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A1 noun #3,456 most common 9 min read

homework

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips homework in 30 Seconds
Explanation homework in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'homework' is one of the first nouns you learn related to school. It is used in very simple sentences to describe daily activities. Beginners learn that homework is the work they do at home after school. They learn the basic phrase 'do homework.' At this level, students focus on the fact that it is a daily task. For example, 'I do my homework at 5 PM.' They also learn to ask simple questions like 'Do you have homework?' The emphasis is on the basic routine of being a student and the immediate connection between the classroom and the home environment. Students at this level might not yet understand that it is an uncountable noun, but they are taught the standard 'do my homework' pattern to avoid early errors.
At the A2 level, students expand their use of 'homework' to include more descriptive language and different time frames. They can talk about homework in the past ('I did my homework yesterday') and the future ('I will do my homework tonight'). They begin to use adjectives like 'hard,' 'easy,' 'long,' or 'short' to describe their assignments. A2 learners also start to understand the social aspect of homework, such as asking friends for help or mentioning it as a reason why they cannot go out. They might say, 'I have too much homework, so I can't play games.' The focus shifts from just the word itself to using it within the context of managing their daily schedule and expressing their feelings about their workload.
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By the B1 level, learners are expected to use 'homework' correctly as an uncountable noun and pair it with a wider variety of verbs like 'assign,' 'complete,' or 'submit.' They can describe the purpose of homework, such as 'Homework helps me practice what I learned in class.' B1 students also begin to encounter the figurative meaning of 'doing one's homework' in the sense of preparation. They can use more complex sentence structures, like 'Even though I had a lot of homework, I still went to the gym.' They also start to understand the difference between homework and other related terms like 'coursework' or 'assignments,' using them appropriately in different academic contexts.
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At the B2 level, students can engage in discussions about the value and effectiveness of homework. they can argue for or against it using terms like 'pedagogical benefit,' 'workload,' and 'stress.' They are comfortable using the figurative meaning in professional or formal contexts, such as 'The company did its homework before launching the new product.' B2 learners can also use more advanced collocations like 'heavy workload,' 'compulsory homework,' and 'independent study.' They understand the nuances of how homework is discussed in educational policy and can summarize articles or debates on the topic. Their grammar is precise, avoiding 'homeworks' and using 'pieces of homework' or 'assignments' when countability is needed.
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C1 learners use 'homework' with sophisticated precision. They understand the subtle connotations of the word in various registers, from casual conversation to academic discourse. They can analyze the socioeconomic implications of homework, such as the 'homework gap' and its impact on educational equity. In professional settings, they use 'doing one's homework' as a metaphor for thorough due diligence and preparation. They can write detailed essays on educational theories regarding homework, citing its role in developing 'procedural knowledge' and 'metacognitive skills.' Their use of the word is seamless, and they can easily switch between synonyms like 'prep,' 'independent tasks,' and 'formative assessments' depending on the audience.
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At the C2 level, mastery of the word 'homework' is absolute. The learner understands not only the literal and figurative uses but also the cultural and historical weight of the term. They can engage in high-level debates about the 'industrialization' of education and how homework fits into modern pedagogical frameworks like 'flipped classrooms.' They are aware of the word's history and its varying usage across different English-speaking cultures (e.g., the use of 'prep' in British elite schools). A C2 speaker can use the word with irony or humor, referencing cultural tropes like 'the dog ate my homework.' They can also use the term in highly specialized contexts, such as discussing 'homeworking' in the context of labor laws and remote work trends.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

