Would it make a difference if you add already?

Question

A while back I asked the question, Which is correct?
Choose the correct answer: Mark has ( been fixing, fixed, fixes) 3 cars. I got the answer that both are acceptable, been fixing and fixed. Fixes does not fit in this sentence at all. But if you add already, for example, Mark has been fixing 3 cars already. or Mark has fixed 3 cars already. Are both answers still acceptable. Thanks for your input. I am having some competition in grammar with my husband.

Answer 1

The "already" would work with "has fixed" only. It makes you think that Mark has more than 3 cars to fix--like "Mark has fixed 3 cars already, but has 4 more to do."
"Has been fixing" is a past perfect verb--as in "Mark has been fixing cars his entire adult life."
"Fixes" is present tense--as in "Mark fixes cars every day."

Answer 2

No both answers are NOT acceptable. Mark has been fixing 3 cars already is NOT correct. The correct sentence should read Mark has already fixed 3 cars. The way you have it, "Mark has fixed 3 cars already is an awkward construction.

Answer 3

No, you cannot say "Mark has been fixing three cars already." unless he is still in the process of fixing all three. When you use any form of the progressive or continuous tense, you show that an action is still in progress at a given point. If someone called and asked if Mark could fix his car right away, you might reply, "Mark has been fixing three cars already. If he takes on another car, who knows when he will finish any of them?" Otherwise, if he has finished fixing the three cars, you must say either "Mark fixed three cars already." or "Mark has fixed three cars already." Do not use a form of be {been} with already unless you want to state something like "I have already been here for three hours."

Answer 4

If you add "already" then put it in the correct place within the sentence. Try it right after Mark in the sentence with "has fixed."

However "been fixing" implies he is not done. "Fixes" does not fit, as you stated. If you go with "fixed" then the "already" is not needed because "fixed" is past tense indicating that he has completed the repairs.

Answer 5

Ah, yes, I remember the days of grammar battles with my ex. The old "lie down" versus his "lay down" --I'll nver forget that one.

So, it is Mark has fixed 3 cars already. That's the only acceptable one.

Answer 6

3 of the examples as above...depend on the situation...
All in "Past continues tense, Past tense, and Present tense"
As I know lots of people use "Fixed already" Yeah~ it's kind of repetition in English communication, but acceptable.
ex: "I had lunch already." & "I already had lunch."

Answer 7

yes