i have not finished my homework

Present Perfect vs Past Perfect: Understanding the Key Differences

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Olivia Drake

Summary:   Present Perfect (“have/has” + past participle) for actions impacting the present. Past Perfect (“had” + past participle) details events before others in the past. Key is understanding timing, sequence, and effects. Avoid common mistakes like incorrect time references. Examples clarify their application, ensuring precise expression of past actions’ relevance or sequence.

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The Present Perfect and Past Perfect tenses are both used to talk about actions and situations in relation to a point in time, but they differ in their focus. Here’s a breakdown of the main differences:

Present Perfect

Usage:  Indicates actions or events that occurred at an unspecified time before now. It emphasizes the result or effect of the action in the present. Form:  “have/has” + past participle (e.g., “have done,” “has seen”). Key Phrases:  often used with “already,” “ever,” “just,” “never,” “not yet,” “so far.” Example Sentences:

• “I have finished my homework.” (The exact time is not specified; the focus is on the completion.)
• “She has visited Paris three times.” (Emphasizes the experience up to now.)

Past Perfect

Usage:  Describes actions or events that were completed before another action or event in the past. It highlights the sequence of past actions. Form: “had” + past participle (e.g., “had done,” “had seen”).Key Phrases: often used with “before,” “by the time,” “until.” Example Sentences:

• “I had finished my homework before dinner.” (Emphasizes that the homework was completed before another past event.)
• “She had visited Paris three times before she moved there.” (Indicates the visits occurred before another past action.)

Comparison Between Present Perfect and Past Perfect

Timeline and order.

When comparing the present perfect and past perfect, it’s important to understand the timeline and order of events. The present perfect is used to describe an action that happened at an unspecified time before now, while the past perfect is used to describe an action that happened before another past action.

For example , if you say “I have eaten breakfast,” you’re talking about an action that happened at an unspecified time before now. But if you say “I had eaten breakfast before I went to work,” you’re talking about an action that happened before another past action (going to work).

Consequences and Results

Another difference between the present perfect and past perfect is the consequences and results of the actions. The present perfect focuses on the present result of a past action, while the past perfect focuses on the past result of a past action.

For example , if you say “I have lost my keys,” you’re talking about the present result (not having your keys) of a past action (losing your keys). But if you say “I had lost my keys before I found them,” you’re talking about the past result (not having your keys) of a past action (losing your keys).

Verbs and Actions

The choice between present perfect and past perfect can also depend on the verb and action being described. The present perfect is often used for actions that have a connection to the present, while the past perfect is often used for actions that are completely in the past.

For example , if you say “I have lived in this city for five years,” you’re talking about an action (living in the city) that has a connection to the present (you still live there). But if you say “I had visited that museum before it closed,” you’re talking about an action (visiting the museum) that is completely in the past.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Navigating the nuances between the Present Perfect and Past Perfect tenses can be challenging, often leading to common mistakes. Here’s a look at these mistakes and tips on how to avoid them:

1. Confusing Time Reference

Mistake:  Using the Present Perfect to talk about a specific time in the past. Example of Mistake:  “I have seen him yesterday.”Correction: “I saw him yesterday.” (Use simple past for specific times in the past.) How to Avoid:  Remember that the Present Perfect connects the past action to the present moment without specifying when it happened. For actions at a specific past time, use the Simple Past.

2. Using the Past Perfect without a Second Past Action

Mistake:  Using the Past Perfect when there’s no second past action or event for it to precede. Example of Mistake:  “I had gone to the store.” (No second action mentioned.)Correction: “I went to the store.” (Use Simple Past if there’s no subsequent action in the past.) How to Avoid:  Use the Past Perfect only when you need to show that one past action happened before another past action. Otherwise, stick with the Simple Past.

3. Misplacing Time Expressions

Mistake:  Misusing time expressions specific to each tense. Example of Mistake:  “I had finished my work just now.”Correction: “I have just finished my work.” How to Avoid:  Use time expressions like “just,” “already,” “ever,” and “never” with the Present Perfect. For the Past Perfect, phrases like “by the time,” “before,” and “until” are more appropriate.

4. Overusing the Past Perfect

Mistake:  Overusing the Past Perfect for actions that don’t require emphasizing order. Example of Mistake:  “After I had woken up, I had brushed my teeth, and then I had gone to school.”Correction: “After I woke up, I brushed my teeth, and then I went to school.” How to Avoid:  Use the Past Perfect sparingly, mainly to clarify the sequence of past events when the sequence is not clear through context. Otherwise, the Simple Past is often sufficient.