homework in 30 Seconds

  • Homework is school work completed at home to reinforce learning, practice skills, and prepare for future lessons. It is an uncountable noun always used with 'do'.
  • Beyond school, 'doing your homework' means preparing thoroughly for a task, meeting, or decision by conducting research and gathering necessary information beforehand.
  • Commonly assigned by teachers, homework helps students develop independence and time-management skills. It is a fundamental part of most global education systems.
  • Avoid saying 'homeworks'; instead, use 'assignments' or 'pieces of homework'. It is a singular, uncountable concept in the English language.
The term homework is a cornerstone of the educational experience globally, representing the bridge between classroom instruction and independent mastery. At its core, homework refers to specific tasks, exercises, or projects assigned by teachers to be completed by students outside of the formal school day. While primarily associated with children and adolescents in primary and secondary education, the concept extends into higher education and even the professional world. In a literal sense, it is work done at home. However, its pedagogical purpose is multifaceted: it serves to reinforce the day's lessons, prepare students for future topics, and cultivate essential life skills such as time management, self-discipline, and critical thinking.
Academic Context
In schools, homework is used to check for understanding. If a student can complete a math problem at home without the teacher's help, it demonstrates mastery of the concept.

The teacher reminded the class to submit their homework via the online portal before midnight.

Beyond the classroom, 'doing your homework' has a figurative meaning in business and politics. It implies performing thorough research or preparation before a meeting, negotiation, or significant decision. For instance, an investor might 'do their homework' on a startup before committing funds. This usage highlights the value of preparation and the gathering of background information.
Professional Context
Before the interview, Sarah did her homework on the company's history and recent financial performance.

You can tell the negotiator hadn't done his homework because he didn't know our competitors' prices.

The history of homework is surprisingly controversial. In the early 20th century, some American doctors argued that homework was detrimental to children's health, leading to a temporary ban in some states. Today, the debate continues over the 'homework gap'—the disadvantage faced by students who lack internet access or a quiet place to study at home.
Educational Philosophy
Constructivist educators believe homework should be exploratory rather than just repetitive drills to maximize cognitive engagement.

The science project was the most engaging homework assignment of the semester.

Digital platforms have transformed how homework is distributed and graded.

Parental involvement in homework can be a double-edged sword, providing support but sometimes causing friction.

Using the word homework correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical nature as an uncountable noun. Unlike 'assignment' or 'exercise,' you cannot pluralize it. You would never say 'I have three homeworks to do.' Instead, you would say 'I have three homework assignments' or simply 'I have a lot of homework.' This is a common point of confusion for English learners.
Verb Pairings
The most common verbs used with homework are 'do,' 'assign,' 'complete,' 'finish,' and 'hand in.' Teachers 'give' or 'assign' it, while students 'do' or 'submit' it.

I spent the entire weekend doing homework for my history class.

In a sentence, 'homework' often functions as a direct object. For example, 'She finished her homework.' It can also be modified by adjectives to describe the quantity or difficulty: 'heavy homework,' 'easy homework,' 'tedious homework,' or 'challenging homework.'
Figurative Usage
When used figuratively, it is almost always paired with the verb 'do.' It implies preparation. 'The lawyer did his homework before the trial.'

If you want to win the debate, you need to do your homework on the topic.

In complex sentences, homework can be the subject: 'Homework is often a source of stress for high school students.' Or it can follow a preposition: 'He is struggling with his math homework.' Notice how the possessive pronoun (his, her, my) frequently precedes the word to indicate who the work belongs to.
Passive Voice
While less common, you might hear: 'The homework must be completed by Friday.'

Despite the power outage, she managed to finish her homework by candlelight.

Our teacher gave us so much homework that I had no time for soccer practice.

The online system allows students to upload their homework directly to the teacher.

You will encounter the word homework in a variety of settings, ranging from domestic environments to corporate boardrooms. In a typical household with school-aged children, 'Have you done your homework?' is perhaps one of the most frequently uttered questions by parents. It is a staple of daily routine, often discussed during dinner or immediately after school. In educational institutions, teachers use it daily when outlining lesson plans or concluding a class: 'Your homework for tonight is to read chapter five.'
In Pop Culture
Movies and TV shows about teenagers almost always feature scenes of characters struggling with homework or trying to find excuses for not doing it.

In the movie, the protagonist's excuse was that the dog ate his homework.

