if you have done your homework last night

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Using the Present Perfect Tense

if you have done your homework last night

Are you wondering when to use the present perfect tense? Or I should say, "have you learned" when to use the present perfect? We use this tense to talk about an action that started in the past and has a connection to the present.

[Note: Click here to learn how to form the present perfect.]

Use #1: Describe past situations / things that have a strong connection to the present

We use the present perfect simple to describe an action or state that started at an unknown or unspecified time in the past AND has a connection to the present .

Learners are sometimes confused by this. They ask, if this tense is called the "present" perfect, why are we talking about "past" actions? Excellent question.

With this tense we're talking about the past and the present . These actions or situations may have started and ended in the past but we are focusing on the effect of this action now in the present moment. Let's look at some examples to try to make this clearer:

Your poor grades have become a problem. (The result now is that there is a problem.)
Have you seen Selma? (Where is she now?)
She 's gone to school. (She left home and is at school now.)
Take off your shoes. I have just cleaned the floor. (A short while ago I mopped the dirty floor and it is clean now.)
I can't find my keys. Have you seen them? (I lost my keys and can't find them now.)
Have you done your homework? (Is your homework finished now?)
I started but I haven't finished my homework yet. (My homework is not finished now.)
I've been sick all day. (I'm still sick now.)

In each of these examples we are focusing on the result now or why the action is important at this present time.

Use #2: Describe past actions or conditions that continue in the present

It's usually easier for learners to understand the second use which is for actions that started in the past and are still continuing in the present moment.

The tense helps to answer " how long ago " something has been happening (in relation to now) or for how long a period of time something has been happening.

FOR / SINCE

We often use the words " since " (after a specific time) or " for " (a period of time) with this usage.

We have lived here for 25 years.(We came here 25 years ago and still live here.)
My parents have been married since 1967. (They're still married.)
We 've waited 20 minutes already for the bus. (We are still waiting.)
My daughter has been sick for a week.
I haven’t slept for two days.
We haven’t seen each other since high school.
I haven’t had a drink since the accident.
He hasn’t dated anyone since his wife left him.
I haven’t smoked a cigarette for three months now.

Note : we cannot use the present perfect tense with a completed time word. For example:

Wrong: We have seen the movie last night. (Correct: we saw the movie last night.)
Wrong : Yesterday, I had worked very late. (Correct: Yesterday, I worked very late.)

With finished time words we use the present simple.

Use #3: To ask about whether we ever had past experiences

We frequently use the present perfect tense to ask or talk about whether someone has experienced something during their life (at any time in the past until this moment).

EVER / NEVER / BEFORE

Often, we use the words " ever " (in questions) and " never ". We will sometimes also add the word " before ."

Have you ever eaten fried insects?
No, I haven't tried fried insects and never will.
Has Jimmy ever been this sick before?
Have you taken private English lessons?
I ' ve never travelled by train before.
Have the children ever done something like this before?
Never in my life have I been so much in love.

Adverbs that are frequently used with the present perfect tense: Already / yet / just / still

The following words (adverbials) are often used with the present perfect tense:

Just describes something that happened a short time before this moment.

I 've just received your email and will read it now.
He 's just arrived , I hear the car pulling to the garage.
I'm so excited. Lady Gaga has just released her latest album.

Just about means that something that was started is almost finished .

I 've just about finished this novel.
Have you finished the report yet? Just about .
I 've just about used up all the milk.

Already has two main meanings:

1. Already = before this time (before now)

Where's that letter? I 've already mailed it.
Can I help you clean? I 've already swept to the floor but you can vacuum the carpet.
We 've already eaten at that restaurant so let's go somewhere else.

2. Already = so soon (something happened quickly or earlier than expected)

We need to take the trash out. I 've already taken it out.
Has my boyfriend arrived already? I'm still getting dressed.
You don't have to ask. Your mother has already ironed your shirt.

Yet = at this time , until this time , as soon as this time

Note : Yet usually comes at the end of the sentence. We use yet with negative statements and questions.

Have my parents arrived yet? (They are expected to arrive soon.)
Have you finished the report yet? (It should be done or finished soon.)
He hasn't called yet. (Until this time he hasn't called but he should call soon.)
It's 3 o'clock and I haven't had lunch yet .

We use still in negative sentences with the present perfect to emphasize an action or situation happening or existing before now and continuing into the present:

I can't believe you still haven't written your paper.
He said he sent an email an hour ago but I still haven't received it.
We still haven't decided what to eat for lunch.

If you need to review how to form the present perfect tense please check this page. I go over the positive and negative forms, questions, review the irregular past participles and spelling changes and give lots of examples.

Main Grammar Page
Using the Present Perfect

The Best Comebacks When Asked If You’ve Done Your Homework

We’ve all been there. It’s the end of the day and your parent or teacher asks the question: “Did you finish your homework?” You freeze up, scrambling for a response. Maybe you actually did forget to do it amidst the chaos of after-school activities and hanging out with friends. Or maybe you just don’t feel like doing homework right now. Either way, you need a solid comeback, stat!

As an author focused on lifestyle topics for teens and young adults, I often get questions from readers about dealing with the dreaded homework inquiry. So I decided to put together this definitive guide on funny, clever, and even sassy responses you can use when asked this ubiquitous question. Keep reading for some amazing ideas you can try out next time, separated by theme for easy reference.

Funny Excuses About Forgetting Homework

We all forget things sometimes. Play these excuses for laughs or just to buy yourself a bit more time.

“I sent it to the printer but the paper tray was empty!”
“It’s still in my locker from yesterday. Oops!”
“My dog ate it, I swear! He must have grabbed it off my desk when I wasn’t looking.”
“Funny story…I grabbed all my books but left my completed homework on my bed. My bad!”
“I finished it! I just…can’t actually find it right now. Minor technical difficulty!”
“It was in my backpack earlier, but I think the homework goblins took it when I wasn’t looking!”

Snarky, Sassy Responses

Feeling bold? Try one of these snarky comebacks. Use sparingly and proceed with caution!

“I plead the fifth.”
“Do you think I would be smart enough to get into Harvard without doing my homework?”
“Well, I would have finished it if someone hadn’t talked my ear off about their weekend for 20 minutes.”
“The dog ate my homework and my ability to care.”
“Funny that you assume I had time to do homework in between my many extracurriculars, social obligations, and micronaps.”
“I guess you’ll just have to ground me from doing more homework, huh?”

Totally Honest Answers

If you just want to tell it like it is, these super honest responses could work. Pair it with an apology for best results!

“I just didn’t feel like doing it. My bad.”
“I kept putting it off last night and ran out of time. I know that was irresponsible.”
“I forgot it was due today! I’m sorry, I should have written down the due date.”
“I was so exhausted after soccer practice that I fell asleep doing it. I didn’t mean to not finish it.”
“You’re right, I got distracted hanging out with friends and didn’t make homework a priority like I should have.”
“I really have no good excuse. I procrastinated and didn’t manage my time properly. I’ll do better next time.”

Cheeky Punchlines

If you’re feeling punchy, try out one of these unexpected yet funny kickers. Make sure to keep it lighthearted!

“Did YOU finish MY homework?”
“I plead the fifth…grade!”
“Does ‘no’ count as finishing it?”
“Well, I wrote my name at the top. So technically I started it!”
“Define ‘finish.’ Like half? A third???”
“Fun fact: ‘No’ contains 75% of the letters needed to spell ‘finished!'”

Using Humor to Deflect

Rather than lying about your homework habits, injecting some harmless humor into your response is often the best route. Humor humanizes the situation and makes it harder for the other person to stay upset. After all, who can keep scolding someone after they make a joke so ridiculous you can’t help but laugh?