5. Ignoring the Present Implication of Present Perfect

Mistake:  Forgetting that the Present Perfect implies a connection to the present. Example of Mistake:  “I have lived in Paris in 2005.” (The action is completely in the past.) Correction: “I lived in Paris in 2005.” (Use Simple Past for actions that happened and ended in the past.) How to Avoid:  Use the Present Perfect to talk about experiences that affect the present or when the exact time of the action is not important or not mentioned. For past actions with a clear end, use the Simple Past.

Practical Examples of Present Perfect vs Past Perfect

To better understand the difference between present perfect and past perfect tenses, let’s look at some practical examples and exercises.

Example 1: Event

• Past perfect : You had already finished your homework before the party began.
• Present perfect : You have finished your homework before the party started. In this example, the past perfect tense is used to describe a completed action that happened before another past action. The present perfect tense is used to describe a completed action that happened before the present moment.

Example 2: Experience

• Past perfect : You had never been to New York before you visited last year.
• Present perfect:  You have been to New York three times this year. In this example, the past perfect tense is used to describe a past experience that happened before another past action. The present perfect tense is used to describe a past experience that happened at an unspecified time in the past and has relevance to the present moment.

Example 3: Dinner

• Past perfect : You had already eaten dinner when your friend arrived.
• Present perfect : You have eaten dinner already. In this example, the past perfect tense is used to describe a completed action that happened before another past action. The present perfect tense is used to describe a completed action that happened before the present moment.

Example 4: Not Finished

• Past perfect : You had not finished your work when your boss called.
• Present perfect : You have not finished your work yet. In this example, the past perfect tense is used to describe an incomplete action that happened before another past action. The present perfect tense is used to describe an incomplete action that is relevant to the present moment.

Example 5: So Far

• Past perfect : You had traveled to five countries before you turned 30.
• Present perfect : You have traveled to seven countries so far. In this example, the past perfect tense is used to describe a completed action that happened before another past action. The present perfect tense is used to describe a completed action that is relevant to the present moment.

Example 6: Events

• Past perfect : You had missed the train when you arrived at the station.
• Present perfect : You have missed the last train. In this example, the past perfect tense is used to describe a completed action that happened before another past action. The present perfect tense is used to describe a completed action that is relevant to the present moment.

Example 7: Will/Going to

• Past perfect : You had planned to go to the beach, but it rained.
• Present perfect : You have planned to go to the beach this weekend. In this example, the past perfect tense is used to describe a planned action that did not happen because of an external factor. The present perfect tense is used to describe a planned action that is relevant to the present moment.

Example 8: Already Eat

• Past perfect : You had already eaten breakfast when your friend arrived.
• Present perfect : You have already eaten breakfast. In this example, the past perfect tense is used to describe a completed action that happened before another past action. The present perfect tense is used to describe a completed action that happened before the present moment.

Exercise 6: Learners

• Past perfect : You had studied English for three years before you moved to the United States.
• Present perfect : You have studied English for six months. In this example, the past perfect tense is used to describe a completed action that happened before another past action. The present perfect tense is used to describe a completed action that is relevant to the present moment.

Related Articles:

• Present Perfect Tense: How to Use It
• Past Simple vs Present Perfect: A Clear Comparison Guide
• Questions in Present Perfect: Mastering its Usage and Structure
• Present Perfect Sentences with Examples

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Past simple or present perfect?

Present perfect – form.

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Short forms.

• has= ‘s
• have= ‘ve
• have not= haven’t 

Note that short forms are not used in positive short answers .

Present perfect – Use

Summary chart, past events when time is not mentioned.

We use the present perfect to talk about past actions or events when time is not mentioned , i.e. we don’t say  when these events happened.

• I ‘ve broken my arm.
• I ’ve passed the exam.
• She ’s found a job.

Just already, yet

We often use the present perfect with just ,   already and yet . We can use  just after the verb have  to emphasise that these events are very recent.

• Tony has just called .  

We use already in positive sentences to talk about actions that we have completed sooner than we expected . Already goes after the verb  have .

• I ‘ve already finished my homework. 

We use yet in negative sentences  and questions  to talk about things that we expect to happen soon.  Yet goes at the end of the sentence.

• Have you finished your homework yet ?
• I haven’t finished my homework yet . 

