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Tenacious Learner Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

Yet. Possible synonyms

Hi teachers,
Could I consider 'by this time' and 'before now' synonyms for 'yet' in the following sentence?
She hasn't finished her reports yet.

Thanks in advance.
  

Top answer

As explanations, yes, but they are not natural if inserted into the sentence.

  • As explanations, yes, but they are not natural if inserted into the sentence.
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5 Answers
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As explanations, yes, but they are not natural if inserted into the sentence.
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Mister MicawberAs explanations, yes, but they are not natural if inserted into the sentence.
Hi Mister Micawber,
Thank you for your reply.
Yes they are only explanations. A real synonym is 'by now' among others. Something that of course you already know.
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Hi Mister Micawber,
Another question:
On the other hand, Michael Swam gives this definition: The indefinite time adverb 'yet' means 'at any time up to now'.
In MHO, I think it will be better to say 'at any time around the present up to now'.
Do you agree?

TS
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No, sorry. Why would it be limited to 'around the present'? The sun has not exploded yet.
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Mister MicawberNo, sorry. Why would it be limited to 'around the present'? The sun has not exploded yet.
Hi Mister Micawber,
Thank you for your reply. I though that 'yet' in negative sentences can only be used for actions that did not occur between a short time in the past and now.
I was wrong!

TS

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