i did my homework yesterday. its deadline is tomorrow so

Present perfect with a specific time in the past

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

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

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

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

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

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Past Perfect Tense With Examples, Rules, Usage

The past perfect tense is a grammatical form used to describe actions that were completed before a specific point in the past. It is formed by using the auxiliary verb “had” followed by the past participle of the main verb.

• She had finished the work.
• They had visited the museum last summer.
• They had not seen the movie.
• He had never been to Paris before this vacation.
• Had you studied for the test before it was announced?
• Had the mail arrived before you left the house?

Table of Contents

Forming the Past Perfect Tense

Affirmative Sentences

Affirmative sentences in past perfect tense are statements that express an action that was completed before a specific point in the past. They are structured using the following formula.

Subject + had +verb(3rd form) + object.

• She had already finished her breakfast.
• They had watched the movie before bedtime.
• He had visited the new museum in town.
• The children had played in the park all afternoon.
• By the time I arrived, they had already eaten dinner.
• She realized she had forgotten her keys at home.
• We had never been to this restaurant before.
• The teacher had explained the lesson before the test.
• He told me he had already seen the new movie.
• The sun had set by the time we reached the beach.

The sentences given above are broken down according to their grammatical structure.

Negative Sentences

Interrogative sentences in past perfect tense are questions that inquire about actions or events that occurred before a specific point in the past. They are formed by using the auxiliary verb “had” followed by the subject and the past participle of the main verb.

Subject + had + not + verb(3rd form) + object.

• She hadn’t finished her chores before dinner.
• They hadn’t visited the park in months.
• He hadn’t heard that song until yesterday.
• The team hadn’t practiced enough before the match.
• We hadn’t met our new neighbors until last week.
• The store hadn’t restocked the shelves by noon.
• He hadn’t tried sushi before last night.
• She hadn’t watched that TV series until now.
• They hadn’t seen that movie before last night.
• He hadn’t spoken to his cousin in years.

Interrogative Sentences

Interrogative sentences in past perfect tense are questions about actions or events that happened before a specific point in the past. They start with “Had” followed by the subject and the past participle of the main verb.

Had + subject + verb(3rd form) + object?

• Had she eaten breakfast before leaving for work?
• Had they visited the museum before the trip?
• Had he finished his chores before going out to play?
• Had you heard the news before we told you?
• Had they cleaned the house before the party?
• Had she read the book before watching the movie?
• Had we met our new neighbors before the event?
• Had he seen that movie before last night?
• Had they played any games before the picnic?
• Had she finished her work by the time you called?

Usages of the Past Perfect Tense

Describing Completed Actions Before Another Past Action

Describing Completed Actions Before Another Past Action” is one of the key uses of the past perfect tense. It helps establish a clear sequence of events in the past.

• By the time we arrived, they had already finished their meal .
• She had completed the project before the deadline.
• The train had left the station before we reached it.
• They hadn’t started the meeting before the boss arrived.
• The bakery hadn’t sold out of croissants when we got there.
• She hadn’t visited that museum before last summer.
• Had you finished your homework before the teacher collected it?
• Had they seen that movie before it won an award?
• Had she ever traveled to Europe before this trip?

Narrating Past Events in a Sequence

“Narrating Past Events in a Sequence” is another important use of the past perfect tense. It helps in presenting a series of past events in the order in which they occurred.

• She had breakfast , then went for a walk , and finally read a book .
• They had a picnic , then played games , and afterwards shared stories .
• She didn’t have time to finish her drawing , so she left it for tomorrow .
• They didn’t find any ripe apples , so they postponed making the pie .
• Had she already finished her snack before going for a walk?
• Had they played any games before having the picnic?

Expressing Regrets or Hypothetical Scenarios in the Past

Expressing regrets or hypothetical scenarios in the past involves using the past perfect tense to discuss situations that didn’t happen, or to express a sense of regret or longing for different outcomes in the past.

• If I had known you were coming, I would have baked a cake.
• She wishes she had taken that job offer last year.
• He believes he would have won the race if he had trained harder.
• If she had arrived earlier, she wouldn’t have missed the train.
• He wishes he hadn’t sold his antique collection.

Reporting Past Actions or Speech

Reporting past actions or speech” involves conveying what someone said or did in the past. This is typically done through indirect or reported speech, where the original statement or action is reported using a different verb tense (often the past perfect tense) to indicate that it happened in the past.

• She told me, I finished the report .
• He said, She has already left .
• They mentioned, We visited the museum .
• She told me that she hadn’t finished the report.
• He said that she had already left .
• They mentioned that they hadn’t visited the museum.
• Did she tell you she had finished the report?
• Had he mentioned that she had already left?
• Did they ask if we had visited the museum?

Past Perfect Tense Chart

Signal words for Past Perfect Tense

Signal words for Past Perfect Tense indicate that an action or event occurred before another action in the past.

• She had finished her work before the meeting started.
•  They had already eaten when I arrived.
•   By the time we got to the cinema, the movie had already begun.
•  She hadn’t seen the movie until last night.
•   After they had left, I realized I forgot my keys.
• He hadn’t heard the news before we told him.
• She had never visited that city before.
•  She didn’t taste that type of food until today.
•   No sooner had they finished the project than the deadline arrived.
• Had you finished your work before the call?
•   Hadn’t they seen the movie before last night?
• Had you ever been to this city before your trip?
• Had they finished the project by the deadline?
•   Before we arrived, had they already played the game?

Time Expressions

Time expressions are words or phrases that indicate when an action or event took place. In the context of past perfect tense, they help establish the relationship between different past actions.

