i finished my homework just now

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Have finished my…just now?

• Thread starter High on grammar
• Start date Jun 12, 2013

High on grammar

Senior member.

• Jun 12, 2013

Hello everyone: According to “Practical English Usage”, “Just now” when used with “present perfect tense” can only be used in mid-position. Does this mean that the following sentence is wrong? I have finished my homework just now. Thanks  

"I have just now finished my homework" is perhaps more usual, but your sentence is not wrong. You might put the "just now" at the end for greater emphasis, for example.  

Procol said: "I have just now finished my homework" is perhaps more usual, but your sentence is not wrong. You might put the "just now" at the end for greater emphasis, for example. Click to expand...

Member Emeritus

Parla said: The textbook is wrong. Sorry. Click to expand...

The thread "Just Now": with perfect and simple past. discusses this point. In the above sentence I'd equate "just now" with "a couple of minutes ago". I'd say "I have just finished my homework" or "I finished my homework just now." I agree with the textbook. I wouldn't say "I have finished my homework a couple of minutes ago"; in the same way it sounds odd to say "I have finished my homework just now".  

velisarius said: The thread "Just Now": with perfect and simple past. discusses this point. In the above sentence I'd equate "just now" with "a couple of minutes ago". I'd say "I have just finished my homework" or "I finished my homework just now." I agree with the textbook. I wouldn't say "I have finished my homework a couple of minutes ago"; in the same way it sounds odd to say "I have finished my homework just now". Click to expand...

sound shift

My usage is the same as velisarius's (post 6).  

london calling

High on grammar said: Thanks a million. So "Practical English Usage" is not wrong in stating that "I've telephoned Ann just now" is wrong. Click to expand...

High on grammar said: But according to "Practical English Usage": "I've telephoned Ann just now" is wrong. Click to expand...

When just now means 'a few moments ago', two positions are possible: a in end position, usually with past tense I telephoned Ann just now. Click to expand...

Myridon said: From the version available for searching on Amazon.com: It doesn't say "have" is wrong, but " usually with past tense". It doesn't bother me. Click to expand...

"I've telephoned Ann just now" sounds perfectly correct to me. It sort of implies that the call with Ann is currently in progress. Maybe she's waiting on the other line. Is this a UK/US thing? I'm the third (or fourth) American in the thread to find it acceptable, and three English folks have said it is wrong. Michael Swan appears to be from the UK as well.  

High on grammar said: There is a book of diagnostic tests, Click to expand...

Myridon said: You've told us the the name of one book, but you were actually quoting this book. This book has a name, doesn't it? Click to expand...

grendelo said: "I've telephoned Ann just now" sounds perfectly correct to me. It sort of implies that the call with Ann is currently in progress. Maybe she's waiting on the other line. Is this a UK/US thing? I'm the third (or fourth) American in the thread to find it acceptable, and three English folks have said it is wrong. Michael Swan appears to be from the UK as well. Click to expand...

Thank you all for your answers. Now I understand that there is a difference between AmE and BrE in this area of English grammar .  

High on grammar said: Actually, it does. Click to expand...

Myridon said: It doesn't say past perfect is wrong. As I pointed out before, it says past tense is usually (usually, not always) used when "just now" is in mid-position. It doesn't say what other tenses can be used but it certainly implies that other tenses can be used. Click to expand...

High on grammar said: And as I said before “Grammar Scan”, which is by the same author , says it is wrong. Click to expand...

• Jun 13, 2013

I think Grendelo and Loob are right: It's yet another of the many confusing BE/AE dichotomies.  

Parla said: I think Grendelo and Loob are right: It's yet another of the many confusing BE/AE dichotomies. Click to expand...