We often use the present perfect with  recently  to talk about past recent actions.

• They ‘ve recently bought a new car.  

Today, this week, this month, this year

We can use the present perfect with time expressions when the time we mention has not finished.

• I ‘ve seen John today . (=Today has not finished.)
• Has she called you this week ?

Past experiences –  never, ever, before

We use the present perfect to talk about past experiences when we don’t say  or we don’t know  when  something happened.

• He  has been  to the moon. He’s an astronaut.
• I  haven’t been  to India.

Never, ever, before

We often use the words  never, ever,  or  before  to talk about experiences.

• I ‘ve never read  this book.
• Have  you  ever seen a John Wayne film?
• I  haven’t experienced  anything like this  before .

The best thing I’ve ever done

We can use the present perfect simple with a superlative adjective and  ever .

• This is the  best  meal I ’ve ever had .
• It’s the  most amazing  place we ’ve ever travelled  to.

How many times

We can also use the present perfect to say how many times something has happened until now.

• I’ve watched this film three times . 
• We’ve been to Paris twice . 

Have gone to or have been to ?

We say someone has gone somewhere when this person is still away, and we say someone has been somewhere when this person has already come back from that place.

• Tom has gone to Ireland. He’ll be there for a couple of weeks.  (=He’s in Ireland now.)
• We have been to Ireland three times. We love it.  (=We are not in Ireland now.)

Duration from the past until now –  for, since

We can use the present perfect with for , since and how long to ask or talk about situations that started in the past and have not finished .

• We ‘ve been married for 25 years. 
• I ‘ve had this watch since I was a kid. 
• How long have you been friends?
• We ‘ve been married for 20 years. (=We are married now)
• We were married for 20 years. Then we divorced. (We are not married now)

For + period of time; since + moment in the past

We use for  + period of time ( two hours, three days, ten years, etc .), and we use since  + the moment in the past when something started.

• I’ve been here for hours . 
• She’s been my teacher for three years . 
• I’ve been unemployed since May . 
• I’ve lived in this town since I was born . 

Lately, all morning/day/year/etc.

We can also use the present perfect with  lately or with  all + period of time ( all day, all morning, all my life, etc .) to talk about actions that started in the past and continue in the present.

• She’s been with me all day . 
• I’ve been very busy lately . 

Don’t use ago

We can’t use  ago with the present perfect .

When did it happen?

We use the present perfect (NOT past simple) to talk about past experiences and actions when we don’t say  or don’t know  when  they happened.

• 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 .)

Giving details in the past simple

We use the present perfect to introduce a past event or experience, but if we continue talking and we give details, then we use the past simple .

A: I ‘ve been to the cinema. B: What did you see ? A: I saw a very good film by…

A: Oh, you ‘ve broken your arm. B: Yes, I have . A: How did it happen ?

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Present Perfect

For recently finished actions.

Table of Contents

In this grammar section we will have a look at the tense Present Perfect to talk about recently finished/completed actions.

A: How long have you worked there? B: I have worked there for 3 years.

A: How long have you been friends? B: We haven’t been friends for long. We have been friends since 2022

The video gives an overview of to Present Perfect for something recently completed/finished actions.

It shows the meaning/usage: when and why to use the Present Perfect.

For the form and the pronunciation have a look a the different webpages:

• Present perfect form
• Present perfect pronunciation

Usage/ Meaning

How and when do we use the Present Perfect?

Present Perfect is also used to talk about something recently finished.

I have just done my homework: This means not so long ago you finished your homework . It is an unspecified time in the past . We don’t know when the person did it, but it wasn’t so long ago . It is usually used to stress that you finished the action and there it no need to do it anymore or no need to worry about it anymore .

I have already done my homework: This means you finished your homework somewhere before now . It is an unspecified time in the past . We don’t know when the person did it . It is usually used to stress that you finished the action and there it no need to do it anymore or no need to worry about it anymore .

Present Perfect is also used to talk about something that is not finished.

I haven’t done my homework yet : This means you did not finished your homework somewhere before now but that you will do it later . It is usually used to stress that you did not finished the action but you will do it somewhere soon in the future.

• Just: recently finished actions. positive and questions. Between have and the main verb : I have just finished . 
• Already: finished actions. positive and questions. Between have and the main verb : I have already finished .
• Yet: not finished, but will finish it later. Negative and questions. At the end of the sentence: I haven’t finished yet .