• She finished her homework before dinner .
• He had known her since kindergarten .
• By morning, the rain had stopped .
• They had watched the movie twice already.
• She had read the book before bedtime .
• He hadn’t eaten breakfast yet .
• She realized she hadn’t studied in a while .
• They hadn’t seen that show since last year .
• He hadn’t visited the museum in years .
• She hadn’t traveled abroad before last summer .
• Had you finished your chores by the time I called? ( Time Expression )
• When did they first meet each other? ( Time Expression )
• By what time had they completed the project? ( Time Expression )
• Had they ever been to this city before? ( Time Expression )
• Since when had he known about this new technology? (Time Expression)

Past Perfect vs. Simple Past Tense

Differentiating Between Past Perfect and Simple Past

Here’s a table comparing Past Perfect Tense and Simple Past Tense

Past Perfect Tense Example Sentences

• The mother had cooked food before the sun rose.
• I had recited the Holy Quran before you came.
• The bell had rung when we reached the school.
• The train had gone when I reached the station.
• They had taken tea when I reached there.
• The patient had died before the doctor came.
• They had already finished their work.
• He had reached here till 2’O clock.
• The girl had already sung songs.
• The teacher had already taught us lesson.
• By then, he had finished all his work.
• They were tired because they had walked a lot.
• We were surprised because they hadn’t told us.
• The movie was over because they had watched it.
• She knew the answer because she had studied.
• They were happy because they had won the prize.
• He was full because he had eaten a big meal.
• The students were tired because they had studied.
• She had a great time because she had danced a lot.
• They were sleepy because they had stayed up late.
• He had not taken breakfast before you came.
• They had not bought tickets before the train came.
• Aslam had not heard this good news yet.
• It had not rained yet.
• I had never eaten such a delicious fruit before.
• He hadn’t visited his grandparents in a long time.
• She hadn’t tried that new restaurant yet.
• They hadn’t met their new neighbors before the party.
• By the time they arrived, the show hadn’t started yet.
• He hadn’t seen a shooting star until last night.
• She hadn’t been to the beach in years.
• We hadn’t seen each other in a long time.
• The cat hadn’t eaten its food yet.
• She hadn’t visited the museum in a while.
• They hadn’t finished the puzzle by bedtime.
• He hadn’t cooked dinner before the guests arrived.
• She hadn’t heard the news until now.
• They hadn’t bought groceries for the week.
• By the time they left, the party hadn’t even started.
• He hadn’t taken a vacation in years.
• Had you finished your work before the sun set?
• Had the police already dispersed the crowd?
• Had they already left for Lahore?
• Why had you not posted the letter before you went to school?
• Had they already reached the school?
• Had he fixed the car before the road trip?
• Had she learned to swim before the summer?
• Had they packed their bags before the vacation?
• Had we finished all the tasks before leaving?
• Had he visited his grandparents before the holidays?
• Had you met the new neighbors before the barbecue?
• Had they chosen a restaurant before the reservation?
• Had she attended any classes before the conference?
• Had we booked the tickets before they were sold out?
• Had he heard about the new job before the interview?
• Had they received the package before leaving home?
• Had she completed the assignment before the deadline?
• Had we packed our bags before the trip started?
• Had he visited that museum before it closed down?
• Had you tried that dish before today?

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Avoiding common mistakes in language use is crucial for effective communication.

Here are some tips to help you steer clear of frequent errors:

• Watch Subject-Verb Agreement : Ensure that the subject and verb in a sentence agree in number (singular or plural).
• Avoid Double Negatives : Using two negatives in a sentence can lead to confusion. For example, “I can’t hardly wait” should be “I can hardly wait.”
• Be Consistent with Verb Tenses : Stick to one tense throughout a piece of writing, unless there’s a specific reason for a shift.
• The Past Perfect Tense is a verb form that is used to describe an action that took place before another action or a specific point in the past.
• The Past Perfect Tense is formed using the auxiliary verb “had” followed by the past participle form of the main verb (e.g., had + eaten).
• Time expressions like “before,” “by the time,” “already,” “until,” and “hadn’t” are commonly used with the Past Perfect Tense.
• The Simple Past Tense describes an action that happened at a specific point in the past, while the Past Perfect Tense describes an action that occurred before another past action.
• “Hadn’t” is the contraction of “had not” and is used in negative sentences (e.g., “She hadn’t finished her work.”). “Didn’t” is the contraction of “did not” and is used in negative sentences in the Simple Past Tense (e.g., “She didn’t finish her work.”).
• Yes, the Past Perfect Tense can be used in reported speech to convey information that was said or thought in the past (e.g., “He said he had already seen the movie.”).
• Yes, adverbs like “already,” “just,” “never,” “yet,” and others can be used with the Past Perfect Tense to provide additional information about the timing of the action.

Free Grammar and Vocabulary Worksheets Resources

• Worksheet Tenses
• English Worksheets
• Action Verbs Worksheets
• Past Perfect Tense Worksheets

You May Also Like

• Present Perfect Tense With Examples
• Time Expressions in English
• Future Perfect Tense With Examples

Past Perfect Past Perfect Tense Past Perfect Tense Definition Past Perfect Tense Example Sentences Past Perfect Tense Exercise Past Perfect Tense Formula Past Perfect Tense In English Past Perfect Tense In Grammar Past Perfect Tense Rules Past Perfect Tense Structure Past Perfect Tense Usages

Present Perfect Tense With Examples, Rules, Usage

Present Perfect Continuous Tense With Examples, Rules, Usage

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Did vs. Done: Difference Explained (With Examples)

Marcus Froland

March 28, 2024

Many folks think that mastering English is all about big words and complex grammar rules. But let me tell you, sometimes it’s the little words that trip you up, like did and done . They seem straightforward until you have to use them in a sentence.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “It can’t be that hard, right?” Well, it’s not rocket science, but there’s more to these two words than meets the eye. And by the end of this article, you’ll see exactly why they’re not as interchangeable as some might think. So stick around because we’re about to clear up some confusion.

Understanding the difference between did and done is key to speaking English correctly. Did is the simple past tense of “do”. Use it when talking about an action that happened at a specific time in the past. For example, “I did my homework yesterday.” On the other hand, done is the past participle form of “do” and needs a helper verb like “have” or “has”. It’s used when referring to actions that are completed, often without specifying when. An example would be, “I have done my homework.” So, remember: use did for actions in the past at a known time and done , with a helper verb, for completed actions.

Understanding the Functions of “Did” and “Done”

As you strive to improve your English language skills, it’s crucial to understand the roles that “did” and “done” play in sentence structures. In this section, we’ll clarify how these terms function in different contexts, such as past activities and present perfect tense constructions.