Mechanical rules of the kind that say you cannot use (or you can only use) this tense or that form with this phrase, or in that word order, or in reference to such and such a topic, always strike me as misleading, for two reasons. First, they are talking in terms of the outcome or result, not in terms of the principle or reason which explains the result. Secondly, they lead learners to think that if they memorise enough of such rules they will be able to use the language correctly. That is a back-to-front approach. The only true road to correct usage, in my view, is to understand the reasons for it. This means learning basic principles and applying them appropriately in each new context. The possible contexts of language are so varied that mechanical rules which tie one form of words to one type of situation will inevitably fail from time to time. A stopped clock is guaranteed to be right twice a day; mechanical rules of the above kind are guaranteed to be wrong at a comparable frequency: and in each case, there is nothing to tell you the difference. Having got that off my chest, what do I say about the present issue? There are two key questions: first, the difference in usage between past simple and present perfect; secondly, the meaning of the phrase 'just now'. The present perfect places a past action in a present context, thus explicitly linking it to the present. The past simple places a past action in a past context, thus explicitly distancing it from the present. It follows from this that if 'just now' is being used to express a connection with the present, then the present perfect is appropriate. On the other hand, if it is being used to express a certain distance from the present, then the past simple is appropriate. My impression is that Michael Swan takes it for granted that 'just now' usually does not refer to the present, but in fact expresses a distinct time gap which separates the action in question from the present.  

Present Perfect vs Past Perfect: Understanding the Key Differences

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.

On this page: ●  Comparison Between Present Perfect and Past Perfect ●  Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them ●  Practical Examples of Present Perfect vs Past Perfect

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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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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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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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?

• B1-B2 grammar

Present perfect: 'just', 'yet', 'still' and 'already'

Do you know how to use just , yet , still and already with the present perfect? Test what you know with interactive exercises and read the explanation to help you.

Look at these examples to see how just , yet , still and already are used.

I've just seen Sai. He's really enjoying his new job. We haven't decided what to do yet. I still haven't called Yumi to see how she is. I've already had lunch but I'll join you for coffee.

Try this exercise to test your grammar.

'just', 'yet', 'still' and 'already': Grammar test 1

Read the explanation to learn more.

Grammar explanation

We often use just , yet , still and  already with the present perfect because they are related to the present moment. This page focuses on the meaning and use of these words when they are used with the present perfect.

Just used with the present perfect means 'a short time before'.

I've just seen Susan coming out of the cinema. Mike's just called. Can you ring him back, please? Have you just taken my pen?!

Just comes between the auxiliary verb ( have/has ) and the past participle.

Yet used with the present perfect means 'at any time up to now'. We use it to emphasise that we expect something to happen soon. Yet (in this context) is only used in negative sentences and questions.

Have you finished your homework yet? I haven't finished it yet. I'll do it after dinner. A. Where's Sam? B: He hasn't arrived yet.

Yet comes at the end of the sentence or question.

Still used with the present perfect means that something hasn't happened. We use it to emphasise that we expected the thing to happen earlier. Still (in this context) is only used in negative sentences.

I've been waiting for an hour and the bus still hasn't come. They promised me that report yesterday but they still haven't finished it. She still hasn't replied to my email. Maybe she's on holiday.

Still comes between the subject ( the bus, they, etc.) and auxiliary verb ( haven't/hasn't ).

Already used with the present perfect means 'before now'. We use it to emphasise that something happened before something else or earlier than expected.

I've already spent my salary and it's two weeks before payday. He wanted to see Sudden Risk but I've already seen it. The train's left already!

Already can come between the auxiliary and the main verb or at the end of the clause.

Do this exercise to test your grammar again.

'just', 'yet', 'still' and 'already': Grammar test 2

Language level

Hello, Could you tell me the difference in meaning between these two sentence? I just moved in I've just moved in

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Hello Khangvo2812,

Generally, we use the present perfect ( I have moved in ) when an action in the past (moving in) has a present result or effect (here I am/I'm your new neighbour). We use the past simple ( I moved in ) when an action is solely in the past without any present echo.

However, for very recent actions in the past with just there is a difference in British and American English. British English speakers tend to use the present perfect with just while American speakers often us the past simple instead. I would say that that is the main difference here. A British English speaker would choose the second sentence, while an American English speaker would be more likely to choose the first.

