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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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First Conditional: Examples, Sentences, Exercises

Download free lesson PDF

When do we use the first conditional?

We use the first conditional to talk about results of possible future conditions. Here are some example sentences:

• If it’s sunny tomorrow, I’ll go to the beach.
• If it rains tomorrow, I’ll stay home.
• If she studies hard, she will pass the exam.
• If you finish your chores, you can watch TV.
• If we don’t get to the airport on time, we’ll miss our flight.
• If he doesn’t call me soon, I’ll send him a text message.
• If you save money, you’ll be able to afford that new phone.
• If the restaurant isn’t too crowded, we’ll have dinner there tonight.

Download this lesson

Parts of a first conditional sentence

There are two parts to a first conditional sentence:

• the condition (sometimes called the “if clause”)
• the result  (sometimes called the “main clause”)

It is possible to reverse the condition and the result, with no change in meaning:

• If you don’t study, you’ll fail.
• = You’ll fail if you don’t study.
• If I wake up early enough tomorrow, I’m going to make a big breakfast.
• = I’m going to make a big breakfast if I wake up early enough tomorrow.

Note that when the “if clause” (condition) comes first in the sentence, we use a comma after it. However, when the result comes first in the sentence, then we don’t use a comma between the two clauses.

How to form the first conditional

Pay close attention to the correct verb forms in the condition and result:

CONDITION:  if + subject + present simple

• If we go to the party tomorrow,
• If you don’t leave work soon,
• If she gets promoted,
• If he doesn’t read the textbook,

RESULT:  subject + simple future (will / won’t, going to / not going to)

• we’ll have a good time.
• you’ll get stuck in rush hour traffic.
• she’s going to earn more money.
• he won’t understand the class.

Even though BOTH events are in the future, we always use the simple present  in the condition (“if-clause”).

Avoid the common error of using the simple future in the condition:

• If we will go to the party tomorrow, we’ll have a good time.
• If we  go  to the party tomorrow, we’ll have a good time.
• If it won’t rain tonight, I’ll go for a walk.
• If it doesn’t rain tonight, I’ll go for a walk.

Both the condition and the result can be positive or negative (with “not”):

• If you take the train, you ‘ll get there faster. (positive condition – positive result)
• If you don’t take the train, you ‘ll have to drive. (negative condition – positive result)
• If you take the train, you won’t get stuck in traffic. (positive condition – negative result)
• If you don’t take the train, you won’t need to buy a train ticket. (negative condition – negative result)

First Conditional Quiz

Variations in first conditional sentences, alternative words to “if” in the condition.

It is possible to use other words instead of  if  in the “condition” part of first conditional sentences:

Let’s study each case separately.

WHEN: When the “condition” will definitely happen in the future.

Look at the difference between these two sentences:

• If I see Sam, I’ll give him your message. (I’m not sure if I will see him or not)
• When I see Sam, I’ll give him your message. (I will definitely see Sam)

AS SOON AS: To emphasize immediacy.

• My feet hurt! As soon as I get home, I’m going to take off these high heels.
• As soon as we have enough money saved, we’ll take a vacation to Costa Rica. We can’t wait!
• I’ll respond to your e-mail as soon as I can.

UNLESS: Substitute for “if not.”

• You won’t lose any weight unless you start eating healthier food. = You won’t lose any weight if  you  don’t start eating healthier food.
• I’m not going to dance unless somebody invites me. = I’m not going to dance if somebody doesn’t invite me.
• Unless there’s an emergency at work, I’ll be home on time. = If there’s not an emergency at work, I’ll be home on time.

Alternative words to will / going to in the result

Instead of will / going to, we can use modal verbs like can, might, could, or  should . Compare these two sentences:

• If you go out in the rain, you  will  get wet. (100% certain)
• If you apply for that university, you might/could be accepted. (not 100% certain)

Use  can  in the result of first conditional sentences to give permission / prohibition:

• If you finish your homework, you can watch TV for an hour.
• If you don’t have a ticket, you can’t get into the theater.

Use might/ could  to express a possibility that is not a certainty:

• If he gets home from work early, we could go for a walk before dinner.
• If you try to lift that heavy weight, you  might  hurt yourself.

Use  should  to give advice if the condition happens:

• If your toothache doesn’t get better soon, you should  see a dentist.
• If they go to New York next week, they  should visit the Statue of Liberty.

First Conditional vs. Other Conditionals

First conditional vs. zero conditional.

The zero conditional describes GENERAL truths and facts. Both the condition and result are in the simple present:

• When it rains, the ground gets wet. (it is a general fact/truth)
• If I’m late to school, the teacher always yells at me. (this ALWAYS happens)

The first conditional describes a specific event that will/might happen in the future IF a future condition happens. The condition is in the simple present tense, and the result is in the simple future tense:

• If it rains tomorrow, I’m going to stay home.
• If I’m late to school today, I’ll miss an important test.

First Conditional vs. Second Conditional and Third Conditional

Both the second conditional and third conditional describe IMAGINARY situations.

In the second conditional , we are imagining the result if the present were different:

• If I were a millionaire, I would buy a sports car. (but the reality is that I AM NOT a millionaire, so I’m not buying that car)

In the third conditional, we are imagining the result if the past had been different:

• If I had taken the earlier train, I would have gotten to work on time. (but the reality is that I DID NOT take the earlier train, so I did not get to work on time)

The first conditional describes REAL future results/possibilities that will happen if the condition happens. Compare these conditional sentences:

• First conditional: If I have some free time this weekend, I will read a book. (it’s a real possibility that I’ll have some free time and read a book)
• Second conditional:  If I had more free time, I would take dance classes. (this is just imaginary – the reality is that I don’t have much free time, so I’m not taking dance classes)
• Third conditional:  If I ‘d had more free time yesterday, I would have cleaned the house. (imaginary – the reality is that I didn’t have free time yesterday, so I didn’t clean the house)

Learn more about the first conditional with this tutorial

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Shayna Oliveira is the founder of Espresso English, where you can improve your English fast - even if you don’t have much time to study. Millions of students are learning English from her clear, friendly, and practical lessons! Shayna is a CELTA-certified teacher with 10+ years of experience helping English learners become more fluent in her English courses.

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How many times have you found yourself still staring at your textbook around midnight (or later!) even when you started your homework hours earlier? Those lost hours could be explained by Parkinson’s Law, which states, “Work expands to fill the time available for its completion.” In other words, if you give yourself all night to memorize those geometry formulas for your quiz tomorrow, you’ll inevitably find that a 30 minute task has somehow filled your entire evening.

We know that you have more homework than ever. But even with lots and lots to do, a few tweaks to your study routine could help you spend less time getting more accomplished. Here are 8 steps to make Parkinson’s Law work to your advantage:

1. Make a list

This should be a list of everything that has to be done that evening. And we mean, everything—from re-reading notes from this morning’s history class to quizzing yourself on Spanish vocabulary.

2. Estimate the time needed for each item on your list

You can be a little ruthless here. However long you think a task will take, try shaving off 5 or 10 minutes. But, be realistic. You won’t magically become a speed reader.

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3. Gather all your gear

Collect EVERYTHING you will need for the homework you are working on (like your laptop for writing assignments and pencils for problem sets). Getting up for supplies takes you off course and makes it that much harder to get back to your homework.

The constant blings and beeps from your devices can make it impossible to focus on what you are working on. Switch off or silence your phones and tablets, or leave them in another room until it’s time to take a tech break.

Read More: How to Calculate Your GPA

5. Time yourself

Noting how much time something actually takes will help you estimate better and plan your next study session.

6. Stay on task

If you’re fact checking online, it can be so easy to surf on over to a completely unrelated site. A better strategy is to note what information you need to find online, and do it all at once at the end of the study session.

7. Take plenty of breaks

Most of us need a break between subjects or to break up long stretches of studying. Active breaks are a great way to keep your energy up. Tech breaks can be an awesome way to combat the fear of missing out that might strike while you are buried in your work, but they also tend to stretch much longer than originally intended. Stick to a break schedule of 10 minutes or so.

8. Reward yourself! 

Finish early? If you had allocated 30 minutes for reading a biology chapter and it only took 20, you can apply those extra 10 minutes to a short break—or just move on to your next task. If you stay on track, you might breeze through your work quickly enough to catch up on some Netflix.

Our best piece of advice? Keep at it. The more you use this system, the easier it will become. You’ll be surprised by how much time you can shave off homework just by focusing and committing to a distraction-free study plan.

