Shadowing Practice: Still vs Yet – Easy Explanation with Everyday Life Examples | English Podcast - Learn English Speaking with Video
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Hello, everyone.
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Welcome back to Business English Desk.
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I'm Laura.
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And I'm Jamie.
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And oh my gosh, do we have a good one for you today.
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We really do.
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So if you're new here, hit that subscribe button because we drop episodes like this all the time.
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And trust me, you don't want to miss them.
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Seriously, don't miss out.
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Okay, Jamie.
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So I have to tell you something that happened to me yesterday.
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Uh -oh.
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What happened?
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So I was on a call with a client, right?
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And I said something like, oh, I'm still working on the report, but I haven't finished it yet.
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Okay.
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And the client, who's German, super nice guy, he stops me and goes, Laura, you just used still and yet in the same sentence.
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Are those the same?
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Oh, no. And I'm sitting there like, uh, no, yes, maybe.
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Did you freeze up?
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Completely.
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My brain just went blink.
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See, this is why we need today's episode.
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Exactly.
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Because honestly, we use these words all the time.
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But do we actually know the difference?
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I mean, I think I do, but let's be real.
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You probably just throw them in and hope for the best.
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Okay, okay.
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You got me.
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Guilty as charged.
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All right, so let's break this down.
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Still versus yet.
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They sound like they should be the same, right?
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Totally.
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They're both about time or waiting for something.
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Yes, but here's the thing.
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They're actually looking at the situation from totally different angles.
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Ooh, okay.
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I'm listening.
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So still is all about something that's continuing.
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It hasn't stopped yet.
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Wait, see what I did there?
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Nice.
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But seriously, still means the action or feeling is ongoing.
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It's like it was happening before, and it's still happening now.
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Okay, so it's about something that keeps going.
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Exactly.
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And yet, this is where it gets different.
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Yet means something hasn't happened, but you're expecting it to.
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Oh, so it's like waiting for something to start or finish.
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Yes, perfect.
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So think about it this way.
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Wait, give me an example first.
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Okay, so I could say, I'm still hungry. Which means?
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The hunger is continuing.
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Like, I was hungry an hour ago, I'm hungry now, it hasn't gone away.
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Got it.
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The feeling is ongoing.
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Right.
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But if I say, I haven't eaten yet...
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You.. that means eating hasn't happened, but it will.
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Exactly.
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There's this expectation that it's going to happen eventually.
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Oh, okay, so still is about what is happening and yet is about what isn't happening.
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Yes, oh my gosh, that's such a good way to put it.
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I have my moments.
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You really do.
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Okay, so here's something I've noticed.
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What?
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Still always seems to go in the middle of the sentence, like, I still live in New York, or she still works there.
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Okay, look at you paying attention.
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I pay attention sometimes.
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You're totally right, though.
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Still usually goes before the main verb.
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See?
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I told you. But...
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Tear's always a but.
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There is.
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So with the verb to be, it goes after.
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Wait, what?
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So you'd say, I'm still tired, or he's still here, not I still am tired.
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I still am tired.
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Yeah, that sounds weird.
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Right?
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It sounds super formal and awkward.
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Okay, so still goes after be verbs, but before other verbs.
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Exactly.
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Like, I still remember that day, or she still talks to her ex.
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Uh -oh.
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Laughable.
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Right?
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But then you'd say, I'm still awake, or he's still angry.
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Got it.
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Got it.
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What about yet?
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Where does that go?
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Yet is way easier.
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Thank goodness.
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It almost always goes at the end of the sentence.
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Really?
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That's it?
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Yep.
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Just stick it at the end and you're good.
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Finally, something simple in English.
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Okay, let's practice with some real situations.
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Ooh, I love this part.
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So, imagine it's raining outside.
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It's always raining.
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True.
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Okay, so how would you describe it if the rain hasn't stopped?
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Um, it's still raining.
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Perfect.
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The rain continues.
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It was raining before.
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It's raining now.
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And if I want to know if it's stopped...
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You'd ask, has it stopped yet?