In professional environments, the term shifts toward preparation. During a business meeting, a manager might say, 'We've done our homework on this market, and we're ready to expand.' This signals to colleagues and stakeholders that the team is well-prepared and has data to support their claims. It's a way of conveying competence and diligence.
News and Media
News reports often discuss homework in the context of educational policy, mental health, or the 'homework gap' regarding digital equity.

The evening news featured a segment on how much homework is appropriate for elementary students.

You'll also hear it in social settings among students. 'I can't go to the movies tonight; I have too much homework' is a common refrain. It serves as a universal social excuse for students. In the digital age, 'homework help' is a massive search category on the internet, leading to millions of forums, videos, and tutoring sites dedicated to assisting students with their tasks.
Academic Research
Scholarly articles analyze the correlation between homework completion and standardized test scores.

The professor's homework assignments were designed to prepare us for the rigorous final exam.

I need to stop by the library to finish my homework before the building closes.

Even as an adult, I find myself doing homework before buying a new car by reading all the reviews.

The most prevalent mistake when using homework is treating it as a countable noun. Because many other languages have a plural form for this concept (like 'devoirs' in French or 'tareas' in Spanish), learners often say 'homeworks.' This is always incorrect in English. To refer to individual pieces of work, you must use a counter like 'assignments,' 'tasks,' or 'pieces of homework.'
The 'Make' vs. 'Do' Error
Another frequent error is using 'make' instead of 'do.' You 'do' homework, you don't 'make' it. 'Make' implies creating something new, while 'do' implies performing a task.

Incorrect: I made my homework last night. Correct: I did my homework last night.

Confusing 'homework' with 'housework' is also common. While both contain 'work,' housework refers to cleaning, cooking, and maintaining a home, whereas homework is strictly academic or preparatory research. Mixing these up can lead to confusing sentences like 'I have to do my homework, so I'm going to vacuum the carpet.'
Prepositional Errors
Learners sometimes use the wrong preposition. It is 'homework for' a class, not 'homework of' a class. Similarly, you 'hand in' or 'submit' homework 'to' a teacher.

Incorrect: I have homework of English. Correct: I have homework for English class.

Spelling is generally straightforward, but some people mistakenly split it into two words: 'home work.' While 'home work' (two words) might describe work performed at home (like telecommuting), the academic concept is always the compound word 'homework.' Finally, using 'homework' as a verb is rare and usually informal or technical (e.g., 'homeworking'). In standard English, always use it as a noun.
Article Usage
Avoid using 'a' with homework. You can say 'the homework' (specific) or 'some homework' (general), but 'a homework' is incorrect.

The student was confused by homework instructions that were too vague.

Don't forget to put your name on your homework paper.

He lost points on his homework because it was handed in late.

While homework is the most common term, several alternatives exist depending on the context and the level of formality. 'Assignment' is a very common synonym, often used for more significant or formal tasks. While homework is general, an assignment usually has a specific title or goal. 'Schoolwork' is another broad term, but it encompasses both work done in school and work done at home.
Assignment vs. Homework
Assignment is countable and more formal. Homework is uncountable and more common in daily speech. 'I have an assignment' vs. 'I have homework.'

The professor gave us a 10-page writing assignment as homework.

In British English, particularly in boarding schools, the term 'prep' (short for preparation) is frequently used. It refers to a designated time for students to do their homework. 'Coursework' is used in higher education to refer to work done during a course that contributes to the final grade, which often includes homework but also larger projects.
Task and Exercise
'Exercise' usually refers to short, repetitive tasks like math problems. 'Task' is a more general word for any piece of work to be completed.

Completing the daily exercises is the most important part of your homework.

For figurative use, 'preparation,' 'research,' 'due diligence,' and 'groundwork' are excellent alternatives. In business, 'due diligence' is the formal equivalent of 'doing your homework' before a merger or acquisition. 'Groundwork' refers to the preliminary work that sets the stage for something bigger.
Research vs. Homework
In a non-academic context, 'research' is more specific and formal. 'I did some research on the company' sounds more professional than 'I did my homework on the company.'