Have a look at the questions and write your answers in the comments below . Also give us some more details about when, where, why,….

• What have you already done today?
• What haven’t you done yet today, but must still do today?
• What have you just finished before answering these questions?
• Have you just had some food?
• Have you already finished your homework?
• Have you already studied today?
• Have you just had a phone call?
• Have you already had lunch today?
• Which movie have you already seen more than 2 times?
• Which goals in your life have you already achieved?

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How to use the 'Present Perfect'

'I have been to Boston.'

Have/has + past participle makes the present perfect .

She has lost her bag. They have taken a taxi I have been to Australia

The present perfect tense is used to describe something that happened in the past, but the exact time it happened is not important. It has a relationship with the present.

I have done my homework = I finished my homework in the past. It is not important at what exact time, only that it is now done. I have forgotten my bag. = Exactly when in the past that I forgot it is not important. The important thing is that I don't have it now .

As we do not use exact time expressions with the past perfect, we cannot say: I have done my homework yesterday

In this case we use the past simple tense: I did my homework yesterday.

Using already just and yet with the present perfect

Already , just and yet can are all used with the present perfect.

Already means 'something has happened sooner than we expected: 'The movie only came out yesterday, but I have already seen it.'

Just means 'a short time ago': 'I have just seen your brother going into the bank with a gun!'

Yet is only used in questions and negative sentences. It means 'something is expected to happen': 'Have you finished the report yet?' No, I haven't finished it yet.'

Now choose the best answer to make the present perfect:

• My parents ___. have retired has retired retired yet
• Your sister ___ my car. has borrow have borrowed has borrowed
• Have you ___ the movie yet? have seen seen looked
• Please wait. I haven't finished ___. already just yet
• Water __ found on Mars. has been have has be
• I have ___ all my money. has spend spend spent
• They ___ you a cake. have make have made have maded

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Using the Present Perfect Tense

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

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Present perfect with a specific time in the past

The present perfect expresses the idea of “an action that was finished at some unspecified point in the past”. Saying “I have done it yesterday” is basically the same as saying “I finished doing it yesterday at some unspecified point in the past”. It doesn’t really work, does it; it’s either “at some point” or “yesterday”, not both. If you want to include the time when the action took place, you must use the simple past tense (the “-ed” form), e.g.

However, the simple past is ambiguous. “I did it yesterday” can be used to express that you finished it yesterday as well as that you left the work unfinished and will continue doing it later, as in “I did it yesterday, and I am also going to do it tomorrow”. If you want to express that the action is already completed, you can use verbs like “finish” or “complete” in the simple past:

Note that there is one case where “when + present perfect” can be used: to express surprise or mistrust. Say, a friend of yours told you how he enjoyed the view from the Eiffel Tower, and you weren’t aware of the fact that he had ever been to Paris. You could ask

It is an expression of surprise. You aren’t really asking when he visited Paris; you express that the fact he did surprised you.

There is another common situation in which the rule can be (seemingly) broken. For example, it is perfectly fine to say:

This article was based on my guide to the most common mistakes in English , which explains many similar topics. Why don’t you check it out?

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Use the image.

Simple Past or Present Perfect Simple

Put the verbs into the correct tense (simple past or present perfect simple).

• I (just / finish) my homework.
• Mary (already / write) five letters.
• Tom (move) to this town in 1994.
• My friend (be) in Canada two years ago.
• I (not / be) to Canada so far.
• But I (already / travel) to London a couple of times.
• Last week, Mary and Paul (go) to the cinema.
• I can't take any pictures because I (not / buy) a new film yet.
• (they / spend) their holiday in New Zealand last summer?
• (you / ever / see) a whale?

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Which timeline illustrates “I have finished my homework” most accurately? [duplicate]

I have learned Present-perfect in school. But I felt that foreigner used in different way of Present-perfect. What is the right tense of this sentence?

Please choose the right picture that shows the exact meaning of the sentence i.e. I have finished my homework . Is it No.1 or No.2?

I heard that the Present-perfect tells the nearest past. The blue part of the picture shows the tense of the sentence. I think No.2 is the right picture that shows the right meaning of the sentence (I have finished my homework.) The sentence below include the nearest past of Present perfect tense. Am I right?

• present-perfect
• perfect-aspect

• related: 1. How to correctly use the present perfect tense 2. Simple Past vs. Present Perfect: “was” vs. “has been” 3. Past simple vs present perfect –  Mari-Lou A Commented Sep 22, 2015 at 9:38

Neither is right or wrong. That is not the distinction which the present perfect captures.