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4 Tips for Completing Your Homework On Time

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Homework, a necessary evil according to many teachers, has a lot of students tied up in knots. Some students can never seem to get things turned in on time. In fact, many students do not even realize that they  have  homework until a friend from class texts them or they overhear someone in the halls talking about Ms. So-and-so's terrible, no-good, awful, horrifying worksheet for Chemistry that is due the next day. These five tips for completing your homework on time, however, should help you get that homework finished on time. 

Tip 1: Rely On a Planning System

Most of you by now are well acquainted with a homework planner. It has the dates, the school subjects you are taking, and a whole lot of blank space to write down your homework assignments. Use these planners if you have them. Writing with an actual pencil or pen may seem almost archaic what with technology virtually doing everything for us, but the kinesthetic movement of writing down an assignment into one of those little squares (Language Arts test tomorrow - STUDY TONIGHT), will actually help solidify that homework in your brain.

Plus, when you are packing up to go home at the end of the school day, all you have to do is open up that planner to see which books, folders, and binders need to go home with you so you will not miss out anything that you need to do that evening.

Some people  hate  using planners. They'd rather walk on a pile of crushed glass than actually write something down in a planner. That's quite all right. One student kept a wadded up piece of paper in his pocket where he'd scrawl his assignments. It worked for him, so it was fine. For those of you not keen on planners or crumpled up notes, your phone can come in really handy. Just download a productivity app and type your assignments in there. Or, keep track of all the work due in the notes section of your phone. Or, snap a picture of the homework board in each teacher's class before you head out into the hallway. Or, if you are really dead-set against anything planner-related, then just send yourself a text after each class with your homework assignments for the night.

No matter which planning system you prefer, use it. Check off each item once you get it in your backpack. Your brain can only process so much information at a time, so you absolutely must write your homework down if you plan to complete it on time. 

Tip 2: Prioritize Your Homework Assignments

All assignments are not created equal. It's strongly recommended you use a prioritizing system when you sit down at home with your homework. Try a system a little something like this:

• Examples: Studying for a major test coming up tomorrow. Finishing a major project due tomorrow. Writing an essay worth a LOT of points that is due tomorrow. 
• Examples:  Studying for a quiz coming up tomorrow. Completing a homework sheet that is due tomorrow. Reading a chapter that is due tomorrow. 
• Examples: Studying for a spelling test that will occur on Friday. Writing a blog and posting it on the class board by Friday. Finish a book upon which you will take a quiz on Friday.
• Examples: Reviewing chapters for the midterm exam. Working on an on-going project, research paper, or long assignment due at the end of the quarter. Completing a packet that isn't due for two weeks. 

Once you've prioritized the work you have to do, complete all the 1's first, then the 2's, moving down as you go. That way, if you find yourself pressed for time because Great-Grandma decided to stop over for family dinner and your mom insisted you spend the evening playing bridge with her despite the fact that you have hours of homework ahead of you, then you will not have missed anything vitally important to your grade. 

Tip 3: Get the Worst Assignment Over With First

So, maybe you absolutely hate writing essays (But, why, though when all you have to do is follow these essay tips? ) and you have a major essay staring you in the face that  must  be completed before tomorrow. You also have to study for a major math test, complete a social studies blog by Friday, study for the ACT  next month, and finish up your science worksheet from class. Your "1" assignments would be the essay and the math test. Your "2" assignment is the science worksheet, the "3" assignment is that blog, and the "4" assignment is studying for the ACT. 

Ordinarily, you would start with the science worksheet because you  love  science, but that would be a big mistake. Start with those "1" assignments and knock out that essay first. Why? Because you hate it. And completing the worst assignment first gets it off your mind, out of your homework cache, and makes everything that comes after it appears to be really, really easy. It will be an absolute  joy  to complete that science worksheet once you have written the essay. Why rob yourself of joy? 

Then, once you've completed the stuff due first, you can focus on putting in a little bit of time on the ACT. Easy peasy.

Tip 4: Take Planned Breaks

Some people believe that sitting down to complete homework means that you literally park your behind in a chair and you don't move it for the next four thousand hours or so. That is one of the worst study ideas in history. Your brain only has the capacity to stay focused for about 45 minutes (maybe even less for some of you) before it goes on the fritz and starts wanting to make you get up and dance the Roger Rabbit. So, schedule your study time with breaks actually built in . Work for 45 minutes, then take a 10-minute break to do whatever it is people your age like to do. Then, rinse and repeat. It looks a little something like this:

Homework Time:

• 45 minutes: Work on "1" assignments, starting with the absolute worst.
• 10 minutes: Get a snack, play Pokemon Go!, surf Instagram
• 45 minutes: Work on "1" assignments again. You know you didn't finish.
• 10 minutes: Do some jumping jacks, dance the Macarena, polish your nails.
• 45 minutes: Work on "2" assignments and maybe even finish with any 3s and 4s. Put everything in your backpack.

Completing your homework on time is a learned skill. It requires some discipline and not everyone is naturally disciplined. So, you have to practice checking that you have everything you need for homework when you are still at school, prioritizing your work, plunging into the assignments you loathe, and taking planned breaks. Isn't your grade worth it?

You bet it is. 

• Tips for Remembering Homework Assignments
• Organize Your Homework With Color Coded Supplies
• How to Get Your Homework Done in College
• Study Habits That Can Improve Grades and Performance
• Organize Your Time With a Day Planner
• Homework Guidelines for Elementary and Middle School Teachers
• Study Tips for Middle School Students
• Collecting Homework in the Classroom
• Late Work Policy for Teachers Example
• Tips for Studying for a Midterm Exam
• Essential Strategies to Help You Become an Outstanding Student
• Top 10 Healthy Homework Habits
• How are College Academics Different from High School?
• Time Management Exercise
• The Case for the Importance of Taking Notes
• How to Deal With Late Work and Makeup Work

How to Finish Homework Fast: 7 Proven Ways

Welcome to The Knowledge Nest, your go-to resource for all things related to education, productivity, and personal growth. In today's fast-paced world, managing homework efficiently is vital for academic success. In this article, we will explore seven proven techniques to help you finish your homework quickly and effectively.

1. Create a Structured Study Schedule

When it comes to completing homework efficiently, having a structured study schedule is crucial. Designate specific time slots for each subject or assignment, and stick to the schedule. This approach not only helps you stay organized but also ensures a dedicated focus on each task at hand. Remember to include short breaks in your schedule to recharge and prevent burnout.

2. Eliminate Distractions

Distractions are the enemies of productivity. To finish homework fast, create an optimal learning environment by minimizing distractions. Find a quiet and well-lit space, away from televisions, phones, and other potential disruptions. Consider using productivity apps or website blockers to limit access to social media and other time-consuming websites during study hours.

3. Break Down Tasks into Smaller Chunks

Homework tasks can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when they appear large or complex. To overcome this, break down your assignments into smaller, more manageable chunks. Start with the most important or challenging parts and gradually work your way through the rest. This approach helps you maintain focus and boosts your motivation as you accomplish smaller milestones along the way.

4. Use Effective Study Techniques

Adopting effective study techniques can significantly enhance your homework completion speed. Experiment with various methods such as active reading, summarizing key concepts, creating mind maps, or using mnemonic devices. Find what works best for you and incorporate these techniques into your study routine.

5. Prioritize and Organize

Not all homework assignments are created equal. Some tasks may carry more weight in terms of grades or deadlines. Prioritize your assignments based on their importance and due dates. By focusing on high-priority tasks first, you ensure that you have enough time to complete them thoroughly. Additionally, staying organized with materials, notes, and deadlines prevents unnecessary delays and confusion.

6. Seek Help, Collaborate, and Clarify

Homework often presents challenges or questions that may require additional assistance. Don't hesitate to seek help when needed. Reach out to your classmates, teachers, or online communities for clarification or guidance. Collaborating with peers can also lead to fresh insights and a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

7. Take Breaks and Practice Self-Care

While it may seem counterintuitive, taking regular breaks and practicing self-care can significantly improve your homework productivity. Studies have shown that short breaks between study sessions actually enhance focus and retention rates. Engage in activities that help you relax, such as exercising, meditating, or pursuing hobbies. Remember to prioritize sleep and maintain a healthy lifestyle as it directly impacts your cognitive abilities and overall well-being.

By implementing these seven proven techniques, you can streamline your homework process, save time, and achieve better results. Remember, consistent practice and perseverance are key to success. Stay motivated, stay focused, and make the most out of your learning journey at The Knowledge Nest.

If you are looking for more tips, expert advice, or educational resources, explore our website further. The Knowledge Nest is dedicated to supporting students, parents, and educators in their pursuit of knowledge and personal growth.