The team did extensive groundwork before presenting their homework to the board.

She prefers the term 'home learning' over homework because it sounds more positive.

The student's portfolio included various assignments and homework samples.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

""

Neutral

""

Informal

""

Child friendly

""

Slang

""

Fun Fact

In the early 1900s, there was a significant anti-homework movement in the United States. In 1901, California even passed a law banning homework for students under the age of 15!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈhəʊm.wɜːk/
US /ˈhoʊm.wɝːk/
The primary stress is on the first syllable: HOME-work.
Rhymes With
network framework clockwork patchwork earthwork teamwork breastwork brickwork
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'work' like 'walk'.
  • Stressing the second syllable: home-WORK (incorrect).
  • Adding an 's' at the end: homeworks (incorrect).
  • Pronouncing the 'o' in 'home' as a short 'o' like 'hot'.
  • Making the 'h' silent.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

The word is very common and easy to recognize.

Writing 2/5

Learners often struggle with its uncountable nature (avoiding 'homeworks').

Speaking 1/5

The pronunciation is straightforward.

Listening 1/5

It is a high-frequency word in school and home contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

home work school teacher student

Learn Next

assignment curriculum syllabus assessment deadline

Advanced

pedagogy formative assessment procedural knowledge metacognition educational equity

Grammar to Know

Uncountable Nouns

You cannot say 'three homeworks'; you must say 'three assignments'.

Using 'Do' vs 'Make'

Always use 'do' with homework (e.g., 'do homework').

Zero Article with General Nouns

I have homework (general) vs I have the homework (specific assignment).

Possessive Adjectives

It is common to use 'my', 'your', 'his', 'her' before homework.

Quantifiers for Uncountable Nouns

Use 'much', 'some', 'any', or 'a lot of' with homework.

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Examples by Level

1

I have homework today.

J'ai des devoirs aujourd'hui.

'Homework' is uncountable.

2

Do you do your homework?

Est-ce que tu fais tes devoirs ?

Use 'do' with homework.

3

My homework is easy.

Mes devoirs sont faciles.

Use 'is' because homework is singular/uncountable.

4

I do homework after school.

Je fais mes devoirs après l'école.

No 'the' is needed for general tasks.

5

She has math homework.

Elle a des devoirs de maths.

Subject + has + [subject] homework.

6

Where is your homework?

Où sont tes devoirs ?

Possessive adjective + homework.

7

He likes his homework.

Il aime ses devoirs.

Simple present tense.

8

We have no homework.

Nous n'avons pas de devoirs.

'No' can be used to indicate zero quantity.

1

I finished my homework late last night.

J'ai fini mes devoirs tard hier soir.

Past tense 'finished'.

2

Is there any homework for tomorrow?

Y a-t-il des devoirs pour demain ?

Use 'any' in questions.

3

I need help with my English homework.

J'ai besoin d'aide pour mes devoirs d'anglais.

'Help with' + [possessive] homework.

4

My teacher gave us a lot of homework.

Mon professeur nous a donné beaucoup de devoirs.

'A lot of' is used for large quantities.

5

I forgot my homework at home.

J'ai oublié mes devoirs à la maison.

Past tense 'forgot'.

6

She is doing her homework in the library.

Elle fait ses devoirs à la bibliothèque.

Present continuous 'is doing'.

7

You should do your homework before dinner.

Tu devrais faire tes devoirs avant le dîner.

Modal verb 'should' for advice.

8

This homework is very difficult.

Ces devoirs sont très difficiles.

Adjective 'difficult' modifying homework.

1

I always complete my homework on time.

Je termine toujours mes devoirs à temps.

Adverb 'always' before the verb.

2

The teacher assigned some difficult homework today.

Le professeur a donné des devoirs difficiles aujourd'hui.

'Assign' is a formal verb for giving homework.

3

Homework is necessary for practicing new skills.

