, it gives the meaning “not moving or making a sound.”

– Her still body was found at the end of the road.
– He remained still, hidden behind a bush until the thieves left.

As a noun, still refers to “deep silence and calm; stillness.”

– The still water made it easier for her to see her face on the lake.

The verb still denotes the meaning “make or become still; quieten.”

– The shouting stilled with the arrival of His Majesty.

As an adverb, still also carries a similar meaning to yet, meaning “up to and including the present or the time mentioned; even now (or then) as formerly.”

– He still drinks tea from the saucer.
– When I came in, it was still snowing.

What is the difference between Yet and Still?

A key distinction between the positions of yet and still when used as adverbs in sentences can be observed. The word still is typically used with the verb in mid-position, as in the sentence:

– It is still raining.

In this sentence, the word still is used with the verb raining, and the word still is used in mid-position.

In contrast, the word yet is placed at the end of the sentence. This is the main difference between the two words. Observe the sentence:

– Has the milkman come yet? (adverb)

In this sentence, the word yet is indeed used at the end of the sentence. Observe the two sentences:

– Is Francis back yet? (adverb)
– Please don’t eat these mangoes. They are not ripe yet. (adverb)

In both sentences given above, the word yet is placed at the end. This is an essential observation regarding the usage of the word yet. Thus, we can say that the word still is mid-position in use, and the word yet is end in use when they are used as adverbs. Observe the two sentences:

– I still think you can improve.
– Are you still writing?

In both sentences, the word still is placed in the mid-position and is used with the verb. Similarly, the word yet is also used with the verb, as in the sentence:

– It has not come yet.

Key Takeaways

• Yet and still are used to talk about actions and events that are going on around in the present when used as adverbs.
• Yet is used as an adverb and a conjunction, while still is used as an adverb, adjective, noun, and a verb.
• When used as an adverb, still is placed in the middle of the sentence, and yet is placed somewhat at the end of the sentence.