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Homework Hacks: 8 Tips to Get It Done Faster

Homework is no fun, especially if you’ve got a full schedule. You only have a little bit of time and a little bit of energy. And it takes so long to get through it.

Not anymore. We’ve got some helpful homework hacks for you that will make doing your homework faster and less painful.

1. Plan Your Homework and Make a List

When you start your homework, you’ll probably jump right into the first thing on your mind or the first thing you pull out of your backpack, then work your way through the rest of your assignments. There’s a better way.

Figure out how much time you have to do homework, then list out all the different tasks that you have to do. Estimate how long it will take to complete each assignment to see if you need to allow yourself more time. Be realistic. Once your list is complete you can work straight through instead of stopping frequently to figure out what to do next. It will also be extremely gratifying to cross things off after each assignment you finish!

2. Get Out All the Books and Supplies You Need

While you’re working, you discover you need a calculator, you need a certain book, you need a new pencil, you ran out of paper… the list can go on.

Since you’ve now identified all your assignments, figure out everything you need to get each item done and bring it to your workspace so it’s there when you need it.

3. Find a Quiet Place to Work Without Distractions

Speaking of workspace, you probably prefer doing your homework in front of the TV, but that can actually be the biggest distraction of all. Sitting in front of the TV is probably slowing you down, making homework time seem much longer that it actually is.

Find a place that’s quiet, with as few distractions and clutter possible. Remember, the faster you get it done, the faster you can get back to fully enjoying Netflix.

4. Turn Off Your Phone

We know this is probably the last thing you want to hear. How can you live without your phone? But for a couple hours, its totally worth it. Every time you get a notification and check your phone, it breaks your focus. It then takes more brain power to get back on track to what you were working on.

5. Listen to Classical Music While Working

We know what you’re thinking… Classical music? Seriously?

However, classical music is great for background audio. There aren’t any lyrics or beats to distract your focus. And research has shown that students who listen to classical music score higher on tests than students who listen to other genres of music. So find some good classical playlist on Spotify, then celebrate with Queen Bey when you’re done.

6. Eat Snacks and Drink Water

At the end of a long day, you may be mentally and physically tired. If you go straight into homework it may take you a long time to finish and it won’t be your best work.

Having some light healthy snacks and drinking plenty of water helps revitalize your brain and body. Avoid soda, energy drinks, or sugary snacks that will only make you crash before you’re done.

7. Take Short Breaks in Between Homework Tasks

If you have a lot to do, you may feel the pressure to just work straight through hours and hours of homework. But this will likely end up slowing you down, prolonging the entire session.

Do your work in short sprints. Go hard at a task, then take a quick break to stretch and walk around. It’ll re-energize your mind and body to keep going. For starters, try working for 25 minutes, then taking a 5-minute break.

8. Reward Yourself After You’re Finished

Homework isn’t always fun. But negativity can slow you down.

Our brains work off of reward systems. If you give yourself a reward when finishing your homework, it makes it a lot easier to start your homework the next time and you’ll get through it faster. Rewards could be being able to watch a show, eat ice cream, play a game, or going out and doing something fun.

Now that you’ve got all these tips, go get your homework done faster than ever before. It may be hard at first, but keep using these tips and it’ll get easier as you go.

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How to Finish Your Homework Fast – 5 Effective Tips and Tricks

Students of all ages find themselves struggling to finish their homework for one reason or another. In a technology-driven world, it’s always tempting to check your social media feed, play video games, or watch online videos to rid your mind of all your school worries. And before you know it, you have barely any time left to complete your homework and submit it on time.

Of course, you can’t be irresponsible and ignore your assignments altogether. It’s important to find ways to work around the everyday distractions and finish what needs to be done. Without question, this is easier said than done. But there are plenty of tips and tricks you can use to finish your homework fast. Keep reading to learn how to get motivated to complete your homework—even without lifting a finger!

Mastering the Basic Rules

There are some good tips you can follow which will ultimately help you focus on your assignments, stay organized and complete them in the least amount of time. These rules don’t require money or any special knowledge. It’s all about prepping yourself up for the task at hand. What’s great about mastering these basic rules is that once they become a habit, you’ll find yourself eager to finish your homework without even thinking about it.

• Eliminate Distractions – Several things cause you to feel distracted and unable to do your college or high school homework assignments. It’s not uncommon for you to start studying and doing your homework, and then your phone beeps and the rest is history. You constantly tell yourself that you’ll spend only 5 minutes on your phone, but you end up tapping away at the screen for hours on end. Other distractions include TV, magazines, and even the people surrounding you. Sometimes, all it takes is for a friend or family member to start a conversation to completely distract you from your schoolwork. This is precisely why you should eliminate distractions—or at least keep them to a minimum. Try to avoid watching TV, keeping your phone in another room, and finding a quiet place where you can’t be easily reached. Listening to music is neither an option.  If it requires living like a recluse for a few hours to complete your assignments, then, by all means, do it. It won’t be easy, but you’ll thank yourself for making this change. In any case, all these distractors will add hours and hours of homework.
• Prioritize Tasks – Many school students choose to do the easiest tasks first when the time to study comes. But did you know that experts recommend starting with the hardest task? This has to do with your willpower. Interestingly, willpower is a resource that diminishes as the day goes by. This explains why people love to lay in bed at night, nibble on midnight snacks and make irrational decisions late in the day. As soon as your classes are over, spend a couple of minutes planning what you should do for the rest of the day. If you need to write a research or dissertation paper, figure out how long it will take you to finish it. This helps you allow enough time for your assignments, and perhaps find some time to do other things you love—be it hanging out with friends, watching your favorite TV series, or just getting enough shuteye.
• Work with Peers – Introducing a system of accountability in your routine can go a long way in establishing excellent studying habits. Only a handful of the student population study with their classmates. Maybe this has to do with how convenient it is to communicate with others through instant messaging apps and social media platforms. Sometimes, it seems like there’s no sense in meeting in person with your friends if you can just text or call them for free. But when it comes to getting your homework done, working with your peers can be a huge difference maker that can make your brains work better. You might not realize it, but sitting in silence is the reason why you’re not feeling motivated to complete your assignments. Boredom can get the best of you at times, so why not try finding ways to make this otherwise dull activity into something fun and exciting? This offers the advantage of getting help from your friends if you’re having difficulties with a particular topic. Of course, it helps if you have a friend who performs well in your classes. As the adage goes, two heads are better than one. This can’t be any truer when it comes to studying. What’s more, there’ll be someone who holds you accountable for all the tasks you don’t finish on time. This can be just what you need to stay focused on your tasks.
• Understand the Consequences and Benefits – Many students don’t display any hesitation in saying that they hate assignments. It takes away time which they could otherwise spend with their families, friends, and favorite activities. There’s a never-ending debate about how useful assignments really are, but the fact remains that students have no choice other than to comply with the requirements given out by their teachers. Instead of purely thinking of how much you hate assignments, why not look on the other side and consider its benefits? Assignments can be a huge pain, but there’s no doubt that they aid your classroom learning. For one, it hones your problem-solving skills, especially if you manage to complete a difficult homework by doing all the research and studying yourself. It always feels rewarding when you accomplish something you thought you couldn’t. Also, take some time to think about the consequences of failing to complete your assignments on time. What happens if you don’t do your homework? The obvious repercussions include getting a bad grade and being scolded by your teachers and parents. But the biggest consequence is that you’re missing an opportunity to learn new lessons, discover your strengths, develop your skills to become not just a better student, but a better person as well.
• Get Professional Help – There are times in which you start doing your homework and then find yourself unable to progress. In most cases, this has to do with your lack of understanding of the topic, the unavailability of research materials, or an emergency that forces you to stop completing your assignment. What can you do during such scenarios? At first, you might think that there’s nothing left to do but accept the terrible grade you’ll receive and just move on. But did you know that you can enlist real experts to get your homework done fast? Assignment Expert has been helping students across the globe finish their assignments on time, get high marks, and learn their school lessons at the same time. It’s undeniable that many teachers give out assignments that prove too challenging. Some assignments may be about a topic that hasn’t been covered yet. It seems as if teachers always assume that students can do their own research because all the answers can be found on the web nowadays. But the fact is, students need professional help sometimes. This is your best course of action when you have a lot of assignments to finish but want to have free time instead. What’s great is that you’ll be matched with the right expert based on the topic and its difficulty. Whether you struggle with lack of motivation, don’t understand the subject, have just  one math problem or have to attend to an emergency, Assignment Expert is always ready and willing to work on your homework and finish it for you in no time.