Les devoirs sont nécessaires pour pratiquer de nouvelles compétences.

Gerund 'practicing' after 'for'.

4

I have been doing my homework for three hours.

Je fais mes devoirs depuis trois heures.

Present perfect continuous for duration.

5

He missed the party because of his homework.

Il a raté la fête à cause de ses devoirs.

'Because of' + noun phrase.

6

Could you please check my homework for mistakes?

Pourriez-vous s'il vous plaît vérifier mes devoirs pour des erreurs ?

Polite request using 'Could'.

7

I prefer doing my homework in a quiet place.

Je préfère faire mes devoirs dans un endroit calme.

'Prefer' + gerund.

8

She didn't have much homework this week.

Elle n'a pas eu beaucoup de devoirs cette semaine.

Use 'much' with uncountable nouns in negatives.

1

The politician clearly hadn't done her homework on the issue.

La politicienne n'avait manifestement pas préparé son sujet.

Figurative use meaning 'preparation'.

2

Research suggests that excessive homework can lead to burnout.

La recherche suggère que trop de devoirs peut mener à l'épuisement.

Uncountable 'homework' as a subject.

3

The teacher provided feedback on our weekend homework.

Le professeur a fait des commentaires sur nos devoirs du week-end.

'Feedback' is also uncountable.

4

Students are often overwhelmed by the volume of homework they receive.

Les étudiants sont souvent submergés par le volume de devoirs qu'ils reçoivent.

Passive voice 'are overwhelmed'.

5

He spent all evening doing his homework to ensure a good grade.

Il a passé toute la soirée à faire ses devoirs pour s'assurer une bonne note.

'To ensure' shows purpose.

6

The debate over the benefits of homework remains unresolved.

Le débat sur les avantages des devoirs reste non résolu.

Formal sentence structure.

7

Before investing, you must do your homework on the company's finances.

Avant d'investir, vous devez faire vos recherches sur les finances de l'entreprise.

Figurative use in a business context.

8

She was exempt from homework due to her excellent performance.

Elle était dispensée de devoirs en raison de son excellente performance.

'Exempt from' + noun.

1

The 'homework gap' exacerbates existing educational inequalities.

Le « fossé des devoirs » aggrave les inégalités éducatives existantes.

Compound noun 'homework gap'.

2

A meticulous approach to homework fosters lifelong study habits.

Une approche méticuleuse des devoirs favorise des habitudes d'étude pour la vie.

Abstract subject 'A meticulous approach'.

3

The CEO's failure to do his homework resulted in a disastrous merger.

L'échec du PDG à faire ses recherches a entraîné une fusion désastreuse.

Gerund phrase 'failure to do'.

4

They discussed the pedagogical value of homework in modern curricula.

Ils ont discuté de la valeur pédagogique des devoirs dans les programmes modernes.

Academic vocabulary: 'pedagogical', 'curricula'.

5

Homework assignments should be tailored to individual student needs.

Les devoirs devraient être adaptés aux besoins individuels des élèves.

Passive modal 'should be tailored'.

6

The correlation between homework and academic achievement is complex.

La corrélation entre les devoirs et la réussite scolaire est complexe.

'Correlation between' A and B.

7

Critics argue that homework infringes upon a child's right to play.

Les critiques soutiennent que les devoirs empiètent sur le droit de l'enfant de jouer.

'Infringe upon' is a formal phrasal verb.

8

Doing your homework is essential for any successful negotiation.

Faire ses recherches est essentiel pour toute négociation réussie.

Gerund phrase as subject.

1

The pervasive nature of homework often blurs the line between school and home.

La nature omniprésente des devoirs brouille souvent la frontière entre l'école et la maison.

Sophisticated vocabulary 'pervasive', 'blurs'.

2

An exhaustive amount of homework can be counterproductive to learning.

Une quantité exhaustive de devoirs peut être contre-productive pour l'apprentissage.

Adjective 'exhaustive' and 'counterproductive'.

3

She approached the project with the diligence of a student doing homework.

