Yet

Yet is a common English word that can function as an adverb and as a coordinating conjunction. It is used to indicate time up to the present, to introduce a contrast or an unexpected development, or to begin a sentence in formal or literary contexts. It appears in fixed expressions such as as yet and yet again.

As an adverb, yet typically appears with negation or in questions. In negative sentences it means “up to this moment” or “so far”: for example, I have not finished yet. In questions it asks about something that is expected: Are you ready yet? Yet can also convey a sense of continuation or future possibility: There is yet more to come. In some contexts, yet can mean “still,” especially in older or more formal usage, as in The work is yet to be done.

As a conjunction, yet introduces a contrast or concession and is roughly equivalent to “nevertheless” or “but” in many contexts. The structure is usually two independent clauses: The plan seemed solid, yet it failed. In contemporary speech, but is more common, but yet remains correct and can convey a stronger sense of surprise, persistence, or nuance.

As yet and yet again are common phrases. As yet means “so far” or “up to this point,” while yet again signals repetition of an action or event. The word’s usage is versatile across formal and informal registers, though its connotation tends to be more literary or emphatic than everyday speech. Etymologically, yet derives from Old English and has cognates in other Germanic languages.