if you finish your homework then

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have you done/did you do your homework?

• Thread starter yuri05
• Start date Mar 28, 2014
• Mar 28, 2014

hi, i find it hard to decide which tense to use when there are no time references. for example, let's say a teacher walks in the classroom and asks his pupils:"have you done/did you do your homework?"which tense should be used in this situation? i'd use the present perfect but i'm not sure. thanks!  

Senior Member

The present perfect makes sense in that situation, but the simple past is also possible. Have you done your homework? Did you do your homework?  

owlman5 said: The present perfect makes sense in that situation, but the simple past is also possible. Have you done your homework? Did you do your homework? Click to expand...

"Have you done your homework?" This happened in the past, but somehow affects the present. "Yes." "You should give it to the teacher tomorrow." In this case, we might assume that the recently completed homework can be handed in now. The completion of the homework affects the present. "Did you do your homework?" This happened in the past. It doesn't affect the present or we don't care how it affects the present "Yes." "Why did you do so poorly on the test?" You are thinking about a past effect of doing the homework.  

Member Emeritus

• Mar 29, 2014

ChainReaction

• Sep 20, 2014

<< Moderator's note: This question has been added to a previous thread. Please scroll up and read from the top. >> Hi, I'm new here, and I have a question about something that was bothering me for quite a long time. What is the difference between the regular form of past tense, and the form 'have past_tense '? To give you the right context, what's the difference between: "Did you do your homework?" and "Have you done your homework?" << New example will need its own thread. >>  

You mean the simple past and the present perfect. Here's a good primer: http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/410/grammar/ppvpast.htm In short, the simple past is used when referring to a situation that is completely in the past (and thus concluded, with little to no relevance for the present situation). The present perfect (which is not a past tense) is used when referring to situations that are still happening and/or have a relevance for the present situation.  

That said, there is often little distinction between these tenses in the everyday use of the language. Using the simple past ("did you do your homework") in situations that actually call for the present perfect ("have you done your homework", because the enquirer wishes to know if the person's homework is now done) is especially common in American English. << Response to deleted question. >>  

"Did you do your homework?" and "Have you done your homework?" For example, if a child wanted to watch TV, mum or dad could say either of them but the second (the one using present perfect) is better because it emphasises that we are talking about now, today. If an investigator was asking about something before the present then the first one is correct. Teacher: On the night before you went on vacation last year, did you do your homework?  

post mod (English Only / Latin)

• Sep 21, 2014
• Mar 2, 2019

[This post and the following ones have been added to a previous thread in which the same question was asked. Please read down from the top. DonnyB - moderator]. Context: I want to ask if my son has done the homework or not Did you do your homework ? Have you done your homework ? Which tense is better and why? Do we need "the" before "homework" in the context?  

Since you live in the UK, use "have you done", since you are interested in the situation in the present. I think AmE usage is "did you do". Don't use "the" with "your". "Your homework" is the usual way of saying it.  

Thanks  

• Jun 25, 2019

A teacher gave a home assignment to his students one week ago. His students show up and say that the homework is still undone. What would they say? - We haven't done our homework. - We didn't do our home work.  

Steven David

Ivan_I said: A teacher gave a home assignment to his students one week ago. His students show up and say that the homework is still undone. What would they say? - We haven't done our homework. - We didn't do our home work. Click to expand...

Parla said: I think the teacher would use the simple past tense ("Did you do your homework?") since the reference is to work assigned the day before and it should have been done the evening before. Click to expand...

Helenejj said: What would the teacher say if the work was assigned three days ago? Click to expand...

Uncle Jack said: The present perfect indicates completion. "Have you done your homework?"asks the same question as "Is your homework complete?" Click to expand...

Helenejj said: Doesn't "Did you do your homework?" indicate that the homework is complete? Click to expand...

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)

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

Master the details of English grammar:

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• B1-B2 grammar

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

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

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

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

Try this exercise to test your grammar.

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

Read the explanation to learn more.

Grammar explanation

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yet comes at the end of the sentence or question.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do this exercise to test your grammar again.

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

Language level

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

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Hello Khangvo2812,

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

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

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

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

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

The LearnEnglish Team

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

Hello Babanova,

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

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

Hello mr_bahrami2011,

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

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

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

All the best, Kirk LearnEnglish team

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We're glad you found LearnEnglish!

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

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

Hi johny-jan,

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

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

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

I hope you find something useful there too!

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