Defining “Did” in Past Activities

Simple past tense did is used to describe actions or tasks that were completed at a specific point in the past. Let’s consider some examples to illustrate the concept:

We did what the teacher asked us to do. Melinda did the research in this project.

In these sentences, “did” appears after a subject or pronoun and can stand alone without auxiliary verbs, as seen in “He did all the hard work.” Understanding using did in past tense constructions is vital for forming accurate statements, questions, and negations relating to past events.

Clarifying “Done” in the Present Perfect Context

Conversely, the past participle done pertains to activities completed in the past but still relevant in the present. It’s typically accompanied by auxiliary verbs like ‘have’ or ‘has,’ as demonstrated in the following examples:

I have done my maths homework. He has not done his homework.

The term “done” cannot occur alone and always follows other verbs, often signaling a perfect tense or passive construction. The difference between did versus done lies in the context and usage in sentences, with “did” being a stand-alone verb for past actions while “done” requires auxiliary verbs and plays a role in perfect tense sentences.

To summarize, both “did” and “done” are essential aspects of English grammar, with their unique functions in past tense and present perfect tense constructions. By clearly understanding the definition of did and usage of done , you’ll become more proficient in the language and avoid confusion when employing these terms in conversation and writing.

The Grammatical Rules of “Did” and “Done”

Understanding the correct grammar of “did” and “done” is crucial for effective English communication. These two terms follow specific grammatical rules that ensure their proper usage in sentences.

• Did can occur independently in a sentence to denote past actions
• Done is always used with auxiliary verbs like ‘has,’ ‘have,’ or ‘had.’

Let’s examine these rules in more detail to grasp the past tense grammar and past participle rules fully.

Using “Did” in a Sentence

In a sentence, “did” can directly follow a subject without any accompanying auxiliary verbs. As the simple past tense form of ‘do,’ it is used to indicate completed actions or events in the past. For example:

Did you knock on the door?

This sentence exemplifies the correct usage of “did” directly following the subject ‘you.’

Implementing “Done” with Auxiliary Verbs

Following the past participle rules , “done” never stands alone and must be used with auxiliary verbs like ‘has,’ ‘have,’ or ‘had.’ It is often used in the passive voice or perfect tense constructions. For instance:

She has done her homework.

Here, “done” is used with the auxiliary verb ‘has’ to convey an action that was completed in the past but holds relevance to the present moment.

By comprehending and applying these grammatical rules, you can master the correct usage of “did” and “done” in your everyday communication. This understanding will help you avoid common mistakes and convey your thoughts effectively.

Common Mistakes When Using “Did” vs. “Done”

Misusing “did” and “done” is a common error in English grammar, often stemming from confusion about their roles as past tense and past participle forms of the verb ‘do’. To avoid these grammar mistakes and improve both speaking and writing skills, it is important to learn from these did vs done mistakes and understand their correct usage context.

Examples Highlighting Typical Errors

Let’s analyze some examples to understand the common mistakes when using “did” and “done” and ways to correct them:

• Incorrect: I done my homework. Correct: I did my homework.
• Incorrect: He did not finished yet. Correct: He has not finished yet.
• Incorrect: Did you have done your assignment? Correct: Have you done your assignment?
• Incorrect: They did gone to the movies last night. Correct: They went to the movies last night.

These examples demonstrate the importance of choosing the right form of the verb ‘do’ when constructing sentences in the past tense or present perfect tense. By paying attention to the auxiliary verbs and the context of the sentence, you can avoid the common errors of misusing “did” and “done”.

Understanding the correct usage of “did” and “done” plays a crucial role in mastering English grammar and avoiding common mistakes.

To further strengthen your learning, familiarize yourself with these additional tips and recommendations:

• Always use “did” as a standalone verb in the simple past tense, without an auxiliary verb.
• Use “done’ only when accompanied by auxiliary verbs such as ‘has,’ ‘have,’ or ‘had’ in present perfect or past perfect tense constructions.
• Remember that “did” does not change the base form of the main verb that follows it.
• When using “done” with auxiliary verbs, keep in mind that it cannot directly follow the subject of the sentence.

By addressing these common mistakes and applying the right grammar rules, you will greatly enhance your spoken and written language skills, boost your confidence, and effectively communicate your thoughts and ideas in English.

Perfecting Your Language Skills with Correct Usage

Improving language skills often involves mastering the correct usage of did and done in various contexts. Becoming proficient in English grammar and speaking and writing correctly requires a comprehensive understanding of their applications in everyday communication.

For instance, replacing verbs with ‘do’ in informal speech contributes to a more natural English flow. This can be exemplified in the following scenario:

Friend A: “Did you wash the dishes?” Friend B: “No, but I’ll do it now.”

Using did and done adeptly involves incorporating them for emphasis in positive sentences:

• “I do want to go to the party.”
• “I did study for the test.”

Such correct usage ultimately leads to better communication and stronger command of the language. Furthermore, it is essential to keep practicing and refining your skills to sustain your proficiency. The table below highlights different situations for using did and done, helping you build confidence in their correct use.

Perfecting your language skills with the correct usage of did and done is a vital aspect of mastering English grammar. Constantly practicing, analyzing real-life examples, and understanding their different functions will help you become a more proficient and confident communicator in the long run.

Verbs and Auxiliary Usage in Sentence Structure

In mastering the English language, it is crucial to understand the different roles of verbs and auxiliary verbs in sentence structure. Two essential forms, “did” and “done,” belong to the verb “do” and play a significant part in constructing past tense narratives. Let’s take a closer look at their roles in sentences.

“Did” as a Main Verb and Auxiliary

Did serves as a main verb for past actions, describing a state or action that was completed at a specific point in the past. For example:

“Jake did the dishes after dinner.”

Did also functions as an auxiliary verb for questions and negations in the past tense, as it helps form interrogative and negative sentences. When used as an auxiliary, “did” precedes the main verb in its base form:

• Did you live in Spain?
• She did not know the right answer to the question.

“Done” Within Perfect Tenses and Passive Voice

The past participle done is used within perfect tenses and passive voice constructions. This form usually follows auxiliary verbs like ‘has,’ ‘have,’ ‘had,’ or forms of the verb ‘to be.’ For example, the present perfect tense is represented in sentences like:

“I have done my homework.”