Even just an exaggerated “Uhhhhhh” or “Funny story…” can be enough to crack a smile before you launch into your excuse or apology. And dropping in a playful punchline at the end leaves the conversation on a lighter note.

So don’t be afraid to test out a funny response next time you’re asked the homework question! As long as you keep it respectful and lighthearted, using humor and a cheeky comeback could get you out of a tough spot.

Also Read: Funny Responses to “Do you like ice cream?”

When Is It Okay to Joke About Not Doing Homework?

However, there are some caveats around using humor when asked if you finished your homework. You do need to consider factors like:

The situation
Who is asking
Your relationship with them
Their sense of humor

It’s generally fine to joke around with friends about homework woes. But how do you know when it’s okay to give a funny response versus when you should be more straightforward?

Here are a few key things to think about first.

Consider the Asker’s Position

Friends/classmates: Totally fine to joke around! Use humor freely.
Teachers: Proceed with caution, gauge their sense of humor first. Apologize too.
Parents: Usually okay to use light humor, especially if you have an easygoing relationship. But don’t be too glib.
Bosses/mentors: Avoid making jokes and excuses. Take responsibility for not finishing work and apologize.

Gauge the Mood of the Interaction

Casual chat: Humor is almost always welcome!
Tense situation: Read the room first. Jokes could make things worse if the other person is angry/frustrated.
Time crunch: If the asker needs that homework right now, skip the comedy and be direct.

Consider How Often You Use Humor/Excuses

Rarely forget homework: A joke here and there is no big deal.
Frequently don’t do homework: Making excuses often instead of taking responsibility looks irresponsible. Dial back the humor.

So in summary—read the situation first, and only pull out the funny homework responses occasionally when appropriate!

Clever Homework Humor You Haven’t Heard Before

Part of landing a solid homework joke is finding unexpected and clever humor. After all, classic excuses like “my dog ate it” get old fast.

To help you get creative, here are some humor techniques to try that add a unique twist:

Exaggerations and Hyperbole

Exaggerate an excuse to ridiculous proportions for silly humor:

“I was kidnapped by homework ninjas before I could finish it!”

Unexpected ‘Facts’

Sound super convincing by stating fake facts and statistics:

“Actually, scientists say 50% of homework gets spontaneously destroyed by homework gremlins. I’m just the unlucky victim this week!”

Candy Theme

Compare homework woes to candy/dessert fails for delicious humor:

“Trying to finish last night was like trying to eat a whole carton of ice cream in one sitting. I hit a wall pretty fast!”

Cheesy wordplay always leaves ’em laughing:

“I penciled it in to do it tonight. But don’t worry, you can essay-ly give me another chance!”

Over-the-top Methods

Explain ridiculously complex plans to remember homework that inevitably failed:

“I tied string around all 10 fingers to remind me about tonight’s assignment, hired a backup friend to text me hourly, AND posted sticky note alerts everywhere. But somehow, I still managed to not finish it!”

IT Troubleshooting

Blame tech using silly IT lingo for an academic spin:

“Well, I tried to open my homework file, but it looks like there was a RAM overload that led to an CPU failure. I think my hard drive crashed? Ugh technology!”

Homework Horror Movie

Set the “tragic” scene by framing homework time like a scary movie:

“I was almost done with question 10 when I sliced my finger open on the paper! Then a giant swarm of math bees flew in through my bedroom window. Eventually I just had to surrender and make a run for it—barely escaping with my life. Man, what a night!”

Also Read: Witty Comebacks for “Is it Raining Today?”

When in Doubt, Apologize Sincerely

At the end of the day, even if you have a clever excuse or witty comeback primed and ready to go, there are still times when you should ditch the jokes completely.

If you legitimately forgot or chose not to make homework a priority, then apologies, accountability, and honesty are better than humor.

Here are some key times when you’re better off apologizing sincerely:

You use excuses about missing/forgotten homework frequently
It’s clear the asker is truly frustrated or disappointed
Your grade is suffering because you consistently don’t do homework
You’re dealing with someone like a teacher, parent, or boss (instead of a friend)

When you do apologize, make sure you:

Sincerely say “I’m sorry”
Admit you should have done things differently
Recognize how your actions impact others
Commit to fixing the behavior

Owning up shows maturity, responsibility, and that you genuinely feel remorse.

Then later on, once things have cooled down, you can gently reopen the dialogue about struggles with homework. Is it too challenging, are you overloaded with commitments, or are you just really not a homework person? Communicating about root causes will go a lot better if you take time to sincerely apologize first.

I hope this guide gave you plenty of funny, clever, and creative excuses to try next time someone asks if you finished your latest homework assignment!

Use humor and snark occasionally when appropriate, but make sure you’re also balancing it out by fessing up with sincerity and accountability when needed.

Let me know in the comments below what your favorite homework excuse is! I could use some new material for next time I “forget” an assignment (whoops).

I’m Sarah Koch, and I work as a Relationship Coach in Austin, Texas. I’ve been doing this job for more than 9 years. I studied Sociology and Counseling Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin. My main goal is to help people create strong and happy relationships. I also wrote a book called “Irresistible Texting” to share my ideas on how to have better relationships through texting.

Did vs. Done: Difference Explained (With Examples)

Marcus Froland

March 28, 2024

Many folks think that mastering English is all about big words and complex grammar rules. But let me tell you, sometimes it’s the little words that trip you up, like did and done . They seem straightforward until you have to use them in a sentence.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “It can’t be that hard, right?” Well, it’s not rocket science, but there’s more to these two words than meets the eye. And by the end of this article, you’ll see exactly why they’re not as interchangeable as some might think. So stick around because we’re about to clear up some confusion.

Understanding the difference between did and done is key to speaking English correctly. Did is the simple past tense of “do”. Use it when talking about an action that happened at a specific time in the past. For example, “I did my homework yesterday.” On the other hand, done is the past participle form of “do” and needs a helper verb like “have” or “has”. It’s used when referring to actions that are completed, often without specifying when. An example would be, “I have done my homework.” So, remember: use did for actions in the past at a known time and done , with a helper verb, for completed actions.

Understanding the Functions of “Did” and “Done”

As you strive to improve your English language skills, it’s crucial to understand the roles that “did” and “done” play in sentence structures. In this section, we’ll clarify how these terms function in different contexts, such as past activities and present perfect tense constructions.

Defining “Did” in Past Activities

Simple past tense did is used to describe actions or tasks that were completed at a specific point in the past. Let’s consider some examples to illustrate the concept:

We did what the teacher asked us to do. Melinda did the research in this project.

In these sentences, “did” appears after a subject or pronoun and can stand alone without auxiliary verbs, as seen in “He did all the hard work.” Understanding using did in past tense constructions is vital for forming accurate statements, questions, and negations relating to past events.

Clarifying “Done” in the Present Perfect Context

Conversely, the past participle done pertains to activities completed in the past but still relevant in the present. It’s typically accompanied by auxiliary verbs like ‘have’ or ‘has,’ as demonstrated in the following examples:

I have done my maths homework. He has not done his homework.

The term “done” cannot occur alone and always follows other verbs, often signaling a perfect tense or passive construction. The difference between did versus done lies in the context and usage in sentences, with “did” being a stand-alone verb for past actions while “done” requires auxiliary verbs and plays a role in perfect tense sentences.

To summarize, both “did” and “done” are essential aspects of English grammar, with their unique functions in past tense and present perfect tense constructions. By clearly understanding the definition of did and usage of done , you’ll become more proficient in the language and avoid confusion when employing these terms in conversation and writing.

