do homework

Meaning

This collocation means to complete school assignments given to students to be done at home. It can also figuratively mean to do research or prepare thoroughly before a meeting, interview, or decision. It is a very common, neutral expression used daily by students and professionals alike.

Examples

• I have to do my homework before I can go out and play video games.

  I have to do my homework before I can go out and play video games.

• Did you do your math homework last night?

  Did you do your math homework last night?

• He always does his homework right after coming back from school.

  He always does his homework right after coming back from school.

• Before buying a used car, you really need to do your homework.

  Before buying a used car, you really need to do your homework.

• The journalist clearly did her homework before interviewing the president.

  The journalist clearly did her homework before interviewing the president.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I need to make my homework tonight.

  ✓ I need to do my homework tonight.

  'Homework' always collocates with the verb 'do', not 'make'. 'Make' implies physically manufacturing something, whereas 'do' is for tasks and activities.

• ✗ She has many homeworks to finish this weekend.

  ✓ She has a lot of homework to finish this weekend.

  'Homework' is an uncountable noun. It cannot be pluralized as 'homeworks'. Use 'some homework', 'a lot of homework', or 'homework assignments' instead.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Don't forget to ___ your English homework before tomorrow's class.

  💡 The correct verb to pair with homework.

  Show answer

  do

• The investor did his ___ before buying shares in the company.

  💡 Figurative use meaning research or preparation.

  Show answer

  homework