English grammar can cause anyone frustration, as it is rife with exceptions to rules and alternate usages of words and phrases. This is what makes the language difficult for non-native speakers and native-speakers alike. One phrase which is regularly misused is “as of yet”, which is further complicated due to the similar expression “as yet”.
The following explanation can provide you with the knowledge you need to properly use this phrase and reduce your chance of making grammatical and usage mistakes in your writing and speech.
The Meaning of “As of Yet”
This expression is used to explain that an event has not yet taken place, regardless of whether it will or won’t happen at a later time.
- I sold the product to the company, but they haven’t paid as of yet.
- As of yet, it has not rained, despite the dark clouds in the sky.
In each circumstance, the event described has not happened at the time of writing.
It can be assumed that the company will pay for the product which they purchased, but they may have a purchase order or a similar method for deferred payment.
As to the dark cloud situation, it may or may not rain later on, but at the time of writing, it had not happened.
In each scenario, there is an expectation that the described event could come to pass, but nothing is definitive.
Variations of “As of Yet”
One of the aspects of strong writing involves concise writing. This is the ability to use advanced words or phrases to reduce wordiness and simply a concept.
The Use of “Yet” as a Substitution for “As of Yet”
Many experts consider “as of yet” to be a more pretentious form of the word “yet”. As each of the two variations represent the exact same idea, “yet” is a more concise form and is more highly valued as a writing tool.
- I sold the product to the company, but they haven’t paid yet.
Notice in this situation, the sentence retains the meaning of the original example with “as of yet” but is more concise and is stronger.
- Yet, it has not rained despite the dark clouds in the sky.
However, in this example, the sentence no longer makes proper sense. The idea is incomplete because “yet” in the beginning implies that there was another statement which came before that is necessary to complete this thought.
- It has not rained despite the dark clouds in the sky yet.
When placed at the end of the sentence, it is even worse, producing a word salad. This shows that there are cases in which “as of yet” is a better choice and provides more meaning than the word “yet” by itself.
Note: If “yet” can be used to replace “as of yet” while maintaining the same meaning, it is a stronger action. However, that is not going to be the solution for every situation.
The Use of “As Yet” as a Substitute for “As of Yet”
Sometimes you may see “as yet” used instead. This is more concise than the full phrase, but is it appropriate?
Let’s plug it into our sample sentences and see the results.
- I sold the product to the company, but they have not paid as yet.
This is an awkward construction. Since “yet” functions perfectly in this situation, it is the most appropriate version to complete this idea with brevity.
Reading this sentence as written almost provides the ghost of the missing “of” which makes it sound as if something is missing with the construction.
- As yet, it has not rained despite the dark clouds in the sky.
Here, the missing “of” seems less pronounced, and the meaning remains intact. This form may serve a more concise alternative for “as of yet” since there’s no meaning loss, although it still sounds a bit pretentious.
If you are in doubt, there are other ways you can construct the sentence without using any of these phrases, so you always have an alternative if you are not satisfied with the way “yet” is working in your sentence.
Watch this video – deeper understanding of “As Of”
If you want to dig deeper into the grammar of variation variations on phrases beginning with “As,” watch this video below:
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the choice is yours as to which form you prefer. As for clear and concise writing, if “yet” alone will work without altering the meaning, that is the choice you should make.
If “yet” will not work alone, you can choose “as of yet”, “as yet”, or find a different phrase to express your meaning.
Related: Now learn how to properly use “Duly Noted.”