The Grammatical Rules of “Did” and “Done”

Understanding the correct grammar of “did” and “done” is crucial for effective English communication. These two terms follow specific grammatical rules that ensure their proper usage in sentences.

Did can occur independently in a sentence to denote past actions
Done is always used with auxiliary verbs like ‘has,’ ‘have,’ or ‘had.’

Let’s examine these rules in more detail to grasp the past tense grammar and past participle rules fully.

Using “Did” in a Sentence

In a sentence, “did” can directly follow a subject without any accompanying auxiliary verbs. As the simple past tense form of ‘do,’ it is used to indicate completed actions or events in the past. For example:

Did you knock on the door?

This sentence exemplifies the correct usage of “did” directly following the subject ‘you.’

Implementing “Done” with Auxiliary Verbs

Following the past participle rules , “done” never stands alone and must be used with auxiliary verbs like ‘has,’ ‘have,’ or ‘had.’ It is often used in the passive voice or perfect tense constructions. For instance:

She has done her homework.

Here, “done” is used with the auxiliary verb ‘has’ to convey an action that was completed in the past but holds relevance to the present moment.

By comprehending and applying these grammatical rules, you can master the correct usage of “did” and “done” in your everyday communication. This understanding will help you avoid common mistakes and convey your thoughts effectively.

Common Mistakes When Using “Did” vs. “Done”

Misusing “did” and “done” is a common error in English grammar, often stemming from confusion about their roles as past tense and past participle forms of the verb ‘do’. To avoid these grammar mistakes and improve both speaking and writing skills, it is important to learn from these did vs done mistakes and understand their correct usage context.

Examples Highlighting Typical Errors

Let’s analyze some examples to understand the common mistakes when using “did” and “done” and ways to correct them:

Incorrect: I done my homework. Correct: I did my homework.
Incorrect: He did not finished yet. Correct: He has not finished yet.
Incorrect: Did you have done your assignment? Correct: Have you done your assignment?
Incorrect: They did gone to the movies last night. Correct: They went to the movies last night.

These examples demonstrate the importance of choosing the right form of the verb ‘do’ when constructing sentences in the past tense or present perfect tense. By paying attention to the auxiliary verbs and the context of the sentence, you can avoid the common errors of misusing “did” and “done”.

Understanding the correct usage of “did” and “done” plays a crucial role in mastering English grammar and avoiding common mistakes.

To further strengthen your learning, familiarize yourself with these additional tips and recommendations:

Always use “did” as a standalone verb in the simple past tense, without an auxiliary verb.
Use “done’ only when accompanied by auxiliary verbs such as ‘has,’ ‘have,’ or ‘had’ in present perfect or past perfect tense constructions.
Remember that “did” does not change the base form of the main verb that follows it.
When using “done” with auxiliary verbs, keep in mind that it cannot directly follow the subject of the sentence.

By addressing these common mistakes and applying the right grammar rules, you will greatly enhance your spoken and written language skills, boost your confidence, and effectively communicate your thoughts and ideas in English.

Perfecting Your Language Skills with Correct Usage

Improving language skills often involves mastering the correct usage of did and done in various contexts. Becoming proficient in English grammar and speaking and writing correctly requires a comprehensive understanding of their applications in everyday communication.

For instance, replacing verbs with ‘do’ in informal speech contributes to a more natural English flow. This can be exemplified in the following scenario:

Friend A: “Did you wash the dishes?” Friend B: “No, but I’ll do it now.”

Using did and done adeptly involves incorporating them for emphasis in positive sentences:

“I do want to go to the party.”
“I did study for the test.”

Such correct usage ultimately leads to better communication and stronger command of the language. Furthermore, it is essential to keep practicing and refining your skills to sustain your proficiency. The table below highlights different situations for using did and done, helping you build confidence in their correct use.

Perfecting your language skills with the correct usage of did and done is a vital aspect of mastering English grammar. Constantly practicing, analyzing real-life examples, and understanding their different functions will help you become a more proficient and confident communicator in the long run.

Verbs and Auxiliary Usage in Sentence Structure

In mastering the English language, it is crucial to understand the different roles of verbs and auxiliary verbs in sentence structure. Two essential forms, “did” and “done,” belong to the verb “do” and play a significant part in constructing past tense narratives. Let’s take a closer look at their roles in sentences.

“Did” as a Main Verb and Auxiliary

Did serves as a main verb for past actions, describing a state or action that was completed at a specific point in the past. For example:

“Jake did the dishes after dinner.”

Did also functions as an auxiliary verb for questions and negations in the past tense, as it helps form interrogative and negative sentences. When used as an auxiliary, “did” precedes the main verb in its base form:

Did you live in Spain?
She did not know the right answer to the question.

“Done” Within Perfect Tenses and Passive Voice

The past participle done is used within perfect tenses and passive voice constructions. This form usually follows auxiliary verbs like ‘has,’ ‘have,’ ‘had,’ or forms of the verb ‘to be.’ For example, the present perfect tense is represented in sentences like:

“I have done my homework.”

Meanwhile, the passive voice is illustrated in:

“The report was done on time.”

Understanding the usage of “did” and “done” in sentence structure is essential for conveying precise meaning and achieving proper grammar in your writing and speaking. Practice using these forms in different contexts to enhance your language skills and become more proficient in English.

Practical Examples: “Did” in Everyday Conversation

Mastering the use of did in daily speech is crucial for proficient English communication, especially when referring to past events or asking questions about them. This section offers some common instances to demonstrate the practical application of did in everyday conversations.

Discussing Past Activities: Imagine talking with your friend about your weekend. You can use did to inquire about their activities: “What did you do over the weekend?” or “Did you go to the new art exhibition?”
Movies, Books, and TV Shows: When discussing movies, books, or TV series, did can be employed to ask if someone has experienced it: “Did you read Michelle Obama’s memoir, Becoming ? ” or “Did you watch the latest episode of Stranger Things ?”
Food and Dining: Discussing memorable meals or sharing food recommendations often involves the use of did : “Did you try the new Thai restaurant downtown?” or “How did you like the chocolate lava cake we had last night?”

Using did as an auxiliary verb is similarly essential for asking questions about past events in daily interactions. Some scenarios include:

Yes/No Questions: “Did Sara join the gym last month?”
Choice-based Questions: “Did you walk or bike to work today?”
Wh-Questions: “Where did you spend your vacation?” or “Why did James leave the party early?”

Remember, practice makes perfect. Apply the use of did in your conversations to enhance your English speaking skills and communicate your thoughts with clarity and correctness.

By incorporating did in your everyday language, you effectively express yourself in past tense contexts. As you continue practicing, the correct usage of did in conversation will become second nature, giving you a better command of the English language.

Breaking Down “Done” With Examples from Real Situations

Understanding the practical use of done in real-life examples aids in mastering its application and appreciating its relevance in the present perfect tense. “Done” signifies the completion of an action in the past that holds significance in the present moment.

Here are some present perfect examples illustrating the proper usage of “done” in various real-life situations:

Marian has done the artwork : In this sentence, “done” indicates that Marian completed the artwork in the past, and it remains relevant to the present discussion or context.
Have you done the math project? : This inquiry uses “done” to ask if the math project was completed in the past while still holding significance at the present time.
They have already done their room cleaning : In this scenario, “done” emphasizes that the action of cleaning the room has been completed earlier and has an impact on the present situation.

In the context of real-life situations , “done” is frequently employed in both professional and informal scenarios to convey the completion of an action in the past with continued relevance to the present:

At work, you might hear a colleague say, “I have done the presentation, and it’s ready for tomorrow’s meeting.” This sentence implies that the presentation was finished earlier, but its completion is still significant at the present moment as it will be utilized in the upcoming meeting.