You can read more about the present perfect and past simple here:

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/past-simple-or-present-perfect

https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/learning-english/activities-for-learners/b1g003-past-simple-and-present-perfect

The LearnEnglish Team

Hi, team! Can you please clarify why we use "yet" and present perfect tense (we have been to the restaurant...) in the last sentence? As far as i know "yet" mostly used in negetive and questions with present perfect tense. The context is following: B: I ate sushi for the first time on my dad's 50th birthday. He invited the whole family to a Japanese restaurant. A: Did you like it? B: Absolutely. In fact, it was so good that we have been to that restaurant three times yet. And on my mum's birthday, we ordered some sushi and had it at home.

Hello Babanova,

That does not look like a correct use of 'yet' to me. I would use 'already' or 'since then'.

Hello, I think your website is good but it's better to have more practices and tests because for example when we've just studied grammer,we need many perfect tests and challenge to overcome over the grammer subject. We also need advance grammer , if you could add to this site,please. Thank you

Hello mr_bahrami2011,

Thanks for your feedback. There are quite a few advanced grammar points covered in our English grammar reference . There are also usually more exercises on those pages.

I'm also pleased to say that we are working on a C1 grammar and hope to publish it here soon.

You might also want to consider some of the options in our Online courses section if you'd like more in-depth work.

All the best, Kirk LearnEnglish team

Hello I think this is a real good place to learn English, but I am new here I can't find the worksheet in grammar B1 section.

Hello samayullah,

We're glad you found LearnEnglish!

Most of our site has worksheets, but I'm afraid our Grammar and Vocabulary sections do not. One day we'd like to create them, but at the moment it's simply too much work for our small team.

Hi there, I hope you are fine, and doing well. I, personally, think that this is the best website for English learners. However, I have a feedback which is what if you share a video with the grammar lessons, this way I think we will better learn each lesson.

Hi johny-jan,

Thanks for your message! We're always glad to hear that people find LearnEnglish useful and are happy to get suggestions.

That's a great idea about video lessons for grammar. We did a series of webinars on different grammar points which you can find in General English > LearnEnglish webinars .

There are also quite a lot of resources focusing on grammar on our Facebook page  that I expect you might find useful. 

I hope you find something useful there too!

All the best, Kirk LearnEnglish Team

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The English Compound Tenses Grammar Guide That Won’t Give You a Headache

English compound tenses allow you to discuss very specific moments in time, from the past through the future. They allow you to discuss events that were finished ages ago, or events that will be continuing for years and years.

Whether you’re telling stories, making plans or just chatting about your day, you’ll need English compound tenses to communicate like a native speaker would.

Fortunately, understanding compound tenses isn’t too complicated.

In this post, we’ll walk you through what English compound tenses are, the nine English compound tenses and how to practice them.

What Are the Compound Tenses in English?

1. present continuous, 2. present perfect, 3. present perfect continuous, 4. past continuous, 5. past perfect, 6. past perfect continuous, 7. future continuous, 8. future perfect, 9. future perfect continuous, how to practice the english compound tenses, and one more thing....

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You may already be familiar with the English simple tenses : simple past, simple present and simple future. In the simple past and simple present, you only need to conjugate the action verb. In the simple future, you just need to add “will” before the action verb without changing that verb.

Compound tenses, on the other hand, often involve the addition of an auxiliary verb (“to be” or “to have”) in front of the conjugated action verb . These tenses give more specific information about when the action occurred, started or completed.

You could think of the simple tenses as the starter deck of a card game, and the compound tenses as the new and latest expansion pack.

For example, listen to the third sentence in this video, where a man explains what it is like to fall out of love .

It was the saddest text I have ever gotten in my life.

The first verb ( was ) is in the simple past tense and should look quite familiar to you. It implies that the receipt of the sad text happened at a certain point in the past.

The second verb ( have gotten ) is a compound tense that provides deeper information about this person’s past. Together with “It was the saddest text…,” it’s saying that, at that point in time, it was the saddest text they have ever received, and they have yet to get something sadder than the text.

