have not even started yet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have not even started yet" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when there is something that someone is supposed to be doing, but they haven't started on it yet. For example, "I was supposed to finish my essay this week, but I have not even started yet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"With breast ironing we have not even started yet.

The Guardian

But now my lover tells me his divorce proceedings have not even started yet …" The early adopters of online dating tended to be the technically very savvy, who shared what one might call a certain geeky mindset.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

This is not a positive trajectory considering the Games haven't even started yet.

The New York Times

I said right from the beginning that I wanted to feed the world and I haven't even started yet.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Well, they haven't even started yet - the players are in the clubhouse due to the threat of lightning - so who knows if they'll even arrive?

The Guardian - Sport

"I feel like I have been through hell/When you tell me I haven't even started yet," he sang in "Your Mind and We Belong Together".

The New York Times - Arts

She says: 'Mr Roth, I hate to interrupt your dinner.' (Well, give us a chance, I think, we haven't even started yet).

The Guardian - Books

He said" -- venom in the voice here -- " 'Kid, you haven't even started yet.' " Is it surprising that Mr. Weideman was a troubled youth?

The New York Times

Faldo himself claimed in his press conference prior to the opening ceremony that "this is the most special week of my life, and I haven't even started yet".

The Guardian - Sport

"They haven't even started yet".Curiously enough, despite all the huffing and puffing about enlargement, and despite the EU's stated ambition to admit the new members in time for them to take part in the 2004 elections to the European Parliament, Mr Gros has a point.

The Economist

And we haven't even started yet," he says.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have not even started yet" to emphasize the complete lack of progress on a task or project. This phrase can add a sense of urgency or frustration, depending on the context.

Common error

Ensure the correct auxiliary verb ('have' or 'has') is used based on the subject. A common mistake is using 'has' with a plural subject or 'have' with a singular subject. For example, avoid saying "They has not even started yet."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have not even started yet" primarily functions as a verbal phrase indicating the absence of initiation of an action or task. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have not even started yet" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to underscore the complete absence of progress on a given task or project. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a correct and useful phrase in English. While suitable across a range of contexts, it is particularly prevalent in News & Media. For more formal settings, alternatives such as "not yet commenced" might be preferable, whereas more casual options like "not off the ground yet" exist for informal conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

haven't begun yet

Uses 'begun' instead of 'started', implying a lack of commencement.

not yet commenced

Replaces 'started' with 'commenced', offering a more formal tone.

still hasn't initiated

Substitutes 'started' with 'initiated', suggesting the beginning phase.

not off the ground yet

An idiomatic expression indicating a project or plan has not begun.

yet to be initiated

Passive voice emphasizing the lack of initiation.

has not kicked off yet

Uses 'kicked off', an informal term for starting, indicating an event or activity.

nothing has been done yet

Focuses on the lack of any action taken.

the process is still pending

Emphasizes that the process is awaiting to be started.

we are at square one

Idiomatic expression indicating that there's nothing done on a project or task.

the ball hasn't even started rolling

Uses the rolling ball imagery to denote lack of progress.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "have not even started yet" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "not yet commenced" or "yet to be initiated". These options replace everyday words with more sophisticated vocabulary.

What's a more casual way to say "have not even started yet"?

In informal contexts, you might say "not off the ground yet" or "has not kicked off yet". These options are more relaxed and idiomatic.

When is it appropriate to use "have not even started yet"?

Use "have not even started yet" when you want to emphasize that something is completely untouched or uninitiated. It's suitable when highlighting a lack of progress or action on a particular task or project.

Is it grammatically correct to say "has not even started yet"?

Yes, but only when the subject is singular. For plural subjects, use "have not even started yet". For example, "He has not even started yet", but "They have not even started yet".