I have finished my homework.

is stating that the event in the past has some present relevance . Sometimes the present relevance is that it is very recent (your picture 2); but other times it will have a different significance.

For example,

Do you want to go out? No, I've got my homework to do. That's a pity: I've finished my homework, and I want to do something.

doesn't necessarily mean that I have just now finished my homework: I might have, but it might be that I finished it this morning. The present relevance is that now I am in a state of having-finished-my-homework, whereas you are not in that state.

In fact the significance of aspect (in English, perfect vs. past, or continuous vs. not continuous) is often not in the events described, but in the way you are, at that moment, choosing to talk about the events.

• I've been looking at the OP's timeline graph and it's not that bad really. But I'd say that neither one of them is right or wrong. Funnily enough, if you compare the OP's graph with the proposed duplicate question, the first is very similar to Robusto's graphical representation. english.stackexchange.com/a/21847/44619 –  Mari-Lou A Commented Sep 22, 2015 at 12:33

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged meaning present-perfect perfect-aspect or ask your own question .

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I finished my work/I have finished my work.

• Thread starter rock-onn
• Start date Jul 30, 2016
• Views : 75,044

• Jul 30, 2016

I finished my work. I have finished my work. What is the difference of these sentences? When 'have' is used does it change tense or just small difference in meaning? Thanks in advance.  

Re: have "I finished" is the simple past. "I have finished" is the present perfect. Adding "have" does indeed change the tense. Have you studied the various forms of the past tense?  

Re: have Past tenses are simple past, past continous, past perfect.Is there any difference in meaning in above sentences?It seems that simple past and present perfect can be used interchangeably. Present perfect is always past and then why it is present tense?  

Please note that I have changed your thread title. A single common word is not sufficient. Extract from the Posting Guidelines: 'Thread titles should include all or part of the word/phrase being discussed.'  

It's called the "present perfect" because it includes the word "have" which is the present tense of the verb "have". I finish. (Present tense) I finished. (Simple past) I have finished. ( Present perfect) I had finished. ( Past perfect) I am finishing. ( Present continuous) I was finishing. ( Simple past continuous) I have been finishing. ( Present perfect continuous) I had been finishing. ( Past perfect continuous) Note that in the continuous, there would be something after the relevant form of "finish". Both the simple past and the present perfect are used to describe an event which happened in the past and which is now over. We use the simple past usually with a time marker and the present perfect when the time period is unspecified or unimportant. I lived in Madrid from February 2009 until August 2010. I have lived in Madrid. I ate an apple for breakfast. I have eaten an apple. I bought bread yesterday. I have bought bread. However, sometimes the present perfect is used with something which looks like a time marker. For example, "I have bought bread at the same shop for ten years". The present perfect is used there to indicate that you still buy bread at the same store you have bought it at for the last ten years. If you no longer buy bread there, you would say "I bought bread at the same store for ten years but then I realised that the artisan bakery round the corner sells much better bread so now I buy it there".  

• Jul 31, 2016

I read about present perfect from some other website. What I inferred is that we use present perfect when it is revelant at present. I did my home work. I have done my home work so I am free now. In the first sentence, finishing home work has nothing to do with present. But in the second sentence, finishing homework is relevant at present so it is present perfect tense. I could be wrong.  

Matthew Wai

'The present perfect tense ... is used when an action that happened in the past continues to have a strong connection in the present.'── quoted from http://esl.fis.edu/grammar/rules/presperf.htm I finished my work before I went to bed.── There is no connection in the present. I have finished my work, so I am going to bed.── There is a connection in the present.  

GoesStation

No longer with us (rip).

The connection to the present can be implicit in the situation, too. A child might look up from the dining room table and say "I've finished my homework!" The unspoken "...so I can play Pokémon Go now, right?" justifies the present perfect.  

• Aug 1, 2016

rock-onn said: I finished my work. I have finished my work. What is the difference of these sentences? When 'have' is used does it change tense or just small difference in meaning? Thanks in advance. Click to expand...

http://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/presentperfect.html I found this link to be very helpful.  

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Coursework/GPA

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.