Meanwhile, the passive voice is illustrated in:

“The report was done on time.”

Understanding the usage of “did” and “done” in sentence structure is essential for conveying precise meaning and achieving proper grammar in your writing and speaking. Practice using these forms in different contexts to enhance your language skills and become more proficient in English.

Practical Examples: “Did” in Everyday Conversation

Mastering the use of did in daily speech is crucial for proficient English communication, especially when referring to past events or asking questions about them. This section offers some common instances to demonstrate the practical application of did in everyday conversations.

• Discussing Past Activities: Imagine talking with your friend about your weekend. You can use did to inquire about their activities: “What did you do over the weekend?” or “Did you go to the new art exhibition?”
• Movies, Books, and TV Shows: When discussing movies, books, or TV series, did can be employed to ask if someone has experienced it: “Did you read Michelle Obama’s memoir, Becoming ? ” or “Did you watch the latest episode of Stranger Things ?”
• Food and Dining: Discussing memorable meals or sharing food recommendations often involves the use of did : “Did you try the new Thai restaurant downtown?” or “How did you like the chocolate lava cake we had last night?”

Using did as an auxiliary verb is similarly essential for asking questions about past events in daily interactions. Some scenarios include:

• Yes/No Questions: “Did Sara join the gym last month?”
• Choice-based Questions: “Did you walk or bike to work today?”
• Wh-Questions: “Where did you spend your vacation?” or “Why did James leave the party early?”

Remember, practice makes perfect. Apply the use of did in your conversations to enhance your English speaking skills and communicate your thoughts with clarity and correctness.

By incorporating did in your everyday language, you effectively express yourself in past tense contexts. As you continue practicing, the correct usage of did in conversation will become second nature, giving you a better command of the English language.

Breaking Down “Done” With Examples from Real Situations

Understanding the practical use of done in real-life examples aids in mastering its application and appreciating its relevance in the present perfect tense. “Done” signifies the completion of an action in the past that holds significance in the present moment.

Here are some present perfect examples illustrating the proper usage of “done” in various real-life situations:

• Marian has done the artwork : In this sentence, “done” indicates that Marian completed the artwork in the past, and it remains relevant to the present discussion or context.
• Have you done the math project? : This inquiry uses “done” to ask if the math project was completed in the past while still holding significance at the present time.
• They have already done their room cleaning : In this scenario, “done” emphasizes that the action of cleaning the room has been completed earlier and has an impact on the present situation.

In the context of real-life situations , “done” is frequently employed in both professional and informal scenarios to convey the completion of an action in the past with continued relevance to the present:

At work, you might hear a colleague say, “I have done the presentation, and it’s ready for tomorrow’s meeting.” This sentence implies that the presentation was finished earlier, but its completion is still significant at the present moment as it will be utilized in the upcoming meeting.

In casual conversations, “done” is also commonly used to express events and accomplishments that connect the past and present:

While catching up with a friend, they may mention, “I have done all my errands for today.” In this statement, “done” is used to convey that all errands were completed earlier in the day, with the effects persisting into the current conversation or moment.

Ultimately, grasping the usage of “done” in real-life examples contributes to a deeper understanding of the present perfect tense and enables clearer, more effective communication in various contexts.

Mastering Questions and Negations in Past Tense

Questions in past tense often begin with the auxiliary “did” and are followed by the subject, and then the base form of the verb. Learning to correctly craft questions using “did” will provide you with the skills to communicate clearly and grammatically. For example, consider the question, “Did he speak Italian?” Here, “did” initiates the interrogative form, and the verb “speak” is in the base form.

To become proficient in using “did” for questions, it’s essential to understand past tense question formation . Ensure that the auxiliary “did” comes before the subject and verb. This not only maintains a proper sentence structure but also avoids confusion when speaking and writing in English. Understanding how to use “did” in questions will enable you to enhance your language skills and ensure effective communication in various situations.

Similarly, mastering the use of “done” in affirmative and negative statements is crucial in expressing perfect tenses. When used correctly, “done” emphasizes the completion of an action and its ongoing relevance to the present moment. Examples of such statements include “I have done my homework” and “He has not done a good job.” Recognizing the importance of incorporating “done” in present perfect statements will enable you to convey your thoughts more accurately and effectively, boosting your English language proficiency.

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Present Perfect

For recently finished actions.

Table of Contents

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Present perfect form
• Present perfect pronunciation

Usage/ Meaning

How and when do we use the Present Perfect?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Kristof Abrath Teacher, Trainer, Course Designer Teaching in English on 4 different continents since 2006.

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11 Ways to Deal With Homework Overload

Last Updated: June 24, 2024 Fact Checked

Making a Plan

Staying motivated, starting good homework habits, expert q&a.

This article was co-authored by Jennifer Kaifesh . Jennifer Kaifesh is the Founder of Great Expectations College Prep, a tutoring and counseling service based in Southern California. Jennifer has over 15 years of experience managing and facilitating academic tutoring and standardized test prep as it relates to the college application process. She takes a personal approach to her tutoring, and focuses on working with students to find their specific mix of pursuits that they both enjoy and excel at. She is a graduate of Northwestern University. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 255,443 times.

A pile of homework can seem daunting, but it’s doable if you make a plan. Make a list of everything you need to do, and work your way through, starting with the most difficult assignments. Focus on your homework and tune out distractions, and you’ll get through things more efficiently. Giving yourself breaks and other rewards will help you stay motivated along the way. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you get stuck! Hang in there, and you’ll knock the homework out before you know it.

Things You Should Know

• Create a checklist of everything you have to do, making sure to include deadlines and which assignments are a top priority.
• Take a 15-minute break for every 2 hours of studying. This can give your mind a break and help you feel more focused.
• Make a schedule of when you plan on doing your homework and try to stick to it. This way, you won’t feel too overwhelmed as the assignments roll in.

• Make a plan to go through your work bit by bit, saving the easiest tasks for last.

• Put phones and any other distractions away. If you have to do your homework on a computer, avoid checking your email or social media while you are trying to work.
• Consider letting your family (or at least your parents) know where and when you plan to do homework, so they'll know to be considerate and only interrupt if necessary.