The present continuous tense is used to denote an event that is currently taking place. If you wish to talk about things as they are happening, you should use this tense.

For example, if someone asks “what are you doing?,” you typically need to answer in the present continuous tense.

To form this tense, here’s the formula:

simple present tense of “to be” conjugated for your subject ( I am , he is , you are , etc.) + your action verb with the suffix “-ing”

For instance, let us say we want to describe a singer’s performance as it is happening. Our action verb is “sing,” and our subject is “she.” We could say:

She is singing beautifully.

The verb “to be” is conjugated in the simple present tense for “she,” and we added “-ing” to the verb “sing.” As you’ll see throughout this post, the “-ing” suffix is a good indicator that you are in a continuous tense—meaning the action is  continuous (ongoing, still happening).

In the following examples, keep your eye out for the auxiliary verb and the “-ing” suffix that modifies the original verb:

I am writing a letter to Marta.

Rohan is watering the plants.

They are sleeping in the guest room.

You are not paying attention in class.

We are playing a video game.

This tense is used to describe ongoing actions. The action might be finished or might still be continuing depending on the context.

To form the present perfect, use the following formula:

simple present tense of “to have” conjugated for your subject ( I have , she has , they have , etc.) + the past participle form of the action verb

Here’s an example with the action verb “choose.” The past participle of “choose” is “chosen.”

You have chosen the wrong book.

You’ll often hear this tense used with words like “just” to explain precisely when a recent event happened.

I have just eaten my lunch.

You can also use this tense with “since” + [specific point in time] or “for” + [length of time] to explain how long something has been true.

She has felt sick for three days.

They have been friends since 2010.

Here are more examples. Keep an eye out for the auxiliary verbs and past participles.

I have just finished my research paper.

They have lived in this apartment since before I was born.

Trina has visited  already.

This compound tense is used to denote an ongoing (or  continuous ) action that started a while ago. For example, if you were having a lazy Sunday watching TV all day long, you might use this tense to describe your day.

For this tense, you need to use this formula:

present form of “to have” + “been” + action verb with “-ing”

Here’s how it would work with the verb “to crave” (to want something very badly, particularly food).

I have been craving ice cream all week.

Here are some more examples:

I have been binge watching  “Doctor Who” all day.

You have been missing  work lately.

We have been working tirelessly on this project.

Laura has been writing the company newsletter for a while.

They have been stealing from the office all this time.

This tense is used to represent an action that was ongoing for a while, but has finished.

The action isn’t happening right now, but it was happening in the past. Think of this as the way you recall a vivid memory. The events have already taken place, but you’re remembering them like a film being played in front of you.

To use this tense, here’s the formula:

simple past tense of “to be” conjugated for your subject ( I was , you were , etc.) + your action verb with the suffix “-ing”

For instance, I can say:

I was singing at the concert last night.

This means that although I have finished singing now, there was an extended period last night when I was singing.

Sheila was playing the flute all morning.

They were laughing at his jokes nonstop.

You were eating a pizza when I saw you.

The water was boiling , so I knew it was time to put the pasta in.

The past perfect is used to describe actions that were finished  before another event took place.

It is formed as follows:

“had” + past participle of the action verb

If you were telling a story, and you wanted to “set the scene” to explain what happened before the main action of the story, you could say something like:

I had gone to bed when I heard a strange noise at my door.

“Gone” is the past participle of the verb “to go,” while “I heard” is in the simple past tense. You will often see these two tenses—the past perfect and simple past—paired together in this way.

I had tried the violin but quickly stopped practicing.

Rhea had dozed off when the bell woke her up.

They had eaten their dinner before the stranger arrived.

We had completed the picture in the morning so we went to the park in the evening to relax.

This tense is similar to the past perfect, but the word “continuous” should give you a clue as to how it is different.

Use this tense to describe ongoing actions that have already been completed at some point in the past. For example, if you want to talk about a bad habit that you no longer have, you might use this tense.