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How to Finish Your Homework

Last Updated: June 24, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Emily Listmann, MA . Emily Listmann is a Private Tutor and Life Coach in Santa Cruz, California. In 2018, she founded Mindful & Well, a natural healing and wellness coaching service. She has worked as a Social Studies Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, and an SAT Prep Teacher. She received her MA in Education from the Stanford Graduate School of Education in 2014. Emily also received her Wellness Coach Certificate from Cornell University and completed the Mindfulness Training by Mindful Schools. There are 17 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 281,320 times.

While studying can differ for different age groups, many of the things that get in the way are the same. Whether it's your environment or time management skills, it easy for things to discourage you from finishing your homework. With a little organization and help, your homework can become approachable.

Managing Your Time

• For instance, try setting aside a time you know you can work well such as an hour or 2 before dinner, or if you're a night owl, after dinner.

• Work in hour blocks, with 50 minutes spent studying and 10 minutes spent taking a break.
• It can also be helpful to move around when you are taking your break, especially if you are working at a screen. Go for a walk outside to get your blood circulating and enjoy some fresh air.
• You might also want to eat a healthy snack on your break to improve your focus. Avoid junk food and choose something like a handful of nuts, a piece of fruit, veggies, or a small portion of cottage cheese.

• Identify which assignments are worth the most points for each class. Most likely these will take the longest to complete. [5] X Research source
• Consider how long you have to do each project, and if possible, see when the assignment is introduced. Oftentimes, primary and secondary school classes do not have syllabi, so it might be harder to plan out an entire term, but if you are in college, you will most likely have a syllabus with at least a partial course schedule. Knowing how long you have to complete an assignment will help you prioritize which assignments to do first. You can also ask the teacher how long you have to complete an assignment. [6] X Research source

• Use highlighters or stickers to mark which assignments are most important.
• If you're using an online or mobile schedule, create alerts or notifications for the projects and any time-sensitive steps for those projects.

• Don't let a big project overshadow the smaller assignments you need to complete!

• Assignment outlines can help you visualize the necessary tasks to get the assignment done.

Creating a Productive Work Environment

• A desk or table would be a better location than a couch or a bed.

• Turn your phone off or on silent (not vibrate). It might be best to put the phone out of sight, or in another room while you work, as the temptation to text or get on social media can be as much of a distraction as actually using social media.
• Use an app that blocks social media. There are plenty of applications out there that can help block social media and other distracting sites (such as shopping or gaming sites). [10] X Trustworthy Source Pew Research Center Nonpartisan thinktank conducting research and providing information on public opinion, demographic trends, and social trends Go to source

• Use a white noise app to block out noise.
• Use earplugs or noise-blocking earmuffs. [12] X Research source
• Work in a quiet place, such as a library or a home office, if you have one.
• Avoid listening to music while studying. Studies have shown that although listening to music while studying lowers overall performance, this does not affect everyone equally. [13] X Research source However listening to music before studying has been shown to improve performance on cognitive tasks. [14] X Research source

Using Your Resources

• If you're too afraid to ask a teacher during class, see if you can stay behind to ask your questions.

• First, contact your school to see if there are any after-school tutoring programs. While not all primary and secondary schools offer tutoring, a vast majority of universities do. If your school does not offer tutoring, they may know of other resources for you to contact.
• Then, contact your library to see if they offer any tutoring. [18] X Research source
• In some areas, there may also be free community tutoring programs. Contact your local community center for more information.
• There are plenty of private tutors out there as well, but they can be costly (ranging from $20 to $100 an hour). [19] X Research source You can find tutors online through a number of websites, such as Craigslist or Angie's list.

• If you need to work at a library after school, ask your parents or search the web to find your local library.

Supercharge Your Studying with this Expert Series

Community Q&A

Reader Videos

• Don't feel too stressed or you'll be doing less work than you actually can. Thanks Helpful 7 Not Helpful 3
• Make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 3
• Maintain a healthy diet. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 3

• Recommended time doing homework varies by age. The National PTA recommends about 10 minutes per grade level per night (30 minutes a night for the third grade). Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 0
• Some people may need additional help in order to focus on their homework and finish it. If you are struggling in school, ask your parents or teachers about what resources may be available, and seek out professional help or ask your parents to do so, if necessary. Thanks Helpful 29 Not Helpful 9
• If you are under the age of thirteen, you may need to obtain your parents’ permission before downloading any computer applications. Thanks Helpful 30 Not Helpful 13

