Already Meaning
Already Definition & Usage
Used to indicate that something has happened before the present moment or before a specific time.
Examples
- "I’ve already finished my homework."
- "The meeting has already started, you’re late!"
- "She had already left when I arrived."
- "We’ve already discussed this topic."
- "I don’t need another drink, I’ve already had three."
Used to stress that something is completely or certainly true at the moment.
Examples
- "It’s already too late to turn back."
- "She’s already one of the best players on the team."
- "I’m already sure of my decision."
- "The train is already packed with passengers."
- "By the time I got there, the event was already over."
Used to express surprise, impatience, or disbelief that something has happened so soon or unexpectedly.
Examples
- "Already? You’ve finished the whole pizza?"
- "It’s already 9 p.m., where has the time gone?"
- "You’re leaving already? I thought we were going to hang out longer."
- "Already? I just saw you two minutes ago."
- "Why is the deadline already so close?"
Cultural Context
The word 'already' originates from Middle English and Old English, where it meant 'completely ready' or 'fully prepared.' Over time, its meaning expanded to cover more temporal and emotional nuances. In modern English, 'already' is commonly used in everyday conversation, emphasizing time and action, or indicating surprise and impatience.
The Time We Almost Missed
Story
The Time We Almost Missed
It was a hectic day in the small town of Millersfield, and Sarah found herself rushing from one appointment to the next. She had barely finished her breakfast when her phone buzzed with a reminder: 'Meeting at 9 a.m. – Don’t be late!' Glancing at the clock, she gasped. It was already 8:50 a.m. She needed to hurry if she wanted to make it on time. As she dashed out the door, Sarah thought about how her life had been feeling like a constant race against the clock lately. Her friend Emma, who had been waiting for her at the café, had already ordered their coffee, signaling to Sarah that she wasn’t alone in her busy schedule. When Sarah arrived, Emma looked up with a grin. 'I see you’re in a rush as usual,' she said. 'Already finished with your work for the morning?' 'No, I wish! But I did manage to get through the major tasks,' Sarah replied, sitting down quickly. The two friends chatted about their days, and Sarah noticed how quickly time was slipping away. They had been talking for only an hour, but by then, Sarah’s phone had buzzed again. 'Already? The meeting has started, I’m late!' she muttered as she scrambled to gather her things. Emma laughed. 'You’re always in a rush. But hey, look on the bright side – at least you’re already on top of things in your career.' As Sarah rushed to her meeting, she thought about Emma’s words. Even though it seemed like time was slipping by too quickly, at least she had already accomplished so much. The meeting went smoothly, and she was able to deliver her report without any hitches. It had been a hectic morning, but somehow, everything was falling into place – just like it had always been. By the end of the day, Sarah realized how much had already been achieved, despite feeling constantly rushed. As she sat down to relax, she couldn’t help but smile. Maybe it wasn’t such a bad thing that things had already been set into motion.
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