Question 1

Why does still have not sound stronger than have not yet?

Accepted Answer

"Still have not" stresses that the situation has continued for longer than expected. It often suggests surprise, annoyance, or concern: "I still have not received the parcel" means the delay feels too long. "Have not yet" is more neutral. It simply says the expected action has not happened up to now: "I have not received the parcel yet." Both are grammatically correct, but the feeling is different. Choose "still have not" when the unchanged situation matters. Choose "have not yet" when you only want to report that something is pending.

Question 2

Can already be used in a question without sounding strange?

Accepted Answer

Yes. "Already" in a question usually means the speaker thinks the action may have happened sooner than expected, or wants to know whether any action is still needed: "Have you already booked the hotel?" The speaker may be surprised because the booking deadline is not close, or relieved because the task might be finished. A question with "yet" is more neutral: "Have you booked the hotel yet?" It simply asks whether the expected action has happened. Use "already" when the timing feels early or important.

Question 3

How do I choose between yet and still in negative sentences?

Accepted Answer

Use "yet" at the end of a negative sentence to say that an expected action has not happened up to now: "We have not decided yet." Use "still" before the negative helper verb when you want to emphasise that the lack of change is surprising or frustrating: "We still have not decided." The grammar point is not only word position; it is also tone. "Yet" keeps the door open for a future result. "Still" draws attention to the delay, especially when enough time has passed.

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