• If you have the option to do your homework in a study hall, library, or other place where there might be tutors, go for it. That way, there will be help around if you need it. You'll also likely wind up with more free time if you can get work done in school.

• To take a break, get up and move away from your workspace. Walk around a bit, and get a drink or snack.
• Moving around will recharge you mentally, physically, and spiritually, so you’re ready to tackle the next part of your homework.

• For instance, you might write “I need to do this chemistry homework because I want a good average in the class. That will raise my GPA and help me stay eligible for the basketball team and get my diploma.”
• Your goals might also look something like “I’m going to write this history paper because I want to get better as a writer. Knowing how to write well and make a good argument will help me when I’m trying to enter law school, and then down the road when I hope to become a successful attorney.”

• Try doing your homework as soon as possible after it is assigned. Say you have one set of classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and another on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Do the Monday homework on Monday, instead of putting it off until Tuesday.
• That way, the class will still be fresh in your mind, making the homework easier.
• This also gives you time to ask for help if there’s something you don’t understand.

• If you want to keep everyone accountable, write a pact for everyone in your study group to sign, like “I agree to spend 2 hours on Monday and Wednesday afternoons with my study group. I will use that time just for working, and won’t give in to distractions or playing around.”
• Once everyone’s gotten through the homework, there’s no problem with hanging out.

• Most teachers are willing to listen if you’re trying and legitimately have trouble keeping up. They might even adjust the homework assignments to make them more manageable.

Reader Videos

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.understood.org/en/articles/homework-strategies
• ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/homework.html
• ↑ https://kidshelpline.com.au/kids/tips/dealing-with-homework
• ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/focused.html
• ↑ http://www.aiuniv.edu/blog/august-2014/tips-for-fighting-homework-fatigue
• ↑ http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/homework.html
• ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/study-partners/

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Rewrite the sentences Present perfect

• English grammar PDF
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Test 1. Rewrite the sentences in the present perfect.

Past simple: You did not buy it on Monday. Present perfect: You have not bought it yet.

Check test Answer key Clear test

Present perfect exercises for elementary - advanced learners of English as a foreign language.

Simple Past or Present Perfect Simple

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

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

Can We Use Yesterday With the Present Perfect Tense?

By: Author Susan Parker

Posted on Published: November 17, 2021

English tenses can be very confusing, but they’re very important because getting them wrong can result in misunderstanding. Verb tenses tell you when something happens, which is simple when we’re just referring to past, present, and future. However, when we’re linking the past with the present by using present perfect, then we may wonder if we can use “yesterday.”

We cannot use “yesterday” on its own with the present perfect tense because adverbs that refer to a completed time in the past only work with past tenses. However, you can use “since yesterday” in the present perfect tense because that expresses a time period that started yesterday and is still continuing. 

This article will explore the present perfect tense and how we should use it. We’ll examine the difference between “yesterday” and “since yesterday” and why we treat them differently. We’ll also consider what tenses we can use with “yesterday” and why.

What Is the Present Perfect?

English has three basic tenses — past, present, and future — and then those three have the perfect, continuous, and perfect continuous forms. Let’s consider the verb “to eat” in each of these tenses to illustrate the point.

We use the perfect tenses to describe an action that has been absolutely completed or perfected. This is called the “perfect aspect” ( source ). To create the present perfect, we add “has” or “have” to the past participle of the verb.

English speakers use the present perfect tense often, and it has three main uses, as we’ve illustrated in the table below ( source ).

Actions that started in the past and are continuing:

• She has lived in Australia for 10 years.
• Jack has worked in advertising since 2004.

Actions that happened at an unspecified time in the past:

• They have visited the museum many times.
• Maggie has already finished that book.

Actions that happened in the past but have an effect on the present:

• How will we get there? Andrew has lost his car keys.
• Jane can’t walk. She has broken her ankle.

What About “Yesterday”? 

We can use “yesterday” as an adverb or a noun to describe the day before today, or, in some contexts, it can mean just a short time ago ( source ). Consider the sentences below that illustrate these definitions.

• I had a ballet exam yesterday. (adverb, day before today)
• I went to that restaurant yesterday. (adverb, day before today)
• I wasn’t born yesterday. (adverb, a short time ago)
• It feels like yesterday that you were at school. (adverb, a short time ago)
• Yesterday was Tuesday. (noun, day before today)
• I’m not interested in yesterday’s news. (noun, a short time ago)

You will notice that whether we are referring specifically to the day before today or, more generally, to a time period in the past, the concept of “yesterday” is a completed period that has already happened.

Which Tense Is Used With “Yesterday”?

Since “yesterday” refers to a time period that is past, it would be logical to assume that we must use it in the past tense. Using our original verb “to eat,” let’s consider which verbs we can use with “yesterday.” 

Is “Yesterday” Past Simple or Present Perfect?

As you will have noticed, we can use all four past tenses with “yesterday” but none of the present or future tenses. This is because “yesterday” is an expression of time that occurs entirely in the past and doesn’t include the present.

We can always use past simple — or any other past tense — with “yesterday” because it refers to the day before today, which is very clearly something that occurred in the past. Other expressions of time that only work in the past include:

• Last week 
• An hour ago
• A long time ago

All of these can function in the past tenses but cannot work in any other tenses. We sometimes see someone use them incorrectly in the present perfect tense, and we need to recognize the error. Consider the following sentences, which show the incorrect use of “yesterday” in the present perfect tense.

• I have done my homework yesterday.  
• Yesterday, Jane has invited me to the dance.
• They have finished the job yesterday.

None of these sentences make sense, and we need to rewrite them in the past simple:

• I did my homework yesterday.  
• Yesterday, Jane invited me to the dance.
• They finished the job yesterday.

With more context, we could also rewrite them in the other past tenses:

For more on this topic, read “ Can We Use “Yesterday” W ith Past Perfect? ”

More on Perfect Tenses

We use the various tenses to express when something happened, and we use aspect to determine whether we are simply expressing a fact or whether the action is completed or ongoing. 