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/homework.html
• ↑ https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/power-habit-charles-duhigg
• ↑ https://www.edutopia.org/article/research-tested-benefits-breaks/
• ↑ https://www.wma.us/about/titan-blog/post/~board/titan-blog/post/how-to-prioritize-school-assignments-and-homework
• ↑ https://jhsap.org/self_help_resources/school-life_balance//
• ↑ https://lsc.cornell.edu/how-to-study/studying-for-and-taking-exams/guidelines-for-creating-a-study-schedule/
• ↑ https://success.oregonstate.edu/learning/concentration
• ↑ https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2020/07/28/parenting-children-in-the-age-of-screens/
• ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/homework.html/
• ↑ https://absn.northeastern.edu/blog/8-things-to-keep-in-your-at-home-study-space/
• ↑ https://scholar.utc.edu/theses/171/
• ↑ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/acp.1731
• ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/talk-to-parents.html
• ↑ https://rdw.rowan.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2412&context=etd
• ↑ https://blogs.chapman.edu/scst/2016/02/09/what-tutoring-is-and-what-tutoring-is-not/
• ↑ https://undergrad.stanford.edu/tutoring-support
• ↑ https://www.ideaedu.org/idea-notes-on-instruction/encouraged-students-to-use-multiple-resources-e-g-internet-library-holdings-outside-experts-to-improve-understanding/

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Which one is correct? "i did not finish my homework" or "i did not finished my homework"?

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i did not finish my homework

This phrase is correct. The verb "finish" is in the base form after the auxiliary verb "did" in a negative sentence.

i did not finished my homework

This phrase is incorrect. The verb "finish" should be in the base form after the auxiliary verb "did" in a negative sentence.

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do / finish / finish doing [homework]

• Thread starter Utah777
• Start date Jul 8, 2018

Senior Member

• Jul 8, 2018

Hi, all I have a question about the difference between three sentences below: 1. I have to do my homework by tomorrow. 2. I have to finish my homework by tomorrow. 3. I have to finish doing my homework tomorrow. I found it peculiar to say the third sentence because two verbs with the same meaning overlaps in one sentence. (It appears in one mock examination.) I would like to know the difference and if it is ok to say the third. Thanks in advance.  

Your instincts are right. The third one is not good. It’s anyway often appropriate to say “stop doing” something, but rarely “finish doing”.  

Utah777 said: Hi, all I have a question about the difference between three sentences below: 1. I have to do my homework by tomorrow. 2. I have to finish my homework by tomorrow. 3. I have to finish doing my homework tomorrow. I found it peculiar to say the third sentence because two verbs with the same meaning overla p in one sentence. (It appears in one mock examination.) I would like to know the difference and if it is ok to say the third. Thanks in advance. Click to expand...

• Jul 9, 2018

Forero said: All three sentences sound fine to me, but they have different meanings. What two verbs do you think have one meaning? Click to expand...

Utah777 said: Thanks for your reply. Finish and do. According to my dictionary, both verbs imply that something is done. So it sounds strange to me. What do you think? Click to expand...

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What is the meaning of "finish" in these two sentences?

"I have finished my homework": this means that my homework is completed, there is no more homework to be done.

"I have finished doing my homework": this means I have ceased doing the homework, but it does not mean the homework has been completed.

Am I right about this?

2 Answers 2

To me, both suggest that the work has been completed, and so there is no more homework to do that evening.

I suppose the second might be said by very cheeky teenager, trying to get around their parent without actually lying.

Have you finished your homework? I've finished doing my homework...

If you want to say that you are stopping for now but will return:

I'm taking a break from doing homework.

I'm going to stop for now

I'm going to finish it off tomorrow.

I've done enough homework for one day.

I'm giving up. Mr Snodgrass will just have to get a half-completed essay.

There are endless variations.

I think you are strictly correct; but using the word finished will set up an implication that the homework is completed.

Using your second example when your homework is not complete, I would class as deliberate misdirection.

• then what would you suggest if I have ceased doing the homework, without it being completed? –  anouk Commented Mar 13, 2020 at 10:08
• 2 I've stopped doing my homework has an implication that it isn't finished. I'm taking a break from my homework is even more explicit, of course. –  Colin Fine Commented Mar 13, 2020 at 17:57
• @ Colin Fine I thought that if I say: "I have stopped doing my homework" it sounds like I have stopped doing homework altogether, like I am never going to do homework again. –  anouk Commented Mar 13, 2020 at 18:48
• 1 @anouk: it might mean that, but it might mean that I have stopped for the time being, and intend to return to it. You can't tell without context. –  Colin Fine Commented Mar 13, 2020 at 19:42

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I have not finished my homework yet. 和 I still have not finished my homework. 的差別在哪裡？如果不好說明，請提供一些例句。

@tomomama : Fundamentally they mean the same thing. However, the second sentence, "I still have not finished my homework" could be interpreted as you've been doing the homework for awhile and it is still not finished. Adding the word "still" is what would imply it's taking awhile to complete. As an example a conversation that could happen would be: "Hey Tomomama, have you finished the homework yet?" "No. I still have not finished my homework. It is taking a long time to finish."