In casual conversations, “done” is also commonly used to express events and accomplishments that connect the past and present:

While catching up with a friend, they may mention, “I have done all my errands for today.” In this statement, “done” is used to convey that all errands were completed earlier in the day, with the effects persisting into the current conversation or moment.

Ultimately, grasping the usage of “done” in real-life examples contributes to a deeper understanding of the present perfect tense and enables clearer, more effective communication in various contexts.

Mastering Questions and Negations in Past Tense

Questions in past tense often begin with the auxiliary “did” and are followed by the subject, and then the base form of the verb. Learning to correctly craft questions using “did” will provide you with the skills to communicate clearly and grammatically. For example, consider the question, “Did he speak Italian?” Here, “did” initiates the interrogative form, and the verb “speak” is in the base form.

To become proficient in using “did” for questions, it’s essential to understand past tense question formation . Ensure that the auxiliary “did” comes before the subject and verb. This not only maintains a proper sentence structure but also avoids confusion when speaking and writing in English. Understanding how to use “did” in questions will enable you to enhance your language skills and ensure effective communication in various situations.

Similarly, mastering the use of “done” in affirmative and negative statements is crucial in expressing perfect tenses. When used correctly, “done” emphasizes the completion of an action and its ongoing relevance to the present moment. Examples of such statements include “I have done my homework” and “He has not done a good job.” Recognizing the importance of incorporating “done” in present perfect statements will enable you to convey your thoughts more accurately and effectively, boosting your English language proficiency.

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"Did you do your homework yet?" vs "Have you done your homework yet?"

Last Updated: April 08, 2024

Did you do your homework yet?

This phrase is correct and commonly used when asking about a specific action completed in the past.

Did you finish your work yet?
Did you eat your lunch yet?
Did you read the book yet?
Did you call your friend yet?

Alternatives:

Have you done your homework yet?
Have you finished your homework yet?
Have you completed your homework yet?
Have you accomplished your homework yet?
Have you fulfilled your homework yet?

This phrase is correct and commonly used when asking about a task that was expected to be completed in the past and is still relevant in the present.

Have you finished your work yet?
Have you eaten your lunch yet?
Have you read the book yet?
Have you called your friend yet?
Have you concluded your homework yet?

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Spanish-English Grammar / Gramática Español-Inglés

Have you done/did you do your homework?

Thread starter Maggieshotthegun
Start date Mar 18, 2010

Maggieshotthegun

Senior member.

Mar 18, 2010

Me gustaría saber que diría una profesora a sus alumnos sobre los deberes, para preguntar si están hechos: Have you done..? or Did you do..?

Elsapo said: Is the same! You can ask both ways. Have you done? or Did you do? Click to expand...

rivereridanus

Pues, es que en realidad son intercambiables- a menos que en los EEUU.

bueno, hoy la profesora me ha corregido he usado HAVE y ha dicho DID, siempre habia oido HAVE. gracias a todos.

Maggieshotthegun said: bueno, hoy la profesora me ha corregido he usado HAVE y ha dicho DID, siempre habia oido HAVE. gracias a todos. Click to expand...

PichaPuerto

Hi I would use "have you done." This is the present perfect and relates to a past and a present situation. "Did you do" is also possible but the meaning relates more to a finished action. I understand this use is more common in US English. You should read up on the uses of present perfect and past simple for a more complete answer.

Es interesante lo que ha dicho PichaPuerto - a lo mejor "did you do" no se usa tanto en otros países anglohablantes. "Did you do" vs. "have you done" es la misma diferencia entre "Hiciste/usted hizo" vs. "Has/ha hecho." La respuesta no cambiaría.

jeni_la_gringa

The only grammatical difference, as mameytree notes, is that "did you do" is in the preterite form (hiciste), and "have you done" is in the present perfect (has hecho). As for usage, I use them both and they are almost identical. The present perfect is always "a little closer to the present" than the simple past (preterite) tense; hence I would say "have you done your homework?" if the person was recently doing their homework, and "did you do your homework?" if it happened slightly earlier in the day. Really, though, there is no difference.

In Britain we'd probably prefer the present perfect here!

Mar 19, 2010

have you done = i don't care when you've done them, although I assume you've done them in the period of time since I last saw you until now. Did you do = i am referring to a concrete moment in time. did you do them "then"?

Test on Past Perfect 1

Test your knowledge on the Past Perfect. After submitting your answers, you will see how well you have done in the test.

Write the past participle (3rd form) of the following irregular verbs.

understand -

Complete the sentences in Past Perfect Simple (positive).

I lost the key that he (give) to me.
She told me that she (see) a ghost.
I went downstairs because I (hear) a noise.
When they came home, Sue (cook) dinner already.
We could not send you a postcard because we (forget) our address book.

Complete the sentences in Past Perfect Simple (negative).

The waiter served something that we (not / order) .
He went to Alaska where he (not / be) before.
She put on the red dress, which she (not / wear) for ages.
He (not / play) tennis before that day.
His mother was angry because he (not / help) her with the shopping.

Complete the questions in Past Perfect Simple.

(you / finish) your homework before you went to the cinema?
(why / you / clean) the bathroom before you bathed the dog?
(you / have) breakfast before you came here?
(she / find) a place to stay when she went to Boston?
(where / she / live) before she moved to Chicago?

Before submitting the test, check the following:

Got the spelling right?
Put in the full stop or question mark where required?
Used the correct key to type the apostrophe ( Shift and # )?

In the test we cannot give you a second try. Such careless mistakes would therefore cost you valuable points.

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Past simple or past continuous?

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The first one is more natural if you are referring to an action that was in progress at 8 o'clock. But it is not possible to omit the subject in English, pronoun " I " in this case.

If you are referring to an action that was concluded before 8 o'clock, you should use Past Perfect and a different preposition, " by 8 o'clock" in this case.

E.g.: I had finished my homework by 8 o'clock last night.

Both sentences are syntactically incorrect, i.e. the word order is not respected.

You have two options: 1) to use a comma for emphasis: At 8 o'clock last night , I was doing my homework; 2) to put the whole adverbial phrase after the object: I was doing my homework at 8 o'clock last night .

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, how to do homework: 15 expert tips and tricks.

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Everyone struggles with homework sometimes, but if getting your homework done has become a chronic issue for you, then you may need a little extra help. That’s why we’ve written this article all about how to do homework. Once you’re finished reading it, you’ll know how to do homework (and have tons of new ways to motivate yourself to do homework)!

We’ve broken this article down into a few major sections. You’ll find:

A diagnostic test to help you figure out why you’re struggling with homework
A discussion of the four major homework problems students face, along with expert tips for addressing them
A bonus section with tips for how to do homework fast

By the end of this article, you’ll be prepared to tackle whatever homework assignments your teachers throw at you .

So let’s get started!

How to Do Homework: Figure Out Your Struggles

Sometimes it feels like everything is standing between you and getting your homework done. But the truth is, most people only have one or two major roadblocks that are keeping them from getting their homework done well and on time.

The best way to figure out how to get motivated to do homework starts with pinpointing the issues that are affecting your ability to get your assignments done. That’s why we’ve developed a short quiz to help you identify the areas where you’re struggling.

Take the quiz below and record your answers on your phone or on a scrap piece of paper. Keep in mind there are no wrong answers!

1. You’ve just been assigned an essay in your English class that’s due at the end of the week. What’s the first thing you do?