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Verbs in time clauses and 'if' clauses

Level: beginner

Verbs in time clauses and conditionals usually follow the same patterns as in other clauses but there are some differences when we:

• talk about the future
• make hypotheses.

Talking about the future

In time clauses with words like when , after  and  until , we often use present tense forms to talk about the future:

I'll come home when I finish work. You must wait here until your father comes . They are coming after they have had dinner.

In conditional clauses with words like if , unless , even if , we often use present tense forms to talk about the future:

We won't be able to go out if it is raining . I will come tomorrow unless I have to look after the children. Even if Barcelona lose tomorrow, they will still be champions.

We do not normally use will in time clauses and conditional clauses:

I'll come home when I finish work . (NOT will finish work ) We won't be able to go out if it rains .  (NOT will rain ) It will be nice to see Peter when he  gets home .  (NOT will get home ) You must wait here until your father comes .  (NOT will come )

but we can use will if it means want to or be willing to :

I will be very happy if you will come to my party. We should finish the job early if George will help us.

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Level: intermediate

Making hypotheses

Some conditional clauses are like hypotheses , so we use  past tense forms .

We use past tense forms to talk about something that does not happen or is not happening in the present:

He could get a new job if he really tried .         (= He cannot get a job because he has not tried.) If Jack was playing , they would probably win.         (= Jack is not playing so they will probably not win.) If I had his address, I could write to him.         (= I do not have his address so I cannot write to him.)

We use past tense forms to talk about something that we believe or know will not happen in the future :

We would go by train if it wasn't so expensive.        (= We will not go by train because it is too expensive.) I would look after the children for you at the weekend if I was at home.        (= I cannot look after the children because I will not be at home.)

We use past tense forms to make suggestions about what might happen in the future :

If he came tomorrow, we could borrow his car. If we invited John, Mary would bring Angela.

After I/he/she/it , we can use were instead of was :

If Jack was/were playing , they would probably win. We would go by train if it wasn't/weren’t so expensive. I would look after the children for you at the weekend if I was/were at home.

We use the past perfect to talk about something which did not happen in the past :

If you had seen him, you could have spoken to him.         (= You did not see him so you could not speak to him.) You could have stayed with us if you had come to London.         (= You could not stay with us because you did not come to London.) If we hadn't spent all our money, we could take a holiday.         (= We have spent all our money so we cannot take a holiday.) If I had got the job, we would be living in Paris.         (= I did not get the job, so we are not living in Paris.)

If the main clause of a hypothetical conditional is about the present or future , we use a modal :

If I had got the job, we might be living in Paris now.         (= I did not get the job so we are not living in Paris now.) If you had done your homework, you would know the answer.         (= You did not do your homework so you do not know the answer.)

If the main clause is about the past , we use a modal with have : 

If I had seen him, I would have spoken to him.        (= I did not see him so I did not speak to him.) You could have stayed with us if you had come to London.        (= You could not stay with us because you did not come to London.) If you had invited me, I might have come .        (= You did not invite me so I did not come.)

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Q. Mrs. Kanwal is ............ principal of this school.

(1) no article

Some people say that there should be "no article" before the noun "principal". They say the reason is that the noun "principal" has a fixed position in this sentence "this school", so there should be no article.

However, ChatGPT-4 and some books state that the article "the" is right, and most English teachers also give "the" as the right answer.

So please give an answer with reasons as it will be very important for many students.

Please give a strong valid proof for "the" also can be taken as a right answer. For this question I failed a government exam . It will be very helpful if anyone give me a proof. Thank you sir!

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Hi Safikamal Sk,

I would say that 1 and 4 are the best answers, and 2 is possible too.

• No article - Professional positions are often used with no article (e.g. She is captain of the national team / He is professor of history at City University ).
• "The principal" - normally there is one principal in a school. "The" is used to show that there is only one of this thing (e.g. the moon / the king / the sky ).
• "A principal" - if a school does have more than one principal, then this is fine.

Sorry to hear about your exam result. I should point out that my explanation above is about general English usage, but usage naturally varies in different contexts (e.g. within different groups of people and institutions, and when communicating for different purposes) and specific contexts may have their own norms or standards. We have no idea about the specifics of your exam, so we cannot really comment on why your exam answer was considered incorrect.

Also, if you have more questions about this, please post them on a relevant page (e.g. Our page on The definite article would be a great place for this question). Thank you!

LearnEnglish team

Hello! Could you please help me to clarify the following? Which option is correct: - If she knew we can hear/ could hear her, she wouldn't be singing in the next room - If he understood what we are talking / were talking about, he wouldn't be laughing - I wish you were serious when you are talking/ were talking about children

What is the rule of the tense sequence in subordinate clauses in conditionals if these clauses represent real situations in the present (e.g. we really can hear her, but she doesn't know it; we are talking about something which he doesn't understand; the person is talking about children, but isn't serious)?

And what is the rule for past situations? Is it correct to say: - If I had known you were going to arrive sooner, I would have waited for you (the real part is "you were going to arrive sooner")

Hello Oksa2024,

The key here is to understand that it is the first verb in each example which expresses unreality. The other verbs are governed by the rules of reported/indirect speech.

For example, in the first sentence the unreal element is expressed by knew ; the form of the other verb is determined by whether or not the action is still true, not whether it is real or unreal:

If she knew we can hear her, she wouldn't be singing in the next room > we can still hear her now

If she knew we could hear her, she wouldn't be singing in the next room > it's not clear if we can still hear her now or only then

You can compare it to these examples of indirect speech:

If she knew I love her, she'd wouldn't have left.... > I loved her then and I still love her now

If she knew I loved her, she'd never have left.... > I loved her then; it's not clear if I love her now

The second example is similar:

If he understood what we are talking about, he wouldn't be laughing > we were talking about it then and the conversation is ongoing

If he understood what we were talking about, he wouldn't be laughing > we were talking about it then; it's not clear if the conversation is over

Your third example is a little bit different. Here the choice depends on whether 'talking about children' refers to one conversation or means something more akin to 'expressing your views on children' in an ongoing sense:

I wish you were serious when you are talking about children > 'talking about' is not a conversation but something like 'giving your opinion on'

I wish you were serious when you were talking about children > here 'talking about' could refer to a particular conversation or to a person's ongoing views/opinion.

I hope that clarifies it for you.

The LearnEnglish Team

Hello Peter, Thank you so much for the explanation!

Could you, also, comment on the tense usage in past situations, please? For example,

- If I had known you weren't in the room, I wouldn't have waited for you (I waited, but I didn't know you weren't there) - If I had known you wouldn't like this idea (future from the past), I wouldn't have even suggested - If I had known you had already bought the present, I wouldn't have spent the whole day looking for one (you (had) bought the present before, but I didn't know it)

Hello again Oksa2024,

Your explanations are good here - I'm not sure what I can add.

- If I had known you weren't in the room, I wouldn't have waited for you (I waited, but I didn't know you weren't there) That's correct. This is an unreal past situation (in reality you didn't know) with an unreal past result (in reality you waited).

- If I had known you wouldn't like this idea (future from the past), I wouldn't have even suggested As above, an unreal past situation (in reality you didn't know) with an unreal past result (in reality you suggested).

- If I had known you had already bought the present, I wouldn't have spent the whole day looking for one (you (had) bought the present before, but I didn't know it) And again, an unreal past situation (in reality you didn't know) with an unreal past result (in reality you spent the looking).

Hello Peter,

Thank you so much for your comments and explanations! May I ask just a few more things, to make sure I understand everything correctly?

1. “If he hadn’t asked me whether I will report/ whether I would report tomorrow, I wouldn’t have had to check my notes” (in this situation, the moment of speaking is still today, but “I will report tomorrow” refers to the future action from the point of view of the moment of speaking, so, can we use “will” here or we need to use “would” as in the indicative mood (for example, in the indicative mood we’d say “He asked whether I would report tomorrow” to make the sequence of tenses correct)?.

And is the following correct? In conditional sentences the usage of tenses in past situations doesn’t follow the rules of the sequence of tenses in the Indicative mood: in conditionals the tenses in clauses depend on whether the situation is still ongoing (or referring to the present) or is finished.

2. Is it possible to say “You will wish you hadn’t followed this advice” (meaning: ‘you will regret following it’)? 3. What is the difference in meaning: “He behaves as if he is a clown/ as if he were a clown” (Indicative vs. Subjunctive)?

Thank you so much for all your help!