The simple tenses are by definition simple — they just express a fact:

• Jack drinks a soda.
• Jack drank a soda.
• Jack will drink a soda.

However, we use the perfect tenses to illustrate various connections in time. As we’ve already mentioned, the present perfect and present perfect continuous connect the past with the present. 

Past perfect and past perfect continuous connect two different times in the past. Meanwhile, the future perfect and future perfect continuous connect an action with the future.

The perfect tenses focus on the completed action, while the perfect continuous tenses focus on that action continuing.

We use the present perfect tenses most often. Usually, we use them to talk about something we have done in the past that is still relevant today. When you’re introducing yourself or telling someone about your past, you will use these tenses extensively.

We don’t use the past perfect tenses quite as often, but they are still very useful. You will use this tense when telling stories because it helps to differentiate between various times in the past. We can use it to connect two past actions or to connect a past action with a past time. This is why we use this tense with “yesterday.”

We use the future perfect tenses least often, but they’re still useful when talking about plans or goals. You may use this tense to talk about what will have to be completed before a specific future time.

Can We Use “Since Yesterday”?

Since yesterday is an acceptable phrase. If we add “since” to create the phrase “since yesterday,” we are dealing with a different time expression. “Since” means from a time in the past until now, so “since yesterday” means from the day before today until now ( source ).

In this case, “since yesterday” doesn’t only occur in the past. It links the present with the past, so we can use it in the present perfect tense. Consider the sentences below.

• I’ve been studying since yesterday.
• I haven’t seen her since yesterday afternoon.
• Mr. Smith has been painting his house non-stop since yesterday.

Exploring “Since”

We use “since” to express time, and it can work as an adverb, preposition, or conjunction, depending on how we position it in a sentence. 

As a preposition, we follow “since” with a noun:

• I haven’t been this fit since 2004.

As an adverb, we do not follow “since” with a noun:

• Jack left last October and hasn’t been home since.

As a conjunction, it connects two clauses:

• Jill has had many boyfriends since her relationship ended.

As an expression of time, “since” means either:

From a time in the past up until the present

From a time in the past until another time in the past.

In the first instance, when constructing a sentence using “since,” we will always use the present perfect tense in the main clause. However, after “since,” we can either use present perfect to describe the time from the past up until the present or simple past tense to describe the time from the past up until another point in the past.

Consider the examples below that illustrate these two possibilities.

Using present perfect after “since” to describe the time from the past up until the present:

• Jack has improved his times since he has started training daily. 
• I have been feeling better since I’ve been taking the correct medication.

Using simple past after “since” to describe the time from the past up until another point in the past:

• Jack has improved his times since he started training daily. 
• I have been feeling significantly better since I began taking the correct medication.

In the second instance, we most often use past perfect tense in the main clause and past simple after “since.” Consider the examples below:

Sally’s death was devastating. I had been friends with her since we started school in 1980.

I didn’t know you had been working on that since we opened the business last year.

Sometimes, we use past perfect tense in the main clause and again after “since,” as we’ve shown below.

• It had been more than a decade since I had asked anyone on a date.

It’s important to remember that “since” is an expression of time in the past. Therefore, we can never use it to describe present or future time.

What About “Ever Since”?

We use “ever since” in two ways, as we’ve illustrated below. This article was written for strategiesforparents.com.

To talk about something that happened regularly from a time in the past up until now:

• She saw her first ballet at six and has wanted to be a dancer ever since .
• Bob first went to London in 1982 and has been visiting annually ever since . 

To talk about something that happened continually from a specific time in the past:

• She has wanted to be a dancer ever since she was a young girl. 
• Bob has been visiting London annually ever since his first visit in 1982.

Final Thoughts

English tenses can trip you up, especially if you overthink them. When saying “yesterday,” it’s useful to remember that because it refers to the day before today, we can only use it to talk about an action that has occurred in the past.

Thus, you would always use one of the past tenses — past simple, past continuous, past perfect, or past perfect continuous — with “yesterday.” 

The present perfect tense has to have a link to the present and, therefore, cannot work together with “yesterday.” However, a word like “since” can work to create the link to the present, so we can use “since yesterday” with the present perfect tense.

I __________ my homework yesterday.

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Yes I have done it before today [closed]

Question : have you done the Homework? Answer : Yes I have done it before today..

Is it Correct if I did my homework yesterday itself and I use present perfect answer the question? Since I can't say yesterday in present perfect, can I say before today?

• present-perfect

• Correct in what way? –  Lawrence Commented May 9, 2018 at 14:08
• Can I use present perfect to answer the question since I cant use yesterday in present perfect . can I say before today instead of yesterday? @Lawrence –  TheMdsami33 Commented May 9, 2018 at 14:52
• It sounds a bit odd. Perhaps it's because that uses have as a straight verb (I have [ done whatever ]), as opposed to an auxiliary verb ( have done ). It seems to answer a question like "Have you ever done done this?" rather than the one your question poses. However, I'm not a linguist, so I'll leave it to the more technically-minded among us to present a proper answer. There may also be material already in the database. Click the present-perfect tag to get a list of those questions to look at. –  Lawrence Commented May 9, 2018 at 15:25
• What does "before today" mean? Is it yesterday? Is it last night? Is it two days ago? Maybe you meant to say " earlier today"? –  Mari-Lou A Commented May 9, 2018 at 17:33
• Probably technically "correct" from a grammar standpoint, but quite ambiguous. Should only be used if the intent is to create confusion. –  Hot Licks Commented May 9, 2018 at 17:50

It seems that the main issue is that you don't know how to combine an explicit mention of yesterday with the present perfect. The standard way of doing it is by making yesterday a supplement , something not integrated into the syntactic structure of the sentence. Like this:

Q: Have you done your homework? A: Yes I have, yesterday .

It is true that

Time adjuncts like last week, two minutes ago , etc., which refer to times wholly before now, are incompatible with the present perfect.

( CGEL , p. 143). The reson is that

The present perfect involves reference to both past and present time: it is concerned with a time-span beginning in the past and extending up to now. It is not used in contexts where the 'now' component of this is explicitly or implicitly excluded.