Elle a abordé le projet avec la diligence d'un étudiant faisant ses devoirs.

Simile using 'diligence of'.

4

The systematic assignment of homework is a hallmark of traditional education.

L'attribution systématique de devoirs est une caractéristique de l'éducation traditionnelle.

'Hallmark of' means a typical feature.

5

One must do their homework before making such sweeping generalizations.

Il faut faire ses recherches avant de faire de telles généralisations hâtives.

Formal use of 'one' as a pronoun.

6

The efficacy of homework as a learning tool is a subject of intense scrutiny.

L'efficacité des devoirs en tant qu'outil d'apprentissage est un sujet d'examen intense.

High-level noun 'efficacy' and 'scrutiny'.

7

Digital platforms have revolutionized the distribution and grading of homework.

Les plateformes numériques ont révolutionné la distribution et la notation des devoirs.

Present perfect 'have revolutionized'.

8

Homework should not be a mere rote exercise but a catalyst for inquiry.

Les devoirs ne devraient pas être un simple exercice de routine mais un catalyseur pour l'enquête.

Contrast using 'not a mere... but a...'.

Synonyms

assignment prep schoolwork tasks exercises studies

Antonyms

classwork leisure playtime

Common Collocations

do homework
assign homework
hand in homework
heavy homework
math homework
complete homework
homework assignment
daily homework
finish homework
extra homework

Common Phrases

Have you done your homework?

— A standard question asked by parents to check if a child has finished their school tasks.

Her mom asked, 'Have you done your homework yet?' before letting her watch TV.

homework help

— Assistance or resources provided to help students complete their school assignments.

There are many websites that offer free homework help for students.

homework policy

— A set of rules or guidelines established by a school regarding how much homework is given.

The school's new homework policy limits assignments to 30 minutes per night.

ton of homework

— An informal way to say a very large amount of school work.

I can't come out tonight; I have a ton of homework to do.

homework folder

— A physical or digital folder where students keep their assignments.

Please put your completed worksheets in your homework folder.

homework load

— The total amount of homework a student is required to do.

The student complained that the homework load was too stressful.

no homework

— A situation where no tasks are assigned, often as a reward or during holidays.

The teacher gave the class a 'no homework' pass for winning the contest.

homework club

— An after-school group where students can work on their assignments together.

He stays for homework club every Tuesday to get extra help.

check homework

— To review a student's work for accuracy and completion.

The teacher will check the homework at the beginning of the lesson.

homework deadline

— The specific time or date by which an assignment must be submitted.

The homework deadline is Friday at 5:00 PM.

Often Confused With

homework vs housework

Housework is cleaning and cooking; homework is studying and school tasks.

homework vs home work

Two words might refer to working from home (telecommuting), but the school task is always one word.

homework vs homeworking

This refers to the act of working from home for a job, not doing school assignments.

Idioms & Expressions

"do your homework"

— To prepare for something by researching it thoroughly or finding out all the necessary information.

If you want to buy a good car, you really need to do your homework first.

neutral / professional
"the dog ate my homework"

— A classic, often humorous, excuse for not having completed an assignment.

When I asked for his essay, he just gave me the old 'the dog ate my homework' excuse.

informal / humorous
"homework is for the birds"

— An old-fashioned way of saying that homework is useless or a waste of time.

I used to think homework was for the birds until I failed my first exam.

informal / dated
"pile on the homework"

— To give a student a very large and overwhelming amount of work to do.

Our history teacher always piles on the homework over the holidays.

informal
"skimp on your homework"

— To do the preparation or research work poorly or too quickly.

Don't skimp on your homework before the big presentation, or you'll look foolish.

neutral
"homework heavy"

— A description of a course or program that requires a lot of outside study.

This semester is very homework heavy, so I've cleared my schedule.

informal
"get ahead on homework"

— To complete assignments before they are actually due.

I like to get ahead on my homework so I can relax during the weekend.

neutral
"struggle with homework"

— To find the assigned tasks very difficult to understand or complete.

