Already: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to express that something has happened before now or earlier than expected.

• I've already finished my homework.
• Are we there already?

Used to indicate something that happened before another event or time, often used in more formal or written contexts.

• We met previously at the conference.
• The house was previously owned by a famous artist.

Used when referring to something or someone in a previous state or role, often formal or official settings.

• She was formerly the CEO of the company.
• This area was formerly a park.

Used to indicate that something has happened or been done before the present moment.

• I've already finished my homework.
• Is dinner ready already?

Used when referring to something that was in place or existed before a specified event or condition.

• The pre-existing conditions made the new regulations necessary.
• Doctors need to know about any pre-existing health issues.

Commonly used to indicate that something happened or existed before another event or time.

• I need to finish this work prior to the meeting.
• She had prior experience in software development.

Typically used in formal or academic contexts to refer to something that existed before or logically precedes another.

• The antecedent event that led to the current situation was the economic crisis.
• In grammar, the noun to which a pronoun refers is its antecedent.