A. Keep it in mind, even though you won’t start it until the day before it’s due B. Open up your planner. You’ve got to figure out when you’ll write your paper since you have band practice, a speech tournament, and your little sister’s dance recital this week, too. C. Groan out loud. Another essay? You could barely get yourself to write the last one! D. Start thinking about your essay topic, which makes you think about your art project that’s due the same day, which reminds you that your favorite artist might have just posted to Instagram...so you better check your feed right now.

2. Your mom asked you to pick up your room before she gets home from work. You’ve just gotten home from school. You decide you’ll tackle your chores:

A. Five minutes before your mom walks through the front door. As long as it gets done, who cares when you start? B. As soon as you get home from your shift at the local grocery store. C. After you give yourself a 15-minute pep talk about how you need to get to work. D. You won’t get it done. Between texts from your friends, trying to watch your favorite Netflix show, and playing with your dog, you just lost track of time!

3. You’ve signed up to wash dogs at the Humane Society to help earn money for your senior class trip. You:

A. Show up ten minutes late. You put off leaving your house until the last minute, then got stuck in unexpected traffic on the way to the shelter. B. Have to call and cancel at the last minute. You forgot you’d already agreed to babysit your cousin and bake cupcakes for tomorrow’s bake sale. C. Actually arrive fifteen minutes early with extra brushes and bandanas you picked up at the store. You’re passionate about animals, so you’re excited to help out! D. Show up on time, but only get three dogs washed. You couldn’t help it: you just kept getting distracted by how cute they were!

4. You have an hour of downtime, so you decide you’re going to watch an episode of The Great British Baking Show. You:

A. Scroll through your social media feeds for twenty minutes before hitting play, which means you’re not able to finish the whole episode. Ugh! You really wanted to see who was sent home! B. Watch fifteen minutes until you remember you’re supposed to pick up your sister from band practice before heading to your part-time job. No GBBO for you! C. You finish one episode, then decide to watch another even though you’ve got SAT studying to do. It’s just more fun to watch people make scones. D. Start the episode, but only catch bits and pieces of it because you’re reading Twitter, cleaning out your backpack, and eating a snack at the same time.

5. Your teacher asks you to stay after class because you’ve missed turning in two homework assignments in a row. When she asks you what’s wrong, you say:

A. You planned to do your assignments during lunch, but you ran out of time. You decided it would be better to turn in nothing at all than submit unfinished work. B. You really wanted to get the assignments done, but between your extracurriculars, family commitments, and your part-time job, your homework fell through the cracks. C. You have a hard time psyching yourself to tackle the assignments. You just can’t seem to find the motivation to work on them once you get home. D. You tried to do them, but you had a hard time focusing. By the time you realized you hadn’t gotten anything done, it was already time to turn them in.

Like we said earlier, there are no right or wrong answers to this quiz (though your results will be better if you answered as honestly as possible). Here’s how your answers break down:

If your answers were mostly As, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is procrastination.
If your answers were mostly Bs, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is time management.
If your answers were mostly Cs, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is motivation.
If your answers were mostly Ds, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is getting distracted.

Now that you’ve identified why you’re having a hard time getting your homework done, we can help you figure out how to fix it! Scroll down to find your core problem area to learn more about how you can start to address it.

And one more thing: you’re really struggling with homework, it’s a good idea to read through every section below. You may find some additional tips that will help make homework less intimidating.

How to Do Homework When You’re a Procrastinator

Merriam Webster defines “procrastinate” as “to put off intentionally and habitually.” In other words, procrastination is when you choose to do something at the last minute on a regular basis. If you’ve ever found yourself pulling an all-nighter, trying to finish an assignment between periods, or sprinting to turn in a paper minutes before a deadline, you’ve experienced the effects of procrastination.

If you’re a chronic procrastinator, you’re in good company. In fact, one study found that 70% to 95% of undergraduate students procrastinate when it comes to doing their homework. Unfortunately, procrastination can negatively impact your grades. Researchers have found that procrastination can lower your grade on an assignment by as much as five points ...which might not sound serious until you realize that can mean the difference between a B- and a C+.

Procrastination can also negatively affect your health by increasing your stress levels , which can lead to other health conditions like insomnia, a weakened immune system, and even heart conditions. Getting a handle on procrastination can not only improve your grades, it can make you feel better, too!

The big thing to understand about procrastination is that it’s not the result of laziness. Laziness is defined as being “disinclined to activity or exertion.” In other words, being lazy is all about doing nothing. But a s this Psychology Today article explains , procrastinators don’t put things off because they don’t want to work. Instead, procrastinators tend to postpone tasks they don’t want to do in favor of tasks that they perceive as either more important or more fun. Put another way, procrastinators want to do things...as long as it’s not their homework!

3 Tips f or Conquering Procrastination

Because putting off doing homework is a common problem, there are lots of good tactics for addressing procrastination. Keep reading for our three expert tips that will get your homework habits back on track in no time.

#1: Create a Reward System

Like we mentioned earlier, procrastination happens when you prioritize other activities over getting your homework done. Many times, this happens because homework...well, just isn’t enjoyable. But you can add some fun back into the process by rewarding yourself for getting your work done.

Here’s what we mean: let’s say you decide that every time you get your homework done before the day it’s due, you’ll give yourself a point. For every five points you earn, you’ll treat yourself to your favorite dessert: a chocolate cupcake! Now you have an extra (delicious!) incentive to motivate you to leave procrastination in the dust.

If you’re not into cupcakes, don’t worry. Your reward can be anything that motivates you . Maybe it’s hanging out with your best friend or an extra ten minutes of video game time. As long as you’re choosing something that makes homework worth doing, you’ll be successful.

#2: Have a Homework Accountability Partner

If you’re having trouble getting yourself to start your homework ahead of time, it may be a good idea to call in reinforcements . Find a friend or classmate you can trust and explain to them that you’re trying to change your homework habits. Ask them if they’d be willing to text you to make sure you’re doing your homework and check in with you once a week to see if you’re meeting your anti-procrastination goals.

Sharing your goals can make them feel more real, and an accountability partner can help hold you responsible for your decisions. For example, let’s say you’re tempted to put off your science lab write-up until the morning before it’s due. But you know that your accountability partner is going to text you about it tomorrow...and you don’t want to fess up that you haven’t started your assignment. A homework accountability partner can give you the extra support and incentive you need to keep your homework habits on track.

#3: Create Your Own Due Dates

If you’re a life-long procrastinator, you might find that changing the habit is harder than you expected. In that case, you might try using procrastination to your advantage! If you just can’t seem to stop doing your work at the last minute, try setting your own due dates for assignments that range from a day to a week before the assignment is actually due.

Here’s what we mean. Let’s say you have a math worksheet that’s been assigned on Tuesday and is due on Friday. In your planner, you can write down the due date as Thursday instead. You may still put off your homework assignment until the last minute...but in this case, the “last minute” is a day before the assignment’s real due date . This little hack can trick your procrastination-addicted brain into planning ahead!

If you feel like Kevin Hart in this meme, then our tips for doing homework when you're busy are for you.

How to Do Homework When You’re too Busy

If you’re aiming to go to a top-tier college , you’re going to have a full plate. Because college admissions is getting more competitive, it’s important that you’re maintaining your grades , studying hard for your standardized tests , and participating in extracurriculars so your application stands out. A packed schedule can get even more hectic once you add family obligations or a part-time job to the mix.

If you feel like you’re being pulled in a million directions at once, you’re not alone. Recent research has found that stress—and more severe stress-related conditions like anxiety and depression— are a major problem for high school students . In fact, one study from the American Psychological Association found that during the school year, students’ stress levels are higher than those of the adults around them.