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Because we're expecting it to stop eventually.
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Exactly.
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You're checking if that expected event has happened.
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Oh, this is making so much sense now.
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Right?
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Here's another one.
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Imagine you're waiting for a friend.
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Okay, they're late, as usual.
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Totally relatable.
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So, you could say, I'm still waiting.
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The waiting continues.
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Yes.
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Or you could say, she hasn't arrived yet.
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The arrival hasn't happened, but we expect it to.
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Yes, you're getting this.
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I'm kind of proud of myself right now.
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Okay, pop quiz time.
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Oh, no. Don't worry, you got this.
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So, can I say, do you want pizza yet?
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Um, do you want pizza yet?
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That sounds.. weird.
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It does, right?
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Why does it sound weird?
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Because.. you're asking if the craving has started?
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Yes, exactly.
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Like you're waiting for them to suddenly become hungry.
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So you'd say, do you still want pizza?
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Right, because you're asking if the desire is continuing.
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Okay, I got one.
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Are we there yet?
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Every kid in every car ever.
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Right?
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But can you say, are we still there?
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Ooh, good question.
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You can, but it means something totally different.
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What does it mean?
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Are we still there means we already arrived, and you're asking if we're continuing to be in that place.
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So, are we there yet is asking if we've arrived.
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And are we still there is asking if we've left yet.
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Whoa, completely different questions.
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Totally different.
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See how tricky this is?
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This is why English is hard.
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Okay, here's where it gets fun.
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It gets more fun?
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Yes.
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So, you can actually use still and yet together.
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Wait, what?
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Really?
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Yes, like I still haven't finished yet.
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Is that allowed?
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It feels like cheating.
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It's not cheating.
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It's totally natural.
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Give me another example.
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Okay, so she still hasn't called me yet.
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Huh, that does sound natural.
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Or we still haven't decided yet.
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So when I use both, what am I saying exactly?
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You're saying the not finishing is continuing.
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That's the still part.
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That's the still part.
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Right, and you expect it to finish eventually.
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That's the yet part.
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Exactly, they're working together.
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Okay, so they're friends, not enemies.
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Yes, they're best friends.
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They hang out all the time.
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Wait, doesn't still have other meanings, too?
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Oh, my gosh, yes.
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Good catch.
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Like standstill or still water?
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Exactly.
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Still can also mean not moving or completely quiet.
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Like the lake was perfectly still.
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Yes, no movement, no ripples, totally calm.
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Peacefully.
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I can picture that.
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It's so serene.
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Right?
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And in photography, there's still life.
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Oh, yeah, like paintings of fruit and flowers.
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Exactly, objects that don't move.
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Totally still life.
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That's actually kind of beautiful, life that's frozen in a moment.
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Aw, that's poetic.
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I'm a poet, and I didn't know it.
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Oh, no, not the rhymes.
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Sorry, sorry.
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There's also this saying, still waters run deep.
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Ooh, what does that mean?
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It means quiet people often have really deep thoughts and feelings inside.
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Oh, I love that.
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Like, they're calm on the surface, but there's a lot going on underneath.
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Exactly.
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It's a compliment, actually.
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That's my friend Sarah.
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She's super quiet at parties.
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But when we grab coffee one -on -one, she says the most profound things.
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Ah, see?
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Still waters run deep.
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Wait, there's more?
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One more.
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Still can also mean despite that or nevertheless.
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Huh?
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Like it was raining, but we still went for a walk.
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Oh, so even though it was raining, we went anyway.
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Exactly.
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Still is like saying but or however.
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Give me another one.
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The movie got terrible reviews, but I still enjoyed it.
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Oh, I do that all the time.
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Everyone hates a movie, but I'm like, I thought it was fun.
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Same.
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Or like, I was exhausted, but I still finished the project.
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Despite being tired, you kept going.
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Yes, that's the nevertheless meaning of still.
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Impressive.
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English is wild.
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One word with like five different meanings.
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Welcome to English.
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Okay, yet also has another meaning.
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Of course it does.
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But this one's more formal.
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Yet can mean but in writing.
