4

Where should I put already in this sentence ?

I've been playing with it for a few hours already, but still no luck.

For me it seems ok to put before verb been or before hours.

|improve this question
6

Depending on what you wish to emphasize the position of "already" will vary.

Mid position

We usually put already in the normal mid position for adverbs (between the subject and the main verb, or after the modal verb or first auxiliary verb, or after be as a main verb).

We don’t use already between a verb and a direct object.

  • I've been playing already with it for a few hours, but still no luck. (Wrong)

End position

We can use already at the end of a sentence for greater emphasis or to show greater surprise. This is especially common in informal speaking.

Front position

Less often, we put already in front position (before the subject). We don’t often put already in front position in informal speaking.

Cambridge Dictionary

So with your sentence it can be either in the mid position or the end position:

  • I've already been playing with it for a few hours, but still no luck.
  • I've been playing with it for a few hours already, but still no luck.
|improve this answer
  • 1
    I think you're quite right that on average, placing already at the end of the clause gives greater emphasis than using the "standard" position (between subject and primary verb). Of course, there's also the "Yiddish" habit of appending it to the entire sentence, as in I've been playing with it for a few hours, but still no luck already. That version always sounds a bit "affected" to me, as does "fully fronting" the adverb: Already I've been playing with it for a few hours, but still no luck. – FumbleFingers Reinstate Monica May 30 '17 at 15:09
  • 1
    I would avoid both the fronted position and the Yiddish style of placing already. – SovereignSun May 30 '17 at 15:11
  • 1
    Dang! You speak Yiddish like a natural already! :) – FumbleFingers Reinstate Monica May 30 '17 at 15:25
-2

It should be

I have already been playing with it for a few hours, but still no luck.

|improve this answer
  • 1
    Not only. It can take up a position in between different sections. – SovereignSun May 30 '17 at 14:57

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.