For students, homework is a major contributor to their overall stress levels . Many high schoolers have multiple hours of homework every night , and figuring out how to fit it into an already-packed schedule can seem impossible.

3 Tips for Fitting Homework Into Your Busy Schedule

While it might feel like you have literally no time left in your schedule, there are still ways to make sure you’re able to get your homework done and meet your other commitments. Here are our expert homework tips for even the busiest of students.

#1: Make a Prioritized To-Do List

You probably already have a to-do list to keep yourself on track. The next step is to prioritize the items on your to-do list so you can see what items need your attention right away.

Here’s how it works: at the beginning of each day, sit down and make a list of all the items you need to get done before you go to bed. This includes your homework, but it should also take into account any practices, chores, events, or job shifts you may have. Once you get everything listed out, it’s time to prioritize them using the labels A, B, and C. Here’s what those labels mean:

A Tasks : tasks that have to get done—like showing up at work or turning in an assignment—get an A.
B Tasks : these are tasks that you would like to get done by the end of the day but aren’t as time sensitive. For example, studying for a test you have next week could be a B-level task. It’s still important, but it doesn’t have to be done right away.
C Tasks: these are tasks that aren’t very important and/or have no real consequences if you don’t get them done immediately. For instance, if you’re hoping to clean out your closet but it’s not an assigned chore from your parents, you could label that to-do item with a C.

Prioritizing your to-do list helps you visualize which items need your immediate attention, and which items you can leave for later. A prioritized to-do list ensures that you’re spending your time efficiently and effectively, which helps you make room in your schedule for homework. So even though you might really want to start making decorations for Homecoming (a B task), you’ll know that finishing your reading log (an A task) is more important.

#2: Use a Planner With Time Labels

Your planner is probably packed with notes, events, and assignments already. (And if you’re not using a planner, it’s time to start!) But planners can do more for you than just remind you when an assignment is due. If you’re using a planner with time labels, it can help you visualize how you need to spend your day.

A planner with time labels breaks your day down into chunks, and you assign tasks to each chunk of time. For example, you can make a note of your class schedule with assignments, block out time to study, and make sure you know when you need to be at practice. Once you know which tasks take priority, you can add them to any empty spaces in your day.

Planning out how you spend your time not only helps you use it wisely, it can help you feel less overwhelmed, too . We’re big fans of planners that include a task list ( like this one ) or have room for notes ( like this one ).

#3: Set Reminders on Your Phone

If you need a little extra nudge to make sure you’re getting your homework done on time, it’s a good idea to set some reminders on your phone. You don’t need a fancy app, either. You can use your alarm app to have it go off at specific times throughout the day to remind you to do your homework. This works especially well if you have a set homework time scheduled. So if you’ve decided you’re doing homework at 6:00 pm, you can set an alarm to remind you to bust out your books and get to work.

If you use your phone as your planner, you may have the option to add alerts, emails, or notifications to scheduled events . Many calendar apps, including the one that comes with your phone, have built-in reminders that you can customize to meet your needs. So if you block off time to do your homework from 4:30 to 6:00 pm, you can set a reminder that will pop up on your phone when it’s time to get started.

This dog isn't judging your lack of motivation...but your teacher might. Keep reading for tips to help you motivate yourself to do your homework.

How to Do Homework When You’re Unmotivated

At first glance, it may seem like procrastination and being unmotivated are the same thing. After all, both of these issues usually result in you putting off your homework until the very last minute.

But there’s one key difference: many procrastinators are working, they’re just prioritizing work differently. They know they’re going to start their homework...they’re just going to do it later.

Conversely, people who are unmotivated to do homework just can’t find the willpower to tackle their assignments. Procrastinators know they’ll at least attempt the homework at the last minute, whereas people who are unmotivated struggle with convincing themselves to do it at a ll. For procrastinators, the stress comes from the inevitable time crunch. For unmotivated people, the stress comes from trying to convince themselves to do something they don’t want to do in the first place.

Here are some common reasons students are unmotivated in doing homework :

Assignments are too easy, too hard, or seemingly pointless
Students aren’t interested in (or passionate about) the subject matter
Students are intimidated by the work and/or feels like they don’t understand the assignment
Homework isn’t fun, and students would rather spend their time on things that they enjoy

To sum it up: people who lack motivation to do their homework are more likely to not do it at all, or to spend more time worrying about doing their homework than...well, actually doing it.

3 Tips for How to Get Motivated to Do Homework

The key to getting homework done when you’re unmotivated is to figure out what does motivate you, then apply those things to homework. It sounds tricky...but it’s pretty simple once you get the hang of it! Here are our three expert tips for motivating yourself to do your homework.

#1: Use Incremental Incentives

When you’re not motivated, it’s important to give yourself small rewards to stay focused on finishing the task at hand. The trick is to keep the incentives small and to reward yourself often. For example, maybe you’re reading a good book in your free time. For every ten minutes you spend on your homework, you get to read five pages of your book. Like we mentioned earlier, make sure you’re choosing a reward that works for you!

So why does this technique work? Using small rewards more often allows you to experience small wins for getting your work done. Every time you make it to one of your tiny reward points, you get to celebrate your success, which gives your brain a boost of dopamine . Dopamine helps you stay motivated and also creates a feeling of satisfaction when you complete your homework !

#2: Form a Homework Group

If you’re having trouble motivating yourself, it’s okay to turn to others for support. Creating a homework group can help with this. Bring together a group of your friends or classmates, and pick one time a week where you meet and work on homework together. You don’t have to be in the same class, or even taking the same subjects— the goal is to encourage one another to start (and finish!) your assignments.

Another added benefit of a homework group is that you can help one another if you’re struggling to understand the material covered in your classes. This is especially helpful if your lack of motivation comes from being intimidated by your assignments. Asking your friends for help may feel less scary than talking to your teacher...and once you get a handle on the material, your homework may become less frightening, too.

#3: Change Up Your Environment

If you find that you’re totally unmotivated, it may help if you find a new place to do your homework. For example, if you’ve been struggling to get your homework done at home, try spending an extra hour in the library after school instead. The change of scenery can limit your distractions and give you the energy you need to get your work done.

If you’re stuck doing homework at home, you can still use this tip. For instance, maybe you’ve always done your homework sitting on your bed. Try relocating somewhere else, like your kitchen table, for a few weeks. You may find that setting up a new “homework spot” in your house gives you a motivational lift and helps you get your work done.

Social media can be a huge problem when it comes to doing homework. We have advice for helping you unplug and regain focus.

How to Do Homework When You’re Easily Distracted

We live in an always-on world, and there are tons of things clamoring for our attention. From friends and family to pop culture and social media, it seems like there’s always something (or someone!) distracting us from the things we need to do.

The 24/7 world we live in has affected our ability to focus on tasks for prolonged periods of time. Research has shown that over the past decade, an average person’s attention span has gone from 12 seconds to eight seconds . And when we do lose focus, i t takes people a long time to get back on task . One study found that it can take as long as 23 minutes to get back to work once we’ve been distracte d. No wonder it can take hours to get your homework done!

3 Tips to Improve Your Focus

If you have a hard time focusing when you’re doing your homework, it’s a good idea to try and eliminate as many distractions as possible. Here are three expert tips for blocking out the noise so you can focus on getting your homework done.

#1: Create a Distraction-Free Environment

Pick a place where you’ll do your homework every day, and make it as distraction-free as possible. Try to find a location where there won’t be tons of noise, and limit your access to screens while you’re doing your homework. Put together a focus-oriented playlist (or choose one on your favorite streaming service), and put your headphones on while you work.

