already
[adverb]
Synonyms: before now, at present, before, by now, by then, even now, heretofore, just now, previously

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

al‧read‧y S1 W1 /ɔːlˈredi $ ɒːl-/ adverb
[Date: 1300-1400; Origin: all ready 'completely ready']

1. before now, or before a particular time:
The design of the new house is similar to those that have already been built.
The performance had already started when we arrived.

2. used to say that something has been done before and does not need doing again:
You already told me that.
‘Fancy a coffee?’ ‘No thanks, I already have one.’

3. used to say that something has happened too soon or before the expected time:
Have you eaten all that food already?
Is it 5 o'clock already?

4. used to say that a situation exists and it might get worse, greater etc:
Hurry up, we’re already late.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

already
adverb
1.
BAD: Next July I'm going back to Hong Kong. I booked the tickets already.
GOOD: Next July I'm going back to Hong Kong. I've booked the tickets already.

Usage Note:
Already is usually used with the present perfect tense (NOT the past tense): 'If he's already seen the film, he won't want to see it again.'

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2.
BAD: Most of the food is cold already when you get it.
GOOD: Most of the food is already cold when you get it.
BAD: They had already ten children and didn't want any more.
GOOD: They already had ten children and didn't want any more.
GOOD: They had ten children already and didn't want any more.

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3.
BAD: The war is not over already.
GOOD: The war is not over yet.
BAD: The new shop has not been opened already.
GOOD: The new shop has not been opened yet.

Usage Note:
Instead of using not + already, use not + yet : 'We haven't been paid yet.' 'The plane hasn't landed yet.'

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Common Errors ▲