Hi Oksa2024,

1. Yes, that's right. Using "will" is fine and it makes it clear that "tomorrow" refers to the day after saying this sentence. It seems to emphasise the urgency of the report more than when using "would".

2. Yes, right.

3. Firstly, we should say that there is little practical difference. Both sentences compare this person's behaviour with that of a clown. The second sentence communicates the unreality of the idea more clearly than the first one, since it uses "as if" and also the subjunctive form "were" (whereas the first sentence only uses "as if"). Both sentences are acceptable, but the subjunctive one may be judged as ideal or more correct because of the harmony of idea between "as if" and the subjunctive verb.

I hope that helps! It seems like you have gained a good understanding of these structures.

Hello Jonathan,

Thank you so much for your help!

In these sentences, which one is correct please, and why? There should be enough cars so a taxi won't/wouldn't be necessary. If Johnson wins the next election he will/would scrap the taxes.

Hi Gezza,

In both sentences, the first clause shows something that the speaker/writer considers as a realistic possibility or a likelihood (because of "There should" and "wins", present simple), rather than using a past form to show something unrealistic or imaginary (e.g. "If there were enough cars ..." / "If Johnson won ..."). So, "won't" and "will" are the best options because they also show a realistic or likely future action. 

In everyday conversation, it's somewhat acceptable to use "would" too. However, using "would" makes it unclear whether the speaker/writer considers this to be realistic or just imaginary. If this was in a language test, "would" may not be accepted as an answer.

You can find more examples using "will/won't" and "would" on our Conditionals page (linked) . I hope it helps.

Hello Pundits,

My question is about the use of Future and Present Simple after 'when' in different clauses, as in:

- When you start cooking, I will come in from the garden. In this example 'when you start cooking' is an adverbial clause of time, it indicates the time (not defining any part of the sentence), the structure is similar to a conditional sentence. It answers the question: 'when?' We can only use Present Simple here, correct?

- I look forward to the day when this application is available. Here 'the day' is a direct object, and we explain or define it using the adjective clause 'when this application is available', it answers the question: 'what day?' As far as I know, we can use Present Simple or Future Simple here. What is the difference between the two? When should I use one or the other? - I look forward to when we get to work together again. 'When we get to work together again' is a noun clause, it answers the question: 'what?' We can rebuild the sentence into: - I look forward to our future cooperation. Having done my research on COCA, I can conclude that, in general, people prefer Present Simple in such clause, but there were some examples with Future Simple as well. What is the difference between Future Simple and Present Simple here?

Thank you very much.

Hello Tony_M,

- When you start cooking, I will come in from the garden. In this example 'when you start cooking' is an adverbial clause of time, it indicates the time (not defining any part of the sentence), the structure is similar to a conditional sentence. It answers the question: 'when?' We can only use Present Simple here, correct?

It's possible to use other forms after when here, such as present perfect to emphasise completion ( When you have written the report.... ) or present continuous to show an event in progress ( When you are peeling the potatoes... ). In the second clause, the present simple is possible if you are describing typical behaviour rather than a particular instance.

- I look forward to the day when this application is available. Here 'the day' is a direct object, and we explain or define it using the adjective clause 'when this application is available', it answers the question: 'what day?' As far as I know, we can use Present Simple or Future Simple here. What is the difference between the two? When should I use one or the other?

The present simple is more common here but both can be used, as you say. I think modal 'will' (it's not, strictly speaking, a tense at all) suggests less certainty regarding the matter. In other words, to my ear the present simple suggests that the application will definitely be available, while 'will' here is said without that certainty. You can perhaps see it more clearly in these examples:

I look forward to the day when we finally meet. [I'm confident we're going to meet] I look forward to the day when we will finally meet. [I don't know if it will actually happen] - I look forward to when we get to work together again. 'When we get to work together again' is a noun clause, it answers the question: 'what?' We can rebuild the sentence into: - I look forward to our future cooperation. Having done my research on COCA, I can conclude that, in general, people prefer Present Simple in such clause, but there were some examples with Future Simple as well. What is the difference between Future Simple and Present Simple here?

As above, I think the use of 'will' suggests hope rather than certainty. Note that these are very subtle distinctions rather than any kind of rule.

Sometimes there is a clear difference in meaning. Take a look at these two sentences:

I'll finish it tomorrow when I have less work. I'll finish it tomorrow when I will have less work.

The first sentence can be understood to mean 'At some point tomorrow I will have less work and I will use this time to finish it'.

The second sentence can be understood to mean 'Tomorrow I have less work, so I will finish it then'.

Thank you very much. You've cleared everything up.

Hi The LearnEnglish Team, thank you for your summary, which is very helpful. My question is what is the difference between if sentence to talk about future (if +present simple+(then)will do) and if+past tense to give suggestions about what might happen in the future (hypotheses)? I used to think in the latter case it means what is indicated in the main clause is not likely to happen, but in daily use I've heard people discussing a very possible future event using if+past tense. Can you shed light on this? Thank you very much!

Hello Ivy Z,

The past tense in if-clauses is generally used, as you say, for conditions we consider unlikely, impossible or hypothetical. When giving suggestions or advice we often use formulations which contain or imply a hypothetical:

If I were you > I'd.... (If I were) In your place > I'd... (If I were) In that situation > I'd... If that happened to me > I'd...

Perhaps what you noticed is something like this, but I can only speculate without knowing the particular example.

Hi Peter. Thank you for your response and explanation. The past tense in if-clauses I referred to was used by our lawyers to indicate the possible outcomes under each action plan. So an example would be:

If the company chose / decided to hold off from making a claim against B, the company would likely to benefit ...

What confused me was that 'making a claim against B' was exactly what was suggested and was also the plan favoured by the company and the lawyers knew it, so to me, using past tense in this case seemed to imply that the likelihood for it - namely holding off fire against B - to happen was small but in fact it was most likely to happen. Thus I was wondering if, in this situation, the past tense in if-clauses only mutually indicates a possible result.

Hello again Ivy Z-1,

The past tense in the if-clause makes the action more distant. This usually means more distant in terms of likelihood – i.e. less certain or probable. However, other forms of distancing exist, such as social distancing in terms of formality or politeness. This is why forms such as 'Could I...' and 'Would you...' are more polite/formal than 'Can I...' and 'Will you...'

In the context you describe I think the distancing is more social or professional. While it's perfectly fine to say 'If the company chooses... they will likely benefit...', the past + would form is more neutral in terms of leaving the decision up to the company. In other words, the speaker (the lawyer) may use this form to maintain a certain distance and make it clear that the decision is up to the company. These are very subtle nuances, of course.

One point to note: the 'to' is incorrect in the second clause of your example. It should be '...would likely benefit'.

Thank you very much Peter. This is very clear and helpful!

Hello, Since I am hungry to learn, I would ask more about the Future and 'if' clauses. As it is written above, "in time clauses and conditional clauses, with words like if, when...we often use present tense forms"... but we can use "will" if it means want to or be willing to. This means that: I will be very happy if you will come to my party. I will be very happy if you come to my party. Are both sentences correct? I am a bit confused because with the if clauses, I normally use the present tense forms to talk about the future. Is that an exception to the general rule? Thank you!

Hi User_1,

Yes, that's right. Both are correct and they mean basically the same thing, although "if you will come" may give the idea of "if you want to come" or "if you are willing to come". In comparison, "if you come" is simply the action of coming.

Here is an example where "will" cannot be used in the "if" clause, because the idea of being willing is not relevant to the action.

• Even if Barcelona will lose tomorrow, they will still be champions. (incorrect)
• Even if Barcelona lose tomorrow, they will still be champions. (correct)

If you have doubts, it's always fine to just use present tense forms, as you normally do!

Hi Jonathan, Thanks for your help! Since the present is the correct form, I keep on using that to avoid grammar mistakes.

I know that in time clauses with words like before, when, after, and until, we often use present tense forms to talk about the future, but could you explain why or if it's something idiomatic?

Hello CarolinaRuiz,

I'm not sure I can say why this is the case. Language doesn't really work like that - it evolves rather than being planned with identifiable purposes.

What I can say is that, unlike many languages, English does not have a future tense. Instead, we have many ways of talking about the future. These include present tenses, modal verbs (like will or might) and even past tenses (for unlikely or hypothetical futures). Using present tenses for future meaning is nothing unusual - it's part of the normal language system of English.

Hello. I'd like to ask there is written "I'll come home when I finish work." As i know /finish/ is a gerund so why there is /work/ not /working/ ( it seems like infinitive without to) or i remember not correctly¿ I have an exam and I am trying to learn in all situations. (I think i have to improve my writing also) I'm really grateful for your help.