You may find that other people, like your friends and family, are your biggest distraction. If that’s the case, try setting up some homework boundaries. Let them know when you’ll be working on homework every day, and ask them if they’ll help you keep a quiet environment. They’ll be happy to lend a hand!

#2: Limit Your Access to Technology

We know, we know...this tip isn’t fun, but it does work. For homework that doesn’t require a computer, like handouts or worksheets, it’s best to put all your technology away . Turn off your television, put your phone and laptop in your backpack, and silence notifications on any wearable tech you may be sporting. If you listen to music while you work, that’s fine...but make sure you have a playlist set up so you’re not shuffling through songs once you get started on your homework.

If your homework requires your laptop or tablet, it can be harder to limit your access to distractions. But it’s not impossible! T here are apps you can download that will block certain websites while you’re working so that you’re not tempted to scroll through Twitter or check your Facebook feed. Silence notifications and text messages on your computer, and don’t open your email account unless you absolutely have to. And if you don’t need access to the internet to complete your assignments, turn off your WiFi. Cutting out the online chatter is a great way to make sure you’re getting your homework done.

#3: Set a Timer (the Pomodoro Technique)

Have you ever heard of the Pomodoro technique ? It’s a productivity hack that uses a timer to help you focus!

Here’s how it works: first, set a timer for 25 minutes. This is going to be your work time. During this 25 minutes, all you can do is work on whatever homework assignment you have in front of you. No email, no text messaging, no phone calls—just homework. When that timer goes off, you get to take a 5 minute break. Every time you go through one of these cycles, it’s called a “pomodoro.” For every four pomodoros you complete, you can take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes.

The pomodoro technique works through a combination of boundary setting and rewards. First, it gives you a finite amount of time to focus, so you know that you only have to work really hard for 25 minutes. Once you’ve done that, you’re rewarded with a short break where you can do whatever you want. Additionally, tracking how many pomodoros you complete can help you see how long you’re really working on your homework. (Once you start using our focus tips, you may find it doesn’t take as long as you thought!)

Two Bonus Tips for How to Do Homework Fast

Even if you’re doing everything right, there will be times when you just need to get your homework done as fast as possible. (Why do teachers always have projects due in the same week? The world may never know.)

The problem with speeding through homework is that it’s easy to make mistakes. While turning in an assignment is always better than not submitting anything at all, you want to make sure that you’re not compromising quality for speed. Simply put, the goal is to get your homework done quickly and still make a good grade on the assignment!

Here are our two bonus tips for getting a decent grade on your homework assignments , even when you’re in a time crunch.

#1: Do the Easy Parts First

This is especially true if you’re working on a handout with multiple questions. Before you start working on the assignment, read through all the questions and problems. As you do, make a mark beside the questions you think are “easy” to answer .

Once you’ve finished going through the whole assignment, you can answer these questions first. Getting the easy questions out of the way as quickly as possible lets you spend more time on the trickier portions of your homework, which will maximize your assignment grade.

(Quick note: this is also a good strategy to use on timed assignments and tests, like the SAT and the ACT !)

#2: Pay Attention in Class

Homework gets a lot easier when you’re actively learning the material. Teachers aren’t giving you homework because they’re mean or trying to ruin your weekend... it’s because they want you to really understand the course material. Homework is designed to reinforce what you’re already learning in class so you’ll be ready to tackle harder concepts later.

When you pay attention in class, ask questions, and take good notes, you’re absorbing the information you’ll need to succeed on your homework assignments. (You’re stuck in class anyway, so you might as well make the most of it!) Not only will paying attention in class make your homework less confusing, it will also help it go much faster, too.

What’s Next?

If you’re looking to improve your productivity beyond homework, a good place to begin is with time management. After all, we only have so much time in a day...so it’s important to get the most out of it! To get you started, check out this list of the 12 best time management techniques that you can start using today.

You may have read this article because homework struggles have been affecting your GPA. Now that you’re on the path to homework success, it’s time to start being proactive about raising your grades. This article teaches you everything you need to know about raising your GPA so you can

Now you know how to get motivated to do homework...but what about your study habits? Studying is just as critical to getting good grades, and ultimately getting into a good college . We can teach you how to study bette r in high school. (We’ve also got tons of resources to help you study for your ACT and SAT exams , too!)

These recommendations are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links, PrepScholar may receive a commission.

Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

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How to Get Your Homework Done Fast

Last Updated: May 6, 2024 Fact Checked

Staying Focused

Getting organized, staying motivated, expert q&a.

This article was co-authored by Jake Adams . Jake Adams is an academic tutor and the owner of Simplifi EDU, a Santa Monica, California based online tutoring business offering learning resources and online tutors for academic subjects K-College, SAT & ACT prep, and college admissions applications. With over 14 years of professional tutoring experience, Jake is dedicated to providing his clients the very best online tutoring experience and access to a network of excellent undergraduate and graduate-level tutors from top colleges all over the nation. Jake holds a BS in International Business and Marketing from Pepperdine University. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,152,947 times.

Doing homework can be both time-consuming and frustrating, and you probably want to do more with your free time than just homework. When you have a lot of work to do, it can be tough to work efficiently. By staying focused, organizing and planning, and motivating yourself, you can get your homework done in a timely manner and move onto more fun and exciting activities. But you should start with putting away all distractions such as your devices unless you need them.They are normally the main distraction. You should also work in a quiet place so you are not attempted to go and do something else. For example, you should not work near your TV because you will be tempted to go and watch it.

Step 1 Work in a comfortable, well-lit environment.

Download website-blocking apps such as Freedom or SelfControl to stay focused while using your computer for homework. Some, such as the Chrome extension Strict Workflow, even have the added bonus of preventing you from cancelling the timer once it has started.

If one subject or type of assignment is taking much more time than the others, you may want to ask for a little extra help in that area from your teacher or parent.
If you get distracted or go off-task, don't make excuses for yourself. (e.g. "I won't be able to focus until I do this anyway." or "I'm sure it will only take a minute or two."

Consider consolidating your multiple different subject folders and notebooks into one big binder separated by tab dividers. This way, all of your schoolwork will be in one place.

Step 2 Make a homework plan for the evening.

Decide how much time you want to spend on your homework collectively.
Make a list of all the different tasks you need to finish.
Estimate how much time you’ll be able to spend on each task to finish your homework when you want to.
Work straight through your list and cross tasks off as you go. [7] X Research source

Step 3 Start your homework soon after you get home from school.

A ten page essay that’s due in a week that you haven’t started should be labeled an “A” or “B” while a short five question worksheet due in three days may be labeled a “C”.
Make sure you don't wait until the last second to get assignments done.

Try eating celery sticks and apple slices with peanut butter.

Step 3 Reward yourself with a fun post-homework activity.

Supercharge Your Studying with this Expert Series

Reader Videos

Wear something very comfortable while you work. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
Make sure to hand in all assignments on time. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
Try using a planner to help you remember the tasks that you need to complete. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

If you set a timer, it can motivate you to get your homework done more quickly. Be sure to take a 2-5 minute break in between. For example, if you're going to do an assignment that you expect to take 30 minutes, set a timer for 15 minutes. Take a 2-minute break when the timer goes off, then set your timer again for 15 minutes.
It can be good to have friends over if they help motivate you and are interested in getting their homework done quickly as well. They might be a distraction at times but it can also be easier to work when there are people around you who are working too.
If you drink something cold during your breaks it can help make you more alert so that you'll finish faster. It might also help to do it at night rather than during the day so you feel more time pressure.
Try to get your homework done as much as you can in school. You could do it during a flex or study hall. If your teacher gives you time in class to work on it, use it.