Nevertheless, note that such adjuncts are allowed if they appear as supplements (something that is not integrated into the syntactical structure of the sentence). Thus, we are allowed to say

A: Yes I have, yesterday.

Here are some examples of similar usage from published literature (the supplemental time adjunct is in boldface):

"Have you been there?" "Yes I have, last time he was in London ." (source) 'Yes, we have, yesterday .' (source) "Yes, they have, on that fateful day ." (source) "Yes Ivana she has, some five years ago. " (source) "Yes, she has. Last night ." ( source. Here the temporal adjunct appears on its own as a verbless and subjectless sentence, which could equally well appear as a supplement.)

The reason why this works is that supplements are only required to be semantically compatible with the rest of the sentence, whereas integrated parts of the sentence must be syntactically compatible as well. CGEL explains it like this (pp. 1351-1352):

[Integrated constructions require] that the complement be syntactically licensed, whereas in supplementation it is, as we said above, a matter of semantic compatibility. Compare: [7]  i  a.   The stipulation that Harry could not touch the money until he was eighteen                annoyed him enormously.           b.  * The codicil that Harry could not touch the money until he was eighteen                annoyed him enormously.       ii  a.   This stipulation—that Harry could not touch the money until he was                eighteen—annoyed him enormously.           b.   The codicil in the will—that Harry could not touch the money until he was                eighteen—annoyed him enormously.

A codicil is 'an addition or supplement that explains, modifies, or revokes a will or part of one' (see e.g. here ). CGEL continues:

The examples in [i] belong to the integrated head + complement construction. Stipulation licenses a declarative complement, but codicil does not: hence the ungrammaticality of [ib]. In [ii] the content clause is a supplement, interpreted as specifying the content of its anchor NP [noun phrase; an anchor is what the supplement is related to semantically, but not syntactically]. And this time the codicil example is acceptable: the NP it heads denotes an addition to a will and hence has propositional content which can be specified by a declarative content clause.

Why the sentence you tried doesn't work

Now let's discuss why

[1] I have done it before today.

doesn't work in your case.

It is an acceptable sentence of English, but it is probably not how that conversation would actually go. In your context, it sounds awkward. To explain why, let's consider the following sentence:

[2] I have borrowed this car three times before today. (source)

This implies that the speaker borrowed the car a total of four times: three times before today, and then also today.

So [1] would make sense in the following situation: Kim and Alex have just completed some activity that lots of people find frightening although it is actually perfectly safe. It is Alex's first time doing that, and he got really scared. Kim, however, was calm, and Alex is wondering how Kim managed to stay so calm. Kim says, 'Oh, I've done it before today.'

What a native speaker would actually say

While Yes I have, yesterday is prefectly fine, other responses to Have you done your homework? are perheps even more likely:

Yes, I have. Yes, I did it yesterday.

Note that especially in American English, the question itself could be in the preterite:

Did you do your homework?

Is this is case of ellipsis?

It has been suggested that what we have here is a case of ellipsis, i.e. that [3] i is an ellipted version of [3] ii, where the boldfaced words in ii are the ones that were ellipted, while '___'s mark the positions in i where the ellipsis occured:

[3]   i   Yes I have ___, ___ yesterday.        ii   Yes I have done it , I did it yesterday.

An important thing to realize about ellipsis is that it should be invoked only when other kinds of analyses fail—the burden on proof is on those who claim something is an ellipsis, not those who claim it is not. This follows from principle that the elliptical construction must be grammatically 'defective': therefore, if it can be shown that a construction is not 'defective', then it is not an instance of ellipsis. There are other principles as well. ComGEL gives five such principles (pp. 884-887):

(a) The ellipted words are precisely recoverable; (b) The elliptical construction is grammatically 'defective'; (c) The insertion of the missing words results in a grammatical        sentence with the same meaning as the original sentence; (d) The missing word(s) are textually recoverable, and; (e) are present in the text in exactly the same form.

In light of these, let's compare [3] with a pradigmatic case of ellipsis:

[4]  i  A:   You had better stay at home.     B:   Yes, I'd better.       ii                                                                  B:   Yes, I'd better stay at home .

(a) In [4], stay at home is the only realistic option for the ellipted part. Not so in [3]. Any of the following would also work:

done my homework, I did/finished it done it, I did/finished my homework done my homework, I did/finished my homework done my homework, I did/finished my homework

done it, I was done with it

and many others.

(b) In [4], i is indeed grammatically defective: had better requires a complement. [3] i, however, is not defective, because yesterday is a supplement (this is what I explained in the main part of my answer).

(c) This one is OK in [4]. It may be OK in [3]. The problem is that [3] ii consists of two independent clauses connected by just a comma. Normally this is not OK: independent clauses should either be explicitly coordinated by a connection (e.g. since ) or else joined by a semi-colon. As it is, it looks like a comma splice. However, maybe we can say that [3] ii is an instance of asyndetic coordination.

(d) and (e) Definitiely satisfied in [4]. Maybe it is also OK in [3]. Ellipsis normally allows trivial changes to accomodate agreement for number, person, and tense. For example, consider

She hasn't written it yet, but I'm sure she soon will ___ ,

where the position of the ellipted part is indicated by '___'. What is ellipted (i.e. what should appear in place of '___') is write it , even though what we have in the first part is written it .

So perhaps it is not that big a deal that we have two ellipses, both of the verb *do , which is the present perfect in the first ellipsis, but in the preterite in the second. Note that in the second ellipsis, we have also ellipted the subject, I .

In the end, I would say that on ballance, the ellipsis analysis in [3] does not look more persuasive than my original suggestion that yesterday is a supplement. Properties (a) and (b) are the most important characteristics of ellipses, and they do not seem to hold for [3].