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Really?
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Yeah, like the plan was simple yet effective.
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Oh, that sounds fancy.
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It is.
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You'd see it more in books or formal writing.
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Like, she was young yet wise.
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Perfect.
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See?
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You're getting it.
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I'm on fire today.
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You really are, and there's yet another.
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Oh, I hate that phrase.
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Why?
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Because it's always like, yet another meeting, or yet another email from my boss.
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Yes, that's exactly what it means.
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One more thing and you're frustrated about it.
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Yet another Monday.
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That's so relatable.
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Okay, let's talk about expressions you'll hear every day.
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Yes, I love learning phrases.
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The most common one with yet is not yet.
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Oh, yeah.
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I say that constantly.
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Right?
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Like, did you finish?
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Not yet.
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Is dinner ready?
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Not yet.
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That's literally my response to everything.
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My girlfriend asks, did you do the dishes?
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Not yet.
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Did you call your mom?
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Not yet.
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Not yet is the official soundtrack of procrastination.
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Oh my gosh, that's so true.
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And with still, a super common one is I still can't believe it.
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Oh yeah, when something's really surprising.
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Exactly, like I still can't believe we won the championship.
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Or I still can't believe she said yes when I asked her out.
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Aww, that's sweet.
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Thanks.
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Another one, are you still up?
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Late night texting phrase.
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Yeah, my buddy texts me that at like midnight.
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You still up?
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And you're always like, yeah, unfortunately.
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Oh my gosh, scrolling through my phone at 2 a .m like an idiot.
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We've all been there.
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What about positive expressions?
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Oh, I've got a good one.
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The best is yet to come.
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Oh, I love that one.
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Right?
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It's so hopeful.
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It means the best part hasn't happened, but it will.
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That's beautiful.
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Like, there's always something better ahead.
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Exactly.
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And better yet, this introduces an even better option.
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Like, you could take the bus, or better yet, I'll drive you.
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Perfect.
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We could order pizza, or better yet, let's make our own.
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Ooh, I like that.
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Better yet is like, here's an upgrade.
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Yes, an improved alternative.
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I'm gonna start using that more.
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Okay, practice time.
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I'm gonna give you a situation, you respond.
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Okay, I'm ready.
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Your friend asks if your Amazon package arrived.
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Um, no, it hasn't arrived yet.
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It's still in transit.
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Perfect.
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Yet for the arrival that hasn't happened, still for the ongoing transit.
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Yes, I nailed it.
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You did.
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Okay, next one.
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It's 10 p .m and you're working.
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I'm still working on this report.
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I haven't finished yet.
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Beautiful.
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Both words working together.
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Okay, give me a hard one.
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A hard one?
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Okay.
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Your friend asks if you like your new apartment after three months.
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Hmm.
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Yeah, I still love it.
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Every time I come home, I still get excited.
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Ooh, using still twice.
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I love it.
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Thank you, thank you.
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Okay, listeners, your turn.
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Yes, pause the podcast right now.
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And think of something you still do every day.
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And something you haven't done yet this week.
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Say it out loud, even if no one's listening.
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It really helps.
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Trust us.
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We're serious.
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Practice makes perfect.
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All right, let's do a quick recap.
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Yes, brain check time.
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First, still for continuation, something that's ongoing and hasn't stopped.
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I still live in Chicago, she still works at Google.
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Second, yet in negatives, something that hasn't happened but you expected to.
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I haven't eaten yet, he hasn't called yet.
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Third, yet in questions, have you finished yet, is she here yet?
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Always at the end.
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Fourth, not yet, the most useful two -word answer ever.
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Seriously, you'll use it every day.
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Fifth, still as nevertheless.
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Despite something, you did it anyway.
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It was hard, but I still did it.
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Fifth, still meaning not moving.
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Physical stillness.
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Stand still.
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The lake was perfectly still.
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Seventh, yet another.
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One more thing with frustration.
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Yet another Zoom meeting.
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So much frustration in that phrase.
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Eighth, the best is yet to come, hopeful and optimistic.