Take your time. If you rush through your homework and don’t try your best, you might end up getting a bad grade. Thanks Helpful 177 Not Helpful 19

↑ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/creating-ideal-homework-environment-for-kids-with-adhd-0913164
↑ http://info.achs.edu/blog/never-do-homework-in-bed-3-reasons-why
↑ https://childmind.org/article/strategies-to-make-homework-go-more-smoothly/
↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/take-charge-of-distractions/
↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/homework.html
↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/homework.html
↑ https://ofy.org/blog/homework-hacks-8-tips-get-done-faster/
↑ Jake Adams. Academic Tutor & Test Prep Specialist. Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.

About This Article

To get your homework done fast, work in a comfortable, well-lit area that doesn't have any distractions. Also, try setting a timer with however many minutes you want to finish your homework in so you can glance at it as you work and see if you're spending too much time on something. You can also make a to-do list before you get started so you don't waste any time figuring out what you need to be working on. To stay motivated, have a snack and some water nearby, and reward yourself with a fun activity once all your homework is done. To learn how to get organized so it's easier to do your homework, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Have You Done Your Homework Text ...
Frederick Lenz Quote: “If you have done your homework, then the

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COMMENTS

have you done/did you do your homework?
Cumbria, UK. British English. Mar 2, 2019. #13. Since you live in the UK, use "have you done", since you are interested in the situation in the present. I think AmE usage is "did you do". Don't use "the" with "your". "Your homework" is the usual way of saying it. J.
present perfect
Why the sentence you tried doesn't work. Now let's discuss why. [1] I have done it before today. doesn't work in your case. It is an acceptable sentence of English, but it is probably not how that conversation would actually go. In your context, it sounds awkward. To explain why, let's consider the following sentence:
Is done or Has been done Grammar Lesson( Was done or Have/Has Done)
It suggests an action's completion without specifying when, like "The research has been done.". The choice between " was done " and " have/has done " also depends on context. Use " was done " for actions completed in a specific past time frame, e.g., "The task was done yesterday.". In contrast, use " have/has done ...
Using the Present Perfect Tense
Take off your shoes. I have just cleaned the floor. (A short while ago I mopped the dirty floor and it is clean now.) I can't find my keys. Have you seen them? (I lost my keys and can't find them now.) Have you done your homework? (Is your homework finished now?) I started but I haven't finished my homework yet. (My homework is not finished now.)
Which is the right response for the question "Did you do your homework?"
Yes I have done it. are correct and good responses to the question. It would be normal to reflect the form of the question, so if asked "Did you do your homework?" you would normally say "Yes, I did it." If asked "Have you done your homework?" (which means the same thing) you would answer "Yes, I have done it."
mixed conditionals, alternatives to 'if', inversion
If you 10 (do) it more often, your life would be much easier. We use zero and first conditionals to talk about possible situations, and we use the second and third conditional for hypothetical situations. Mixed conditionals are a combination of second and third conditional. Check our complete grammar explanation and do our three online exercises.
The Best Comebacks When Asked If You've Done Your Homework
I'm sorry, I should have written down the due date.". "I was so exhausted after soccer practice that I fell asleep doing it. I didn't mean to not finish it.". "You're right, I got distracted hanging out with friends and didn't make homework a priority like I should have.". "I really have no good excuse.
Past simple or present perfect?
I've lost my keys. We've been to a very nice restaurant. We use the past simple (NOT present perfect) when we mention or ask about when something happened or when the time is known by the speaker and the listener. We often use a past expression ( last week, yesterday, when I was a child, etc .) We've arrived yesterday.
If you _______ all your homework last night, you could
A. had done B. did C. would have done - Conditional Sentence Quiz [ Conditional Sentence ] If you _______ all your homework last night, you could play games right now.
Did vs. Done: Difference Explained (With Examples)
The term "done" cannot occur alone and always follows other verbs, often signaling a perfect tense or passive construction. The difference between did versus done lies in the context and usage in sentences, with "did" being a stand-alone verb for past actions while "done" requires auxiliary verbs and plays a role in perfect tense ...
past tense
You would never use "Did you were" in proper English, because "did" is the past tense of "do," a verb. Example: "I did my homework last night." Also, you could correctly ask, "Did you stay home last night?" instead of "Were you home last night?" Both are acceptable usage.
3 Ways to Excuse Yourself from Unfinished Homework
3. Ask a parent to write an excuse for you. A dangerous move, you can forge a note from a parent explaining why you couldn't do your homework. If you decide to forge one, be warned that your teacher might know it's a fake. If you are caught, you face punishment from both your parents and teacher. Method 3.
Have you done your homework yet? or Did you do your ...
Last step (2/2) Share TextRanch on Facebook by clicking on the button below. ... 'Have you done your homework yet?' is used when asking about a task that was expected to be completed in the past and is still relevant in the present. 'Did you do your homework yet?' is used when asking about a specific action completed in the past.
Have you done/did you do your homework?
Mar 18, 2010. #9. The only grammatical difference, as mameytree notes, is that "did you do" is in the preterite form (hiciste), and "have you done" is in the present perfect (has hecho). As for usage, I use them both and they are almost identical. The present perfect is always "a little closer to the present" than the simple past (preterite ...
English Test on Past Perfect 1
Complete the sentences in Past Perfect Simple (negative). The waiter served something that we (not / order) . He went to Alaska where he (not / be) before. She put on the red dress, which she (not / wear) for ages. He (not / play) tennis before that day. His mother was angry because he (not / help) her with the shopping.
A : __________ you doing your homework at six o'clock last night? B
B: Yes,I ___. You … (not/be) athlete. Complete the sentence: "Did you ______ the latest Johnny Depp movie?". How to use : Read the question carefully, then select one of the answers button. GrammarQuiz.Net - Improve your knowledge of English grammar, the best way to kill your free time. A : __________ you doing your homework at six o ...
Past simple or past continuous?
If you are referring to an action that was concluded before 8 o'clock, you should use Past Perfect and a different preposition, " by 8 o'clock" in this case. E.g.: I had finished my homework by 8 o'clock last night. Both sentences are syntactically incorrect, i.e. the word order is not respected. You have two options: 1) to use a comma for ...
Have you done your homework?
A. colon. B. semicolon. How to use : Read the question carefully, then select one of the answers button. About grammarquiz.net. GrammarQuiz.Net - Improve your knowledge of English grammar, the best way to kill your free time. Have you done your homework? A. No, l don't B. No, l haven't C.
How to Do Homework: 15 Expert Tips and Tricks
Here's how it works: first, set a timer for 25 minutes. This is going to be your work time. During this 25 minutes, all you can do is work on whatever homework assignment you have in front of you. No email, no text messaging, no phone calls—just homework. When that timer goes off, you get to take a 5 minute break.
Past Perfect Tense Verbs Flashcards
Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like (you / finish) _____ your homework before you went to the cinema?, (why / you / clean) _____ the bathroom before you bathed the dog?, (you / have) _____ breakfast before you came here? and more.
3 Ways to Get Your Homework Done Fast
Every 25 minutes or so, take about 5 minutes to stretch and walk around to give your brain and body a quick rest. [11] 2. Eat snacks and drink water. Drink plenty of water and eat light, healthy, tasty snacks while you work to enjoy foods that you like, enhance your memory, and revitalize your brain and body.
Did you do your homework last night?
Bob's Burgers (2011) - S09E14 Every Which Way but Goose clip with quote Did you do your homework last night? Yarn is the best search for video clips by quote. Find the exact moment in a TV show, movie, or music video you want to share. Easily move forward or backward to get to the perfect clip.