Difference Between Still and Yet

Most of us think that the words “still” and “yet” mean the same, but they are different from each other. The word “still” refers to an action or an event that started in the past and is continuing in the present too, whereas “yet” refers to the action that was supposed to happen or occur until now but that hasn’t happened in the implied time. In this article, we learn about the difference between “still” and “yet.”

Difference Between Still and Yet

Meaning of “Still”

The word “still” refers to an action or an event that started in the past and is continuing in the present too. It is used in affirmative and interrogative sentences.

Usage of “Still”

“Still” can be used as a noun, adverb, adjective, or verb. When it is used as a noun, it means calm or silence. When it is used as an adjective, it means not moving or not making any sound. When it is used as an adverb, it means something that continues. When it is used as a verb, it means to calm down or quieten.

• The still of the darkness scares me. Here, the word “still” is a noun and refers to silence.
• The audience sat still during the performance. Here, the word “still” is an adjective and refers to not making a sound.
• They are still trying their best to cope with the loss of their baby. Here, the word “still” is an adverb and refers to the continuation of the action.
• I tried my best to still the situation, but I couldn’t. Here, the word “still” is a verb and refers to calming down.

Examples

1. Are you still working at the same company?
2. There is still some time for the movie to start.
3. Rohan is still living in Mumbai.
4. I’m still angry with my brother.
5. She is still trying her best to forget her dreadful past.
6. It is still snowing outside.
7. Can’t you stay still for a moment?
8. Jade stood still as his mother was scolding her.

Meaning of “Yet”

The word “yet” refers to an action or an event that hasn’t happened or is expected to happen. It is used in negative and interrogative sentences.

Usage of “Yet”

The word “yet” is used as an adverb and also as a conjunction. When it is used as an adverb, it means until now. When it is used as a conjunction, it means “however at the same time, nevertheless, but, or despite that.” Mostly, the word “yet” comes at the end of the sentence, but when it is used as a conjunction, it comes in the middle of the sentence.

• He has not received the offer letter yet. Here, the word “yet” is an adverb and means until now.
• I informed him about my arrival, yet he didn’t come to the airport to receive me. Here, the word “yet” is a conjunction.

Examples

1. I didn’t finish my homework yet.
2. Sheela hasn’t returned from the trip yet.
3. He hasn’t paid the rent yet.
4. The report is yet to come.
5. They haven’t yet arrived at the airport.
6. Salma is born with a golden spoon, yet she is down to earth.
7. I told him to come early for the audition, yet he came an hour late.
8. His wife warned him to clear bills on time, yet he paid deaf ears to her.

Difference Between Still and Yet

Still	Yet
The word “still” refers to an action or an event that started in the past and is continuing in the present too.	The word “yet” refers to an action or an event that hasn’t happened or is expected to happen.
It can be used as a noun, adverb, adjective, or verb.	It is used as both an adverb and a conjunction.
It is used in affirmative, negative, and interrogative sentences.	It is used in negative and interrogative sentences.
Examples: Is there still some chance for me to work with you? Gagan is still using the bike gifted by his dad.	Examples: You haven’t paid the EMI yet. The construction of my new house isn’t completed yet.

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed the differences between “still” and “yet” as well as their meaning and usage, with examples. Remember that the word “still” is used in affirmative, negative, and interrogative sentences, whereas the word “yet” is used in negative and interrogative sentences.