Many students struggle with homework when the classroom concepts aren't clear.

neutral
"breeze through homework"

— To complete an assignment very easily and quickly.

She is so good at math that she usually breezes through her homework in ten minutes.

informal
"homework-free"

— A period of time or a specific day when no assignments are given.

The principal declared a homework-free weekend for the whole school.

neutral

Easily Confused

homework vs assignment

They both mean school tasks.

Assignment is countable and more formal. Homework is uncountable and more common.

I have a homework (wrong) vs I have an assignment (correct).

homework vs schoolwork

They both relate to school tasks.

Schoolwork includes work done inside the classroom; homework is specifically for outside.

He's busy with his schoolwork.

homework vs coursework

Both involve outside study.

Coursework is usually a larger part of a final grade in university or college.

My coursework is worth 40% of the final mark.

homework vs prep

Both mean school preparation.

Prep is mostly used in British boarding schools; homework is universal.

Time for prep!

homework vs task

Both are pieces of work.

Task is very general; homework is specifically academic.

The task was difficult.

Sentence Patterns

A1

I have [subject] homework.

I have math homework.

A1

I do my homework at [time].

I do my homework at 4 o'clock.

A2

There is no homework today.

There is no homework today because it's Friday.

A2

I forgot my homework in [place].

I forgot my homework in my locker.

B1

I spent [time] doing my homework.

I spent two hours doing my homework.

B1

Could you help me with my homework?

Could you help me with my science homework?

B2

The teacher assigned a lot of homework.

The teacher assigned a lot of homework for the break.

C1

Doing your homework is crucial for [result].

Doing your homework is crucial for a successful interview.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

Related

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How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in educational contexts; moderately high in professional contexts (figurative).

Common Mistakes
  • I have many homeworks. → I have a lot of homework.

    Homework is uncountable and cannot be pluralized with an 's'.

  • I made my homework. → I did my homework.

    The correct verb to use with homework is 'do', not 'make'.

  • I have a homework. → I have some homework.

    Because it is uncountable, you cannot use the indefinite article 'a'.

  • I'm doing my housework for math. → I'm doing my homework for math.

    Housework refers to cleaning the house; homework refers to school tasks.

  • The teacher gave us homeworks of English. → The teacher gave us English homework.

    Avoid pluralizing and use the subject name as a modifier before 'homework'.

Tips

Never Pluralize

Always remember that 'homework' is uncountable. Even if you have work for five different subjects, it is still just 'homework'. Never add an 's'.

Use 'Do'

Collocation is key! Always pair 'homework' with the verb 'do'. Using 'make' is a common mistake for non-native speakers.

Universal Excuse

In student life, 'I have homework' is a perfectly acceptable reason to decline an invitation. It's a universal social 'get out of jail free' card.

Preparation is Key

Use the phrase 'do your homework' in business to impress your colleagues with your level of preparation and research.

Break It Down

If you have a lot of homework, break it into smaller 'assignments' or 'tasks' to make it feel more manageable.

Listen for 'Prep'

If you are watching a British movie set in a school, listen for the word 'prep'—it almost always means homework.

Formal Synonyms

In formal academic writing, use 'assignments' or 'independent study' instead of 'homework' to sound more professional.

Practice Daily

The best way to learn the word is to use it. Every time you study, tell yourself: 'I am doing my homework now'.

Respect the Balance

Understand that different cultures have different views on homework. Some see it as essential, while others see it as a burden.

Check Your Spelling

It's one word: 'homework'. Don't split it into 'home work' or you might confuse your reader.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Home' + 'Work'. It's simply the 'Work' you do at your 'Home'. Remember: Home is where the heart is, but home is where the work is too!

Visual Association

Imagine a student sitting at a kitchen table with a lamp, a stack of books, and a glass of milk. The 'home' setting is key to the word.

Word Web

School Teacher Student Assignment Study Learning Deadline Grade

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about what you have to do today using the word 'homework' at least once.

