It is still not Christmas yet

Question

I am confused with this construction that mixes still and yet in the same sentence= It is still not Christmas yet. I guess it has the same meaning if I only leave still which translates as Todavía no ha llegado/no es navidad. However, I would like to know why both are included in the same sentence; what is the purpose?

Thanks in advance. = )

Answer 1

I would say the purpose of using both words was for emphasis.

The English sentence may seem a bit redundant using both words. Only using one of the two words would still allow the sentence to carry the same general meaning. Although both words serve similar purpose, they are not interchangeable. Still implies that the state of something is ongoing, yet means until now. More or less, they represent a VERY similar idea, but you can't swap them without rearranging the position.

He still lives with his mom. He hasn't moved out yet. He still hasn't moved out yet.

Aún vive con su mamá. Todavía no se ha mudado.

I am not fluent in Spanish, but it seems to me that aún and todavía are perfectly exchangeable? Would you agree?

I need someone else's input because I am confusing myself by thinking very hard into it! :p

I highly appreciate your help, modrak. It has simply no price. And as for your question, yes, aún and todavía are exchangeable, one can perfectly replace the other. So you can also say: Todavía vive con su mamá. Aún no se ha mudado. =) - Gloriange, Dec 9, 2013

Answer 2

I believe this is one of those well used patterns that is not grammatically correct, but many people use in casual language. As modrak pointed out, you can convey the idea using either word by itself.

You will hear all sorts of poor grammar used by people. Hanging participles, double negatives (OK in Spanish, but not English), etc. The point gets across, so no one really notices.

I wouldn't worry too much about it.

That's about it. - annierats, Dec 8, 2013

Interesting. I would have easily ensure that it was accurate grammar. Thanks a lot, Noetol. - Gloriange, Dec 9, 2013