Hello alice.wu,

I think you mean that 'finish' is followed by a gerund and that is correct: I finished working late last night.

However, 'finish' can also be followed by a noun: I finished the project yesterday.

In your example, 'work' is a noun and it is the object of 'finish'.

The LearnEnglish

Why is it not "Barcelona loses" in your example? Why is the verb plural?

Hello m6769,

The names of institutions and organisations can often be either singular or plural, so you can say 'Barcelona loses' or 'Barcelona lose'.

Some other examples of this include the army, the police, the government, the European Union, the judiciary, the media and the BBC .

If a "would have V3" sentence is used alone, should we take it as a sentence about an unreal past situation?

For example ... "the landscape would have been open" ... does this sentence mean that ... in fact landscape was not open in the past?

Thanks a lot.

Hello Ilter,

It certainly could be talking about an unreal past situation, and I'd even go so far as to say it probably is talking about an unreal past situation, but what exactly it means really depends on the context. The context and the verb forms make meaning together.

If you can give us the context, then we can tell you more.

All the best, Kirk The LearnEnglish Team

Hello Kirk,

The complete paragraph is ...

"Walking back through the menhirs, Agogué explained while the Alignments are reasonably well preserved, both nature and humans have altered the appearance of the site over time. When the Alignments were constructed, the landscape would have been open, without the trees that now divide and flank the sections, and the sea would have been further away. And in the past 6,000 years, some of the menhirs have toppled over – including one last year."

In this context, I think that it does not talk about an unreal past ... would "might have been" be more correct here? What the meaning here "would" adding to the context?

Thanks a lot, Best wishes

Thanks for giving the full context -- that's much clearer now.

This is the use described on our 'will have' and 'would have' page in sentences such as:

It was half past five. Dad would have finished work.

In a case like this, the speaker has good reasons for their belief (for example, she knows her father always finishes at 5:00), but not direct evidence (she hasn't seen him leave work). The speaker is imagining a situation that they haven't witnessed but which seems likely due to some evidence. It could be their knowledge of that person's typical behaviour, or it could be some other evidence.

In the passage you ask about, the writer supposes that the landscape was open in the past -- they probably have some archaeological or historical evidence to support this idea and are fairly certain about it -- but obviously they didn't witness it themselves.

Does that make sense?

Yes got it ... thank you so much Kirk ... best wishes

Hey, I hope it's still okay to comment, I have two examples about which I'd like to know more please! first example: *boy comes to a girl's house to ask her dad* "Hey, is she here? I promised her I'd see her before I left" second example: *they don't want him to go outside while there's danger* "Nobody would want him to leave the safety of the house until the criminal was caught"

Please explain these two to me! Maybe with a sort of model/format/structure and also the name of this? And I couldn't find anything on the web with this example, especially with before/until, and would + verb so if you could talk about this too if there's anything to it.

Thank you in advance!

Hi aa223,

Sure, no problem. You can think of example 1 as reported speech (i.e. indirect speech). The boy may have said to the girl, "I promise I'll see you before I leave". Some time later, the boy tells the girl's dad what he promised her earlier, so it all shifts back into the past (promise --> promised; I'll see --> I would see; leave --> left). You can read more about this on our Reported Speech 1 page (linked) .

In example 2, "would" and the use of the simple past "was caught" frame the situation as an imagined or hypothetical one, rather than one that is realistic or bound to happen. It suggests that the speaker is not confident or certain that the criminal will actually be caught. Saying "Nobody would want him ..." (rather than "Nobody wants him ...") suggests that the speaker has not actually gone around and asked everybody what they want, but is supposing or assuming what they want.

I hope that helps to make sense of it.

Hi dear team. I was wondering if you could help me identify what kind of sentence the following one I saw in a movie. I mean, I know that the zero conditional is used with present simple in both clauses but I don't know if we can use zero conditional with both clauses in simple past. And also I know that the second conditional is used for hypothetical situations and has a Modal verb like would and will. My question is what kind of sentence is this one? : "If somebody said it was a happy little tale, if somebody told you I was just an average ordinary guy, not a care in the world, somebody lied". Thank you so much.

Hello David,

When we're not speaking about an imaginary or unreal situation (as in a second or third conditional), the verb tenses we use in sentences with 'if' have their 'normal' meanings -- in other words, the present refers to the present and the past to the past.

That's the case for the sentence 'If somebody said it was a happy little tale, if somebody told you I was just an average ordinary guy, not a care in the world, somebody lied'. Without knowing more about the situation, it's hard to work exactly what is meant by this, but basically the speaker is saying that whatever another person said about them isn't or wasn't true.

Thank you so much dear Kirk for your help. So is it possible to classify the if clause in simple past and the main clause in simple past in a specific category? I mean do you think that sentences like: 'if someone called me, I didn't notice it' or 'if I came late, it wasn't my fault' are a kind of zero conditional with both clauses in simple past or do they belong to a different category? Thank you so much. And regarding the sentence from the previous comment do you think it is a kind of indirect question? I mean: (' did somebody say it was a happy little tale? Well, somebody lied = 'If somebody said it was a happy little tale, somebody lied'). Thank you so much for your help.

Hello David Araque,

The so-called 'zero', 'first', 'second' and 'third' conditional labels were created by teachers as a way to help students make sense of some common patterns. But the truth is, 'if' sentences can be used with any verb tense that makes sense. Of course, what makes sense isn't always easy for students to discern, and so that's why we have these labels. But, as you've discovered, other combinations are possible.

If you think about it, the tenses in zero and first conditionals are 'normal' uses of the verb tenses. The same is true of second and third conditionals, too, because the use of the past to talk about unreal situations is a use of the past tense that also occurs in other structures (e.g. 'I wish it were raining now'); we just don't typically think of these uses. So really all the tenses we use in 'if' sentences are normal uses of the verb tenses that exist in other situations too.

I wouldn't call the sentence in a question a zero conditional, personally. It's two past simple verbs used to talk about a condition in the past. But if coming up with some name for this structure helps you remember it, then by all means, go ahead -- just know it will be your own creation.

Yes, 'Did somebody say (that) it was a happy little tale?' has the structure of an indirect question. But if you combine it with 'somebody' lied, the indirect question is embedded within the larger 'if' sentence.

Hope that helps.

Thank you so much dear Kirk for your explanation. It really helped me a lot.

Can you please shed light on the proper structure of this sentence.

"He promised to come when he was/is done at work"

Please which is correct to use between "was" or "is"?

Hello Aryin,

It depends. If the speaker thinks the man is still working when the speaker says this, then 'is' is the correct form. But if the speaker thinks the man already finished his work at the time of speaking, then 'was' is the correct form.

Sir, In your above-mentioned example

‘We would go by train if it wasn't so expensive. (= We will not go by train because it is too expensive.) I would look after the children for you at the weekend if I was at home. (= I cannot look after the children because I will not be at home.)

- I used to write e.g. ‘We would go by train if it weren’t (!) so expensive.’ ‘I would look after the children for you at the weekend if I were (!) at home.’

Could you, please, explain it to me why you used another grammatical form?

Thank you in advance.

Hello Helena-Victoria,

In 'if' clauses talking about an unreal situation, both 'was' and 'were' are correct forms of the verb 'be' for both first-person singular subjects ('I') and third-person singular subjects ('he', 'she' or 'it').

Many years ago, the only correct form for such situations was 'were', but now in all but very formal situations, 'was' is also accepted. If it's easier for you to remember 'were', then by all means use it -- it is perfectly correct!

It could refer to the present or the future :)

• Present: If you want (right now) to lose weight, ...
• Future: If you want (at some point in the future) to lose weight, ...

We would need to know the context in which this is said to know which timeframe is intended.

Hello Nevi,

Yes, it looks as if you understand this correctly. Good work!

All the best,

Hello Nevı,

In your example when is a conjunction.

You can see similar examples in dictionary entries such as this:

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/when

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Test on Past Perfect 1

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

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

• understand -

Complete the sentences in Past Perfect Simple (positive).

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

Complete the sentences in Past Perfect Simple (negative).

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

Complete the questions in Past Perfect Simple.

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

Before submitting the test, check the following:

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

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

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College Minor: Everything You Need to Know

14 fascinating teacher interview questions for principals, tips for success if you have a master’s degree and can’t find a job, 14 ways young teachers can get that professional look, which teacher supplies are worth the splurge, 8 business books every teacher should read, conditional admission: everything you need to know, college majors: everything you need to know, 7 things principals can do to make a teacher observation valuable, 3 easy teacher outfits to tackle parent-teacher conferences, 21 strategies to help students who have trouble finishing homework tasks.