• 1 If someone had asked me "Have you done your homework?", I would probably have answered, "Yes, I did it yesterday." Or I might have said, "Yes, I have." In the second case, "...done my homework" is "understood". –  tautophile Commented May 9, 2018 at 16:44
• @tautophile Agreed; what you say is what a native speaker is most likely to say in this situation. I interpreted the OP's question as mostly about how to combine yesterday with the present perfect. I think that's an interesting question, given that time adjunct like yesterday are not licensed by the present perfect. And yet we do often combine the two, and I thought it would be interesting to explain how we do that. But I have included your comments in the answer (the new last section, 'What a native speaker would actually say'). Thanks! –  linguisticturn Commented May 9, 2018 at 17:43
• @linguisticturn Thank you so much .. first time i got my answer here.. I fully understood your explanation.. I doubt is cleared now. –  TheMdsami33 Commented May 10, 2018 at 6:03
• @TheMdsami33 You're welcome! (BTW, it should be My doubt is cleared now. :) ) –  linguisticturn Commented May 10, 2018 at 13:03
• @linguisticturn by mistake I typed that.. last question , A witness claimed he saw a thief or A witness claimed he had seen a thief... newspaper it was written : A witness claimed he saw a theif. I think this is Reported Speech , and A witness claimed he had seen a thief , is correct? –  TheMdsami33 Commented May 10, 2018 at 14:16

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Which is the right response for the question "Did you do your homework?"

I am trying to refresh my grammar and I want to remember what was the right past tense for this question

Did you do your homework? Yes I did it Yes I have done it Yes I had done it

Which is correct and when should I use others ?

3 Answers 3

“Yes, I did it” is the right answer to “Did you do your homework?”. But it would be more likely for the question to be “Have you done your homework?”, to which the answer is “Yes, I have done it” (or in speech, nearly always “Yes, I’ve done it”).

The difference is that “Did you do your homework?” is asking about the past —— did you, at some time in the past, do your homework? “Have you done your homework?” is asking about the present situation — are you, right now, in a state of having done your homework?

• I think "Did you do your homework?" would be idiomatic in American English, but I'll leave it to the Americans to suggest what the natural reply would be. –  Kate Bunting Commented Sep 9, 2020 at 7:52

Yes I did it

Yes I have done it

are correct and good responses to the question. It would be normal to reflect the form of the question, so if asked "Did you do your homework?" you would normally say "Yes, I did it." If asked "Have you done your homework?" (which means the same thing) you would answer "Yes, I have done it."

"Yes I had done it" is pluperfect tense and incorrect here.

Did you do your homework?

Have you done your homework?

Yes I have.

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you should have done it yesterday

• Thread starter lingkky
• Start date Nov 13, 2016

Senior Member

• Nov 13, 2016

You should have done it yesterday. Based on the web, this sentence is correct. But I don't know why. In the use of past participle, a clear time maker is not allowed . Why "yesterday "can be accepted in the sentence? Why is"you should did it yesterday" wrong and it never exist ?  

lingkky said: In the use of past participle, a clear time maker is not allowed . Click to expand...

In the use of past participle, a clear time maker is not allowed except if the past participle is part of an infinitive. Why is "you should did it yesterday" wrong? Because "did" is not an infinitive or part of one.  

owlman5 said: This idea doesn't sound quite right to me, lingkky. I think somebody made a rule that is a little too rigid. Where did you read or hear this rule? "He had done it the day before" sounds normal to me although "he did it the day before" is possible in some narrative about the past. "You should have done it yesterday" also looks entirely normal to me. Click to expand...

PaulQ said: In the use of past participle, a clear time maker is not allowed except if the past participle is part of an infinitive. Why is "you should did it yesterday" wrong? Because "did" is not an infinitive or part of one. Click to expand...

I should did it yesterday. (False) I did it yesterday. (True) Why?  

owlman5 said: "I asked him why he wasn't working on the bicycle. He said he had finished it the day before." "Had finished" isn't part of an infinitive here, but it still sounds perfectly normal to me. Click to expand...

I have done it yesterday . (Wrong) I have done it before. (Correct ) I don't know are they correct. But I have been taught that a clear time markers like "yesterday","last year" are not allowed in the sentence with past participle. However, an unclear time marker like "a few days ago"or "before" is allowed.  

That rule about the "past participle" is wrong, lingkky. You need better instruction in English verb tenses and how to use them. If you're interested, here's a good introduction from "The English Page" that you may find helpful: Verb Tense Tutorial .  

lingkky said: What is part of infinitive? Click to expand...

All right.thank you .  

I should do it yesterday. So is this correct? I should have done it yesterday. What is the difference between them?  

You would use the first version in a remark about the future : I should do it tomorrow . It doesn't make sense to use "have done" in that sentence about the future.* You should use "have done" in a remark about the past : I should have done it ten minutes ago/yesterday. *But it is normal to use the perfect infinitive "have done" in the future perfect tense : I will have finished my homework by the time you get home. If you can access "The English Page" through the link in post #8, you'll get a chance to work with all the English verb tenses.  

owlman5 said: You would use the first version in a remark about the future : I should do it tomorrow . It doesn't make sense to use "have done" in that sentence about the future.* You should use "have done" in a remark about the past : I should have done it ten minutes ago/yesterday. *But it is normal to use the perfect infinitive "have done" in the future perfect tense : I will have finished my homework by the time you get home. If you can access "The English Page" through the link in post #8, you'll get a chance to work with all the English verb tenses. Click to expand...

• Dec 25, 2018

How about: You should have done it by tomorrow. Is it advice, a recommendation?  

You should have done it by tomorrow is a prediction - you are telling someone what the state of affairs will be tomorrow. A: "I have been putting these toys into their boxes for three days now! How much longer will it take before I have put the final toy into its box?" B: You should have done it by tomorrow. -> At some time tomorrow you will have put the final toy into its box.  

PaulQ said: A: "I have been putting these toys into their boxes for three days now! How much longer will it take before I have put the final toy into its box?" B: You should have done it by tomorrow. -> At some time tomorrow you will have put the final toy into its box. Click to expand...

You should have done it (i.e. put the last toy in the box) by tomorrow. "You should have done it by tomorrow." -> indicative (conditional past in the future) "You should have it done by tomorrow" -> causative. Compare: A [to the garage owner]: "When will the mechanic have repaired my car?" B: "He should have it (i.e. the car) done by tomorrow"  

• Jun 19, 2019

You should have done it (i.e. put the last toy in the box) by tomorrow. Click to expand...

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did anyone here missed a homework deadline in college if so how did it affect you?

I just missed one and tbh i couldnt careless since i am overworked.

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