Word Origin

The word 'homework' is a compound noun formed from the Old English words 'hām' (home) and 'weorc' (work). It has been used in its modern sense since at least the late 19th century as formal education systems became more structured.

Original meaning: Work that is done at home, whether academic or labor-related.

Germanic (English)

Cultural Context

Be aware that not all students have a stable 'home' or a quiet place to work, so the term can be sensitive in discussions about educational equity.

In the US, 'doing your homework' is a common metaphor for being prepared. In the UK, you might hear the term 'prep' in more traditional school settings.

The song 'Homework' by Otis Rush. The common trope in cartoons where a dog literally eats the homework. The movie 'The Homework' (1982).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At home with parents

  • Have you done your homework?
  • Do you need help with your homework?
  • No TV until your homework is finished.
  • Put your homework in your bag.

In the classroom

  • Please hand in your homework.
  • Your homework for tonight is...
  • I'll check your homework tomorrow.
  • The homework is on page 42.

Among friends

  • How much homework do we have?
  • Can I see your homework?
  • I have so much homework!
  • Let's do our homework together.

In a business meeting

  • We've done our homework on this.
  • Did you do your homework before the meeting?
  • We need to do some more homework on the competitors.
  • The report shows they really did their homework.

Online/Search

  • homework help
  • homework answers
  • homework tips
  • homework schedule

Conversation Starters

"How much homework did you usually have when you were in school?"

"Do you think homework is actually helpful for learning, or just stressful?"

"What was your favorite and least favorite type of homework assignment?"

"Have you ever had to 'do your homework' before making a big purchase like a car?"

"How do you feel about schools that have a 'no homework' policy?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time you worked very hard on a homework assignment and felt proud of the result.

Do you believe that homework helps students develop better time-management skills? Why or why not?

If you were a teacher, what kind of homework would you give your students to make learning fun?

Reflect on the 'homework gap.' How does technology access affect a student's ability to succeed?

Write about a time you didn't 'do your homework' before a situation and what the consequence was.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Homework is an uncountable noun. This means you should never say 'homeworks'. If you want to count it, say 'two homework assignments' or 'three pieces of homework'. For example, 'I have a lot of homework' is correct, but 'I have many homeworks' is incorrect.

You should always use 'do' with homework. In English, we 'do' tasks and 'make' objects. Since homework is a task, 'do my homework' is the correct phrase. For example, 'I did my homework last night' is correct.

Yes, you can use 'homework' figuratively in business. It means doing thorough research or preparation before a meeting or decision. For example, 'We did our homework on the new market' means you researched the market well.

Homework is school work given by a teacher. Housework is chores done to keep a house clean, like vacuuming or washing dishes. They are very different! 'I did my homework' means you studied; 'I did my housework' means you cleaned.

In most British contexts, 'homework' is the standard word. However, in some private or boarding schools, it is often called 'prep'. Both are understood, but 'homework' is much more common overall.

Generally, no. For school assignments, it is always the compound word 'homework'. Using two words 'home work' might be used to describe labor performed at home, but it is rare and usually confused with 'homeworking'.

You can say 'a homework assignment', 'a piece of homework', or 'a homework task'. You cannot simply say 'a homework'. For example, 'I have one piece of math homework to finish' is perfect.

Usually, yes. In most school systems, homework is required and contributes to a student's final grade. However, some progressive schools have 'optional homework' or 'no homework' policies.

It is a famous, cliché excuse that students use when they haven't finished their work. It's almost never true and is now mostly used as a joke to mean 'I have a bad excuse'.

No, 'homework' is a noun. While you might see the word 'homeworking' (meaning working from home), you shouldn't say 'I am homeworking' to mean you are doing school tasks. Use 'I am doing my homework'.

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Test Yourself 30 questions

writing

Write a sentence about your homework today.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a paragraph about why homework is important.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Tell me: Do you like homework?

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and write the word: [Audio: homework]

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/ 30 correct

Perfect score!

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