Are you looking for strategies to help students who have trouble finishing homework tasks? If so, keep reading.

1. Chart homework tasks finished.

2. Converse with the learner to explain (a) what the learner is doing wrong (e.g., not turning in homework tasks ) and (b) what the learner should be doing (i.e., finishing homework tasks and returning them to school).

3. Urge the learner to lessen distractions to finish homework (e.g., turn off the radio and/or TV, have people whisper, etc.).

4. Take proactive steps to deal with a learner’s refusal to perform a homework task to prevent contagion in the classroom (e.g., refrain from arguing with the learner, place the learner at a carrel or other quiet space to work, remove the learner from the group or classroom, etc.).

5. Select a peer to model finishing homework tasks and returning them to school for the learner.

6. Urge the learner to realize that all behavior has negative or positive consequences. Urge the learner to practice behaviors that will lead to positive outcomes.

7. Urge the learner to set up an “office” where homework can be finished.

8. Get the learner to assess the visual and auditory stimuli in their designated workspace at home to ascertain the number of stimuli they can tolerate.

9. Create an agreement with the learner and their parents requiring that homework be done before more desirable learning activities at home (e.g., playing, watching television, going out for the evening, etc.).

10. Make sure that homework gives drill and practice rather than introducing new ideas or information.

11. Designate small amounts of homework initially . As the learner shows success, slowly increase the amount of homework (e.g., one or two problems to perform may be sufficient to begin the homework process).

12. Provide consistency in assigning homework (i.e., designate the same amount of homework each day).

13. Make sure the amount of homework designated is not excessive and can be finished within a sensible amount of time. Remember, secondary students may have six or seven teachers assigning homework each day.

14. Assess the appropriateness of the homework task to determine (a) if the task is too easy, (b) if the task is too complicated, and (c) if the duration of time scheduled to finish the task is sufficient.

15. Praise the learner for finishing homework tasks and returning them to school: (a) give the learner a concrete reward (e.g., classroom privileges, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) provide the learner an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).

16. Praise the learner for finishing homework tasks based on the number of tasks the learner can successfully finish. As the learner shows success, slowly increase the number of tasks required for reinforcement.

17. Praise those students who finish their tasks at school during the time given.

18. Send home only one homework task at a time. As the learner shows success finishing tasks at home, slowly increase the number of homework tasks sent home.

19. Show the tasks in the most attractive and exciting manner possible.

20. Find the learning materials the learner continuously fails to take home. Give a set of those learning materials for the learner to keep at home.

21. Consider using an education app to help the student sharpen their organizational skills. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend .

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How to Do Homework in Class

Last Updated: June 4, 2020

This article was co-authored by Alexander Peterman, MA . Alexander Peterman is a Private Tutor in Florida. He received his MA in Education from the University of Florida in 2017. This article has been viewed 29,992 times.

Forgetting to do a homework assignment is something that most of us have done. While it's not an ideal situation, you can still try to work on the homework assignment during another class. However, keep in mind that most teachers won't allow you to do this. You will need to be careful and avoid getting caught while you work to finish your homework.

Keeping Your Homework Hidden

• The closer you are to your teacher, the harder it will be to hide your homework.
• Think about where your teacher usually walks during class and try to sit away from them.
• If you have an assigned seat, don’t bring unnecessary attention to yourself. Do things as normal as you can.

• Have your regular class book and material out on top of your desk.
• Try to make it look like your focus is the current class material.

• Keep an eye out for your teacher. You may need to hide your homework quickly.
• Don't get too involved with your homework. Remember, you are trying to look like you are just taking a few notes.

• Put your homework away and pay attention to the teacher for a few minutes.
• Try asking questions and answering questions during class. Ask open-ended and broad topic questions.
• Every few minutes, look away from your homework.
• Keep taking the occasional note for your current class.

Visiting The Restroom

• Fold your homework or worksheet up neatly and slip it in your pocket.
• Hide your pen or pencil in a pocket.
• If you need another textbook, you might try quickly visiting your locker to pick it up.

• Use the stall walls as a solid writing surface, doing your homework while standing up.
• Put the lid on the toilet down and sit down to get your homework done, using your lap as a writing surface.
• Use the top-back section of the toilet tank as a makeshift desk.

• Remember to hide your homework again in your pocket before returning to class.
• It's probably a good idea to work no longer than five minutes before going back to class.
• If you have to actually use the bathroom, make sure you do so while you’re there. You don’t want to run to the restroom twice in one period.

Getting Homework Done On Time

• Write down your assignment and what it requires. This can help you know how much time it might take. Use a calendar or planner to keep track of the deadlines.
• Use your study halls to do your homework.
• Generally, you will need around 1 to 3 hours per night for homework. This is dependent on the courses you are taking, so always estimate for more time rather than less.
• You can try scheduling your day in hour blocks to visually see how much time you have.

• Turn off any televisions or loud music.
• Close a window if it is too noisy outside.
• Try to avoid doing homework in a loud public space.

• Save easy problems for later, as they take less energy to do.
• Doing the hard problems first will leave you with only the easy problems to do in class, should you forget to finish the assignment.
• If you’re an individual that is motivated by seeing workload decrease, consider doing some simpler problems followed by a difficult one.
• Always prioritize based on due dates or on how many points the project is worth.

• Take about a 15 minute break for every hour of work.
• Don't go too far from your workplace. Make it easy on yourself to get back to work after the break.

Community Q&A

• Schedule your time to get homework done before it's due. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
• Sit far away from your teacher. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
• Keep your regular class materials out on your desk. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0

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• ↑ http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/homework.html#
• ↑ http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/school/time/article5.html

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Imperative Verbs Guide And List With Example Sentences

If you’ve ever received an instruction, followed a recipe, or even played a game, chances are you’ve encountered imperative verbs. These verbs are fundamental in the English language, particularly when it comes to delivering clear, concise commands or requests. As a teacher or an English language learner, understanding and mastering the use of imperative verbs can significantly enhance communication skills and fluency.

Below, we will explain what imperative verbs are and provide an extensive list of imperative verbs together with example sentences so that you can fully understand how to use these verbs naturally when communicating in English. We will also suggest some strategies and ideas for teaching and learning these essential elements of English grammar. First, let’s take a look at what imperative verbs are.

What Are Imperative Verbs?

Imperative verbs are verbs that create imperative sentences, which give commands, instructions, or express requests or directives. These verbs essentially tell someone to do something.

Here are some key features of imperative verbs:

• They often omit the subject of the sentence. For example, “ Go to the store. “
• The verb usually comes at the beginning of the sentence. In the example “ Go to the store ,” “go” is the imperative verb.
• They can express more than just orders. Depending on the context, imperative verbs can be used to give advice (“ Take a break. You look tired. “), make invitations (“ Join us for dinner “), give directions (“ Turn left at the next corner “), or make requests (“ Please sit down “).
• They use the base form of the verb. For example, we say “ Look out! ” not “ Looks out! ” or “ Looking out! “
• They can be made negative by adding “do not” or “don’t” before the verb. For example, “ Do not touch ” or “ Don’t touch. “

Imperative verbs are very common in English conversation and writing, especially in procedural writing, instructional manuals, recipes, and more. They’re a direct and concise way to communicate an action that needs to be done.

Why Learn About Imperative Verbs?

Learning about imperative verbs is important for English language learners for several reasons:

• Understanding Commands and Instructions : Many of our daily interactions involve instructions or requests that use imperative verbs. For example, “Open the door ,” “ Please sit down ,” “ Don’t run in the hallway ,” etc. Knowing imperative verbs can help learners understand these directions.
• Giving Commands and Instructions : Conversely, learners will also need to use imperative sentences to give instructions or make requests. Whether in a school setting, at work, or in daily life, it’s important to be able to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Language Fluency and Versatility : Imperative verbs are a key part of the English language. Understanding them can help learners become more fluent and versatile in their use of the language. They will be able to use language more effectively in a variety of contexts.
• Understanding Written Instructions : Imperative verbs are often used in written materials like recipes, instruction manuals, road signs, and more. Being familiar with them can help learners navigate these materials with ease.
• Cultural Understanding : In some cultures, direct orders might be considered rude, but in others, they’re simply a straightforward way of communicating. Understanding when and how to use imperative verbs can help language learners navigate cultural expectations and norms in English-speaking societies.
• Improving Writing Skills : Knowing how to use imperative verbs can also improve a learner’s writing skills, particularly in genres that rely heavily on instructions or commands, like procedural writing, business communication, technical writing, etc.

