How do we use already?

As an expert in linguistics and language usage, I can provide a comprehensive explanation on how to use the word "already." The word "already" is a versatile adverb that can be used to indicate the completion of an action or event before the present moment or before a specified point in time. It often conveys a sense of surprise or emphasis on the timing of an event. Here's a detailed look at its usage:


1. Present Perfect Tense: "Already" is commonly used with the present perfect tense to show that an action has been completed at some point before now. For example:
- "I already finished my homework." (The homework was completed before the current moment.)


2. Mid-Position in Sentences: When used in the middle of a sentence, "already" typically follows the subject and precedes the main verb or verb phrase. It can also be placed after auxiliary verbs. For example:
- "She already has seen the new movie." (The action of seeing the movie occurred before the present moment.)


3. With Modal Verbs: "Already" can be used after modal verbs to indicate that an action has been completed. For example:
- "He must already be at the airport by now." (It is inferred that he has likely reached the airport before the current time.)


4. In Negative Sentences: When used in negative sentences, "already" can emphasize that something has not happened by a certain time. For example:
- "They already haven't decided on the date for the party." (The decision has not been made up to this point.)


5. In Interrogative Sentences: In questions, "already" can be used to inquire about the completion of an action. For example:
- "Have you already tried the new restaurant?" (The question asks if the action of trying the restaurant has occurred.)


6. In Conditional Sentences: "Already" can be used in conditional sentences to express a condition that has been met. For example:
- "If you already have the tickets, we can leave early." (The condition of having the tickets is a prerequisite for leaving early.)

7.
With the Simple Past in American English: As mentioned, in American English, "already" can sometimes be used with the simple past tense, although this is less common in British English. For example:
- "She already went to the store." (This indicates that the action of going to the store happened in the past and is completed.)

8.
Emphasizing Time: "Already" can be used to emphasize that something happened sooner than expected. For example:
- "The package already arrived." (The speaker is surprised that the package has arrived sooner than anticipated.)

9.
In Comparisons: "Already" can be used to compare the timing of different events. For example:
- "He already started the project before we even discussed it." (This indicates that one event occurred before another.)

10.
In Exclamations: "Already" can be used in exclamations to express surprise or disbelief about the timing of an event. For example:
- "You already finished the book? That was fast!"

In summary, "already" is a versatile adverb that can be used to indicate the timing of an event in relation to the present or a specified point in time. It is often used with the present perfect tense but can also be used with modal verbs, in negative sentences, questions, conditional sentences, and even with the simple past in American English. It can convey a sense of surprise, emphasis, or comparison regarding the timing of events.

'Already' is used to indicate that something has happened earlier. It is used in the mid-position of the sentence, and is usually used with Present Perfect. In American English, it is also possible to use 'already' with the Simple Past.