• 為什麼你認為是"嗯..."呢?
• 你的意見並不會顯示給其他用戶

• 西班牙語 (墨西哥) 接近流利

In this specific context, Yet and Still mean the same thing, just different wording and position of word.

@tomomama : いえいえ 😊.

• I have finished my homework. 和 I have been finishing my homework. 的差別在哪裡？
• I'm yet to finish my homework. 和 I haven't finished my homework yet. 的差別在哪裡？
• I haven't done my homework 和 I haven't done my homework yet 的差別在哪裡？
• I didn't finish my homework. 和 My homework didn't finish. 的差別在哪裡？
• I have finished my homework. 和 I finished my homework. 的差別在哪裡？
• I have just finished my homework 和 I just finished my homework 的差別在哪裡？
• 做作业 。做练习。刷题。 除了do homework,do some exercise用 英語 (美國) 要怎麼說？
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• button 和 knob 的差別在哪裡？
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• ridiculous 和 absurd 的差別在哪裡？
• Trash 和 Garbage 的差別在哪裡？
• It'll be fine. 和 That'll be fine. 的差別在哪裡？
• 驚訝 和 傻眼 的差別在哪裡？
• 一連串 和 一串連 的差別在哪裡？
• 感冒 和 著涼 的差別在哪裡？
• 多半 和 大半 的差別在哪裡？
• 路邊攤 和 攤子 和 攤位 的差別在哪裡？
• Nos da una llamada cuando te entera--- give us a call when you find out. Es correcto?
• escribir用 葡萄牙語 (巴西) 要怎麼說？

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• Teaching & Learning

A simple proposal to improve homework: don’t do it at home

Homework is work that is completed at home. It’s in the name. But does it really need to be?

There are many issues with homework. The number of students who complete it is typically low, and when they do, the quality is often low (for a multitude of reasons). This can feel like a waste of time for everyone.

So what if we got rid of the old narrative that forcing students to do extra work at home is beneficial and allowed them to do it in school? Here’s why it could work:

1. It can help to get students organised

Many students are not naturally organised creatures. Few of us are, really. It takes time to work out techniques that work for you, allowing you to prioritise different tasks and ensure that they all get completed in the required timeframe. But teaching students how to organise themselves is incredibly difficult, as there often isn’t the explicit opportunity to do this in school. 

If we allow students to complete homework in school, we can take the time to support them with their organisation. Have they noted down all the homework tasks that need to be completed? Have they prioritised the order in which they need to complete their tasks? Have they assigned sufficient time to each of the tasks? 

Until students are taught that these are the questions they need to be asking themselves, they may never know.

2. It ensures IT access

Most homework is online now - and although the majority of students do have access to technology that will allow them to complete these tasks, not all of them do.

By providing students with an opportunity to access technology within the school day, we are ensuring that all get equal opportunity to complete their homework. 

3. It improves homework quality

This is not just down to the resources available, including physical, technological, and human, but by ensuring a good working environment for students.

At home, very few students will be working in ideal environments - that is, with a desk, good-quality chair, a warm, but not too hot temperature, and quiet or silence. These environmental factors are far easier to provide at school and will all contribute to a far superior output from students. 

So when in school could students do homework?

Tutor time offers a perfect opportunity in the school day where students can be directed and supported in completing homework with a teacher on hand for questions. 

Your tutor time may already be busy with events, but if you now deem completing homework during the school day as important then this could be the way to do it. 

It should be noted, however, that it’s unlikely that all homework will be completed during the school day. Instead, students will get a strong start in completing their homework, which they can then finish at home. Students will also be able to take away their new skills around organisation and a good working environment back to home, helping them yet further. 

This is why it is worth forgoing some tutor time - even just one session per week. The benefits of improved resilience, organisation and problem-solving will not just benefit students with their homework and revision in future, but their academic development in general.

Nathan Burns is a former secondary head of mathematics

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