Imperative Verbs List With Example Sentences

Here is a useful list of imperative verbs together with example sentences. These can be used in a wide range of situations to give instructions, orders, or requests.

How To Teach Imperative Verbs

Teaching imperative verbs can be really fun for both students and teachers. Here are some teaching tips and activity ideas for teaching imperative verbs.

Teaching Tips:

• Contextualize : Always provide context when teaching imperatives. It’s more beneficial to students when they can see how these verbs are used in real-life situations.
• Simplify : Start with basic and common imperative verbs, like “come,” “go,” “stop,” “listen,” etc. Then, progressively introduce more complex ones.
• Include Negative Form : Don’t forget to teach the negative form of imperative verbs. It’s important for students to understand the difference between sentences like “ Do your homework ” and “ Don’t do your homework. “
• Connect with Body Language : Especially for beginners, connecting verbs with gestures can be very helpful. For instance, when teaching the word “stop,” you might show a hand signal that indicates stopping.

Activity Ideas:

• Role Play : This is a great way for students to practice imperative verbs. They can take turns giving and receiving instructions in different scenarios, such as in a restaurant, at home, at school, etc. More Role Play Ideas
• Simon Says : This game is perfect for teaching imperatives. The teacher gives commands like “Simon says touch your nose,” and students only respond when the phrase starts with “Simon says.” How To Play Simon Says
• Classroom Commands : Have students practice imperative verbs by giving classroom commands. For example, “ Open your books ,” “ Close the door ,” “ Pick up the trash ,” etc.
• Cooking Class : Use a recipe to demonstrate imperative verbs. Students can follow a simple recipe using instructions written in the imperative, like “ Chop the onions ,” “ Boil the water ,” etc.
• Road Signs : Use images of road signs to teach imperative verbs like “stop,” “yield,” or “do not enter.” Discuss why these instructions are important and what could happen if they’re not followed.
• Writing Activity : Have students write a set of instructions for something, like a game, a daily routine , or a guide for a new student. This way, they can practice using imperative verbs in a meaningful context.

More Verb Resources

Thanks for reading! I hope you found this article useful. Before you go, check out these other resources for learning and teaching about the different kinds of English verbs. Descriptive Verbs Analytical Verbs Verbs Of Perception Stative Verbs Irregular Verbs List

• Tiếng Anh (mới)

You should finish your homework before going to school. → __________________________________________

Siêu phẩm 30 đề thi thử THPT quốc gia 2024 do thầy cô VietJack biên soạn, chỉ từ 100k trên Shopee Mall .

Đáp án: Your homework should be finished before going to school.

Giải thích: You should finish your homework before going to school. (Bạn nên làm xong bài tập về nhà trước khi đi học.)

Ta có cấu trúc câu bị động: S + should + be + p.p.

Dịch nghĩa : Bài tập về nhà của bạn nên được hoàn thành trước khi đi học.

CÂU HỎI HOT CÙNG CHỦ ĐỀ

Write a short paragraph (120 -150 words) about measures to improve gender equality in Viet Nam. You can answer some of the following questions: * What are the measures to improve gender equality? * What are the benefits of these measures? __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________

Gender inequality/ problem/ many countries/ have focused/ solving. → ________________________________________________________, we/ should/ focus/ educate/ people/ important roles/ women. → ________________________________________________________, there/ many measures/ solve/ problem/ and improve/ gender equality. → ________________________________________________________, governmenư issue/ suitable policies/ give/ women/ chances/ develop/ ability. → ________________________________________________________, when/ women/ not/ under/ financial pressure/ have/ more time/ develop/ themselves. → ________________________________________________________, talk about the eamses and effects of gender inequality. you can use the following questions as cues: * what are the causes of gender inequality * what are the effects of gender inequality * what are the solutions to that useful languages: useful vocabulary useful structures •   prejudice, lack of information, poor condition, poverty •   violence, lack of understanding, women’s roles, devaluation •   propagating, educating, policies, economy • the key reason for it is... • the reason why... is... • another reason is... • because of/ due to... • as a result, ... • ...is a consequence of... • the government should... • to improve the situation,... • another solution would be ... complete the notes: structures of the talk your notes what are the causes of gender inequality __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ what are the effects of gender inequality __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ what are the solutions to that __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ now you try give your answer using the following cues. you should speak for 1-2 minutes. 1. the key reason for gender inequality is... 2. another reason is... 3. ...is a consequence of gender inequality. 4. as a result, ... 5. the government should... 6. another solution would be...                                      now you tick did you ... q answer all the questions in the task q give some details to each main point q speak slowly and fluently with only some hesitation q use vocabulary wide enough to talk about the topic q use various sentence structures (simple, compound, complex) accurately q pronounce correctly (vowels, consonants, stress, intonation).

Hãy Đăng nhập hoặc Tạo tài khoản để gửi bình luận

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How to Survive Forgetting Your Homework at School

Last Updated: March 9, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Katie Styzek . Katie Styzek is a Professional School Counselor for Chicago Public Schools. Katie earned a BS in Elementary Education with a Concentration in Mathematics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She served as a middle school mathematics, science, and social studies teacher for three years prior to becoming a counselor. She holds a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in School Counseling from DePaul University and an MA in Educational Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University. Katie holds an Illinois School Counselor Endorsement License (Type 73 Service Personnel), an Illinois Principal License (formerly Type 75), and an Illinois Elementary Education Teaching License (Type 03, K – 9). She is also Nationally Board Certified in School Counseling from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. 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 128,267 times.

Have you ever sat down to complete your homework only to realize you left some important component (like a worksheet or textbook) at school? Don’t freak out! You have many options for getting ahold of what you need or finding a suitable replacement. If all else fails, you may be able to complete the assignment when you return to school.

Getting a Copy of a Worksheet

• If you have a scanner and printer or a copy machine, you can complete this task at home.
• Most printing places charge $0.10 for a single black and white copy.

• Be sure to use clear grammar, complete sentences, and good etiquette in your email.
• You can only use this method once or twice before your teacher will become frustrated with you.
• Your teacher may be less than pleased that you don’t have the worksheet if you’ve had an extended period of time to complete it rather than if it was assigned that day.

Finding a Textbook

• You can search an online card catalog or call the library to see if they have your book. Then go there in person and check it out.
• Sometimes the textbook may be “on reserve,” meaning you will have to work with it in the library.

• Ideally, you will want to try to find the exact same edition, but a different edition will be better than nothing. Keep in mind, though, that the chapter or worksheet may be different from the one your teacher assigned.
• If you can find out the ISBN code for your textbook, this can be a good way to search as well.

Completing the Homework Later

• If you need to get into your classroom, you can email your teacher to see if they can let you in early.

• You can work during any free period, recess, or lunch in order to get the assignment done.

• It is likely that your teacher will need to stay for a little while anyway, and they may respect your initiative to get the late assignment complete as soon as possible.

• If you have multiple email accounts, use the one associated with your school.
• Once again, use proper grammar, complete sentences, and good etiquette when you communicate with your teacher via email. [6] X Research source

• Keep in mind that if this happens more than once, your teacher may be less likely to give you an extension.

Expert Q&A

• Exchange contact info with some people from your class ahead of time so that you can contact them in a situation like this one. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• When searching for answers off the Internet, don't type in the direct question. Instead, type in key parts of the question. For example, if the question is “What was the population of Canada in 1900?" type in “Population of Canada 1900” instead of the full question. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• Try making a mini bag that will carry all the supplies needed to do homework, like an extra copy of every textbook, lined paper, a ruler, a protractor, etc. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

• Ask a friend who's in class with you to take a quick picture of the worksheet and text or email it to you. This saves you a trip to their house or having to meet up.
• As a last resort, be honest with your teacher, explain why you don't have the assignment, and ask if you can stay late or email it to them to avoid a late grade.
• For a textbook, call the school library first to ask if they have a copy on hold. If not, search online for either an ebook version or a different edition.
• Check whether your teacher uses an online platform for assignments. If so, log in and see if the worksheet is posted there to print out.
• When emailing your teacher to ask for materials, be extra polite and use proper spelling/grammar so they're more likely to help you out.
• If you can't complete the work at home, get to school early the next morning and finish during free periods or study hall time instead.

• If you consistently forget your homework, you may get in trouble or your teacher may lose their trust in you. Thanks Helpful 8 Not Helpful 1

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• ↑ Katie Styzek. Professional School Counselor. Expert Interview. 26 March 2021.
• ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/homework.html
• ↑ https://www2.ed.gov/parents/academic/help/homework/part8.html

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