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The good stuff is still ahead.
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And finally, better yet, introducing a superior option.
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Take the train or better yet, I'll give you a ride.
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Perfect.
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Okay, so still and yet are officially no longer confusing.
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Thank goodness, the fog has lifted.
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The fog has still not returned and I don't think it will come back yet.
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Did you just use both in one sentence?
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I sure did.
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Look at you showing off.
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I couldn't resist.
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Alright, everyone, here's your homework.
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Yes, drop a comment and tell us what's something you still haven't done this year.
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A goal, a trip, a project, anything.
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And use both, still and yet, in your answer.
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We seriously read all the comments.
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We do.
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We get so excited when we see your sentences.
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If you enjoyed this episode, smash that like button.
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And subscribe if you haven't already.
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We do episodes like this all the time.
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And share this with a friend who's learning English.
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Help us spread the love.
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All right, we'll see you in the next episode.
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Keep practicing.
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And remember, the best is yet to come.
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Nice callback.
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Bye, everyone.
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Why This Video Is Perfect for Learning English with Videos
This clip is a goldmine for anyone looking to learn English with videos—it’s conversational, relatable, and packed with everyday examples. The dialogue between Laura and Jamie feels like a real chat, which makes it easy to follow and mimic. Plus, they tackle a common confusion (still vs. yet) that even intermediate learners struggle with, so you’re not just practicing pronunciation—you’re mastering practical grammar. The natural flow and casual tone make it ideal for improving English pronunciation and building confidence in speaking.
Breaking Down the Dialogue: What Makes It Sound Natural
Let’s look at a few key lines that show why this conversation works. First, “I'm still working on the report, but I haven't finished it yet.” The contrast between “still” (ongoing action) and “yet” (expected completion) is clear, and the “but” connects them smoothly—just like how we speak in real life. Next, “They're both about time or waiting for something, but they're looking at the situation from totally different angles.” The “but” here creates a natural shift, which is common in explanations. Finally, “Yet means something hasn't happened, but you're expecting it to.” The short, direct structure makes the meaning easy to grasp, and the repetition of “but” mirrors how we clarify ideas in casual speech. These lines sound natural because they use common connectors and avoid complex words—exactly what you should aim for in your own speaking.
A Simple Practice Routine: Shadowing Technique for Success
To get the most out of this video, try the shadowing technique (also called shadowspeak or shadow speech). Here’s how: Play a 5-second clip of the dialogue, pause, and repeat it out loud, copying the tone, pace, and pronunciation as closely as possible. Record yourself, then compare it to the original. Notice how Laura and Jamie stress words like “still” and “yet”—this emphasis changes the meaning. Do this for 10-15 minutes a day, focusing on the parts where they explain the difference. Over time, you’ll start to use “still” and “yet” correctly without thinking, and your pronunciation will sound more natural. This repeat-and-record loop is a proven way to turn passive listening into active speaking skills.
Grammar in this video
The structures the speaker uses most, with the exact words from the video:
| Structure | In the video |
|---|---|
| Present perfect have/has + past participle — a past action that still matters now | haven't finished · hasn't stopped · hasn't happened |
| Superlatives the -est / the most … — the top or bottom of a group | the best · the most profound · The most common |
| Verb + -ing enjoy, keep, stop… + -ing — verbs that are followed by the -ing form | keeps going · kept going · love learning |
| Past continuous was/were + -ing — an action in progress at a moment in the past | was happening · was raining |
What is the Shadowing Technique?
Shadowing is a science-backed language learning technique originally developed for professional interpreter training and popularized by polyglot Dr. Alexander Arguelles. The method is simple but powerful: you listen to native English audio and immediately repeat it out loud — like a shadow following the speaker with just a 1–2 second delay. Unlike passive listening or grammar drills, shadowing forces your brain and mouth muscles to simultaneously process and reproduce real speech patterns. Research shows it significantly improves pronunciation accuracy, intonation, rhythm, connected speech, listening comprehension, and speaking fluency — making it one of the most effective methods for IELTS Speaking preparation and real-world English communication.