Here’s how we put together this tense:

“had” + “been” + the action verb with the “-ing” suffix

Let’s use the bad habit example. Our action verb is “to smoke.”

I had been smoking so many cigarettes my doctor told me I had no choice but to quit.

The next few examples should make this even clearer:

You had been skipping class for over a week before the school called your parents.

They had been drinking on the sly until Max caught them.

Vina had been making a toy cart when her brother returned home.

We had been working overtime for over a month until the manager promised us a pay rise.

This tense is used to denote an ongoing action that will only be completed much later. In other words, the action has not even happened yet, but we are expecting it to happen.

If you wish to talk about your life plans or projects you have coming up, you would likely use the future continuous tense.

To write in this tense, just follow this formula:

“will be” + the action verb with the “-ing” suffix

Here is an example with the verb “to sing.”

I will be singing at the concert tomorrow evening.

In the above, I am talking about a continuous action that I expect to take place in the future.

Here are some more examples to understand how the future continuous looks:

He will be studying math when he starts college.

They will be headlining a major music festival next month.

We should leave now. The roads  will be getting icy soon.

We use this tense to talk about an action that has not yet taken place as though it had already been completed. In other words, we are looking forward to when a particular action or event will be finished.

For example, you might use this tense when making a promise to someone or when setting a deadline on a project.

To form this tense:

 “ will ” + “ have ” + past participle form of the action verb

Here is an example that you might remember from your school days:

Mom, I will have finished my homework before I go to the movies!

Again, there are two events happening in the sentence (finishing homework and going to the movies), and the future perfect is the one that will be completed first.

Let’s meet at noon. I will have submitted my report by then.

He will have eaten his pizza before the rest of the group shows up.

We will have built this house by the time our children are in school.

Finally, we use this tense to talk about a continuous event that has already started and is expected to last until a certain point in the future. In other words, the action will be continuing until or before another event takes place.

For this tense, we use this formula:

“will have” + “been” + the action verb with the suffix “-ing”

For instance, I could say:

By 9:00, I will have been waiting here for two hours.

This means that the action of “waiting” is taking place both in the present and in the future, until 9:00.

These examples will give you an idea about the context in which the future perfect continuous is usually used:

By next spring, you will have been living in this town for five years.

We will have been working here for nine months in December.

By the end of this year, they will have been playing as a rock band for over a decade.

As you get familiar with the above named English compound tenses, there are online exercises and worksheets where you can practice to make sure you understand them.

Try this tenses exercise from EnglishGrammar , where you have to read a sentence with missing verbs and choose the correct simple or compound tense for the verbs. You could also try this series of verb tense worksheets from Agenda Web.

The best way to improve your English compound tenses is to speak and write on a variety of topics using all of the different tenses. Try keeping a diary where you can talk about yourself, the things you do or the events of the day. You can also record yourself discussing what happened this week and what your plans are for the future. Don’t just stick to the simple tenses; instead, try to use each of the compound tenses as much as possible.

If you’re reading a book or an article , try to spot the compound tenses being used for different contexts. Create a study plan , make a list of participles and auxiliary verbs and mix them up.

Above all, don’t be afraid of making mistakes and trust in yourself. With the help of this guide, the English compound tenses will eventually become second nature to you!

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What is the difference between I finished my homework. and I have finished my homework. ?Feel free to just provide example sentences.

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"I finished my homework" = Simple past tense. The event is over and done with. It is all in the past. "I finished my homework last night, so I can sleep late this morning." (the two event are separated. Last night and this morning) "I have finished my homework" = Present perfect tense. The event started in the past and still has a connection to the present. Maybe you just now finished your homework and you are announcing it, or you mother told you to finish before you can play video games, so finishing your homework means you can play video games now. The recent past affects the present. The present perfect is always used with words like always, never, today, in my life, this week, etc. "I have always wanted to visit Japan, but I have never been there." "I have visited Japan three times in my life." "I have read three books this week."

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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.

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