What is “Already”?
The word “already” is an adverb that expresses the idea that something has happened, is happening, or will happen before the expected time. It can also represent the opinion that something has been done or completed. For example, if someone says, “I’ve already eaten,” they have eaten before the expected time.
Similarly, if someone says, “I’ve already finished my work,” it means they have completed their work before the expected time. The word “already” is used in questions to express surprise or astonishment. For example, if someone says, “You’ve already finished?” it means they are surprised or astonished that the task was completed before the expected time.
The word “already” is also used to express the idea that something has been done previously. For example, if someone says, “I’ve already seen that movie,” it means that they have seen it before.
In summary, the word “already” is an adverb used to express the idea that something has happened, is happening, or will happen before the expected time or that something has been done or completed previously.
What is “Just”?
Just as an adverb that is used to emphasize the importance of something or to express a strong opinion. It is used with an adjective or adverb to give extra meaning to a phrase or sentence. For example, one might say, “I just can’t believe it.” In this sentence, the adverb “just” emphasizes the speaker’s disbelief.
It can also indicate that something happened recently or is happening right now. For example, someone might say, “I just saw a spider in the kitchen.” In this sentence, the adverb “just” indicates that the speaker recently saw the spider.
It can also mean “only” or “exactly.” For example, one might say, “I just want to be alone.” In this sentence, the adverb “just” indicates that the speaker does not want anything other than to be alone.
Finally, just can be used to indicate fairness or justice. For example, one might say, “It’s not fair; it’s just.” In this sentence, the adverb “just” indicates that the speaker believes the situation is fair and just.
Difference Between “Already” and “Just.”
- “Already” emphasizes that something has happened, whereas “Just” emphasizes that something is happening or has recently happened.
- “Already” implies a situation has been completed or is irreversible, while “just” means a problem is still in progress or has yet to occur.
- “Already” is used in a statement or question that requires a response, whereas “Just” is used in a comment or question that does not require a reply.
- “Already” expresses certainty or inevitability, while “just” expresses possibility or probability.
- “Already” conveys a sense of surprise or disbelief, whereas “Just” conveys relief or satisfaction.
- “Already” is seen as more formal, whereas “just” is seen as more informal.
- “Already” can be used with other modifiers such as “still” and “yet,” whereas “Just” cannot be used with other modifiers.
Comparison Between “Already” and “Just.”
| Parameters of Comparison | Already | Just |
| Usage | “Already” conveys that something has happened or been done. | “Just” points out that something has only recently happened or been done. |
| Time Frame | “Already” suggests that something has occurred in the past. | “Just” indicates that something has happened in the present. |
| Implication | “Already” implies that something has been completed. | “Just” means that something has just been started. |
| Expressiveness | “Already” is used to express certainty. | “Just” is used to express uncertainty. |
| Structure | “Already” is used with a verb in the past tense. | “Just” is used with a verb in the present tense. |