i already finished my homework

Just and Already: How to Use Already and Just Correctly

When it comes to using English grammar correctly, the difference between “just” and “already” can be a bit confusing. These two words are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings that can affect the overall meaning of a sentence. In this article, we will explore the differences between “just” and “already” and provide examples of how to use them correctly.

Just and Already

In English, we use ‘just’ and ‘already’ to talk about actions that have happened in the recent past. These adverbs are commonly used with the present perfect tense. The present perfect tense is formed by using the auxiliary verb ‘have’ or ‘has’ with the past participle of the main verb.

‘Just’ means that something has happened a short time ago. It is often used with the present perfect to describe an action that has happened very recently. For example, “I have just finished my homework.” In this sentence, ‘just’ indicates that the speaker has finished their homework very recently.

‘Already’ means that something has happened before the expected time. It is often used with the present perfect to describe an action that has happened earlier than expected. For example, “I have already finished my homework.” In this sentence, ‘already’ indicates that the speaker has finished their homework earlier than expected.

It is important to note that the use of ‘just’ and ‘already’ can change the meaning of a sentence. For example, “I have finished my homework” is a simple sentence that just states the fact that the speaker has finished their homework. However, if we add ‘just’ or ‘already’ to this sentence, it changes the meaning. “I have just finished my homework” means that the speaker has finished their homework very recently. “I have already finished my homework” means that the speaker has finished their homework earlier than expected.

Usage of ‘Just’ in English

‘just’ in present perfect tense.

In the present perfect tense, ‘just’ is used to describe an action that has happened very recently. It is often used with the words ‘have’ or ‘has’. For example, “I have just finished my homework.” This sentence means that the speaker has finished their homework only a short time ago.

‘Just’ in Past Simple Tense

In the past simple tense, ‘just’ is used to describe an action that happened a short time ago. It is often used with the word ‘did’. For example, “I just saw her at the store.” This sentence means that the speaker saw the person only a short time ago.

‘Just’ in Questions and Negative Statements

In questions and negative statements, ‘just’ is used to ask or state whether an action has happened very recently. For example, “Have you just arrived?” This question means that the speaker is asking whether the person has arrived only a short time ago. In a negative statement, ‘just’ is used to say that an action has not happened very recently. For example, “I haven’t just eaten breakfast .” This statement means that the speaker did not eat breakfast only a short time ago.

Usage of ‘Already’ in English

‘already’ in present perfect tense.

In the present perfect tense, ‘already’ is often used to indicate that an action has been completed before the present moment. For example, “I have already finished my homework” means that the speaker finished their homework before the present moment. Here are a few more examples:

• We have already booked our tickets for the concert.
• Has she already eaten breakfast?
• They haven’t already left, have they?

‘Already’ in Past Simple Tense

In the past simple tense, ‘already’ is used to indicate that something happened earlier than expected. For example, “I already saw that movie” means that the speaker saw the movie earlier than expected. Here are a few more examples:

• She already knew the answer to the question.
• He had already left by the time we arrived.
• They already finished the project last week.

‘Already’ in Questions and Negative Statements

In questions and negative statements, ‘already’ is often used to express surprise or disbelief. For example, “You haven’t finished your homework already?” expresses surprise that the homework may have been completed earlier than expected. Here are a few more examples:

• Has he already left for the airport?
• I can’t believe she already finished the book.
• They haven’t already sold the house, have they?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ‘just’ and ‘already’ in the English language?

‘Just’ means ‘a short time ago’ or ‘recently,’ while ‘already’ means ‘before now’ or ‘so soon.’ The difference between ‘just’ and ‘already’ is that ‘just’ refers to a recent past event, whereas ‘already’ refers to an event that occurred before the present time.

How can I use ‘already’ in a sentence correctly?

‘Already’ is often used with the present perfect tense to indicate that an action has been completed before the present time. For example, “I have already eaten breakfast.” It can also be used with the past simple tense to indicate that something happened sooner than expected. For example, “I already finished my homework.”

When should I use ‘just’ in a sentence?

‘Just’ is used to indicate that something has happened a short time ago or recently. It is often used in the present perfect tense to describe an action that has just been completed. For example, “I have just finished my work.” It can also be used in the past simple tense to describe an action that happened a short time ago. For example, “I just saw a movie.”

What is the meaning of ‘just yet’?

‘Just yet’ is a phrase that is used to indicate that something has not happened, but it might happen soon. For example, “I haven’t finished my work just yet, but I will soon.”

Can you explain the use of ‘just’, ‘already’, and ‘yet’ in the present perfect tense?

‘Just’ is used to describe an action that has happened a short time ago or recently. ‘Already’ is used to describe an action that has been completed before the present time. ‘Yet’ is used to indicate that an action has not happened, but it will happen in the future. In the present perfect tense, ‘just’ and ‘already’ are used to describe completed actions, while ‘yet’ is used to describe actions that have not been completed. For example, “I have just finished my work, but I haven’t finished my homework yet.”

Last Updated on November 14, 2023

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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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Present Perfect vs Past Perfect: Understanding the Key Differences

Published by

Olivia Drake

Summary:   Present Perfect (“have/has” + past participle) for actions impacting the present. Past Perfect (“had” + past participle) details events before others in the past. Key is understanding timing, sequence, and effects. Avoid common mistakes like incorrect time references. Examples clarify their application, ensuring precise expression of past actions’ relevance or sequence.

On this page:

The Present Perfect and Past Perfect tenses are both used to talk about actions and situations in relation to a point in time, but they differ in their focus. Here’s a breakdown of the main differences:

Present Perfect

Usage:  Indicates actions or events that occurred at an unspecified time before now. It emphasizes the result or effect of the action in the present. Form:  “have/has” + past participle (e.g., “have done,” “has seen”). Key Phrases:  often used with “already,” “ever,” “just,” “never,” “not yet,” “so far.” Example Sentences:

• “I have finished my homework.” (The exact time is not specified; the focus is on the completion.)
• “She has visited Paris three times.” (Emphasizes the experience up to now.)

Past Perfect

Usage:  Describes actions or events that were completed before another action or event in the past. It highlights the sequence of past actions. Form: “had” + past participle (e.g., “had done,” “had seen”).Key Phrases: often used with “before,” “by the time,” “until.” Example Sentences:

• “I had finished my homework before dinner.” (Emphasizes that the homework was completed before another past event.)
• “She had visited Paris three times before she moved there.” (Indicates the visits occurred before another past action.)

Comparison Between Present Perfect and Past Perfect

Timeline and order.

When comparing the present perfect and past perfect, it’s important to understand the timeline and order of events. The present perfect is used to describe an action that happened at an unspecified time before now, while the past perfect is used to describe an action that happened before another past action.

For example , if you say “I have eaten breakfast,” you’re talking about an action that happened at an unspecified time before now. But if you say “I had eaten breakfast before I went to work,” you’re talking about an action that happened before another past action (going to work).

Consequences and Results

Another difference between the present perfect and past perfect is the consequences and results of the actions. The present perfect focuses on the present result of a past action, while the past perfect focuses on the past result of a past action.

For example , if you say “I have lost my keys,” you’re talking about the present result (not having your keys) of a past action (losing your keys). But if you say “I had lost my keys before I found them,” you’re talking about the past result (not having your keys) of a past action (losing your keys).

Verbs and Actions

The choice between present perfect and past perfect can also depend on the verb and action being described. The present perfect is often used for actions that have a connection to the present, while the past perfect is often used for actions that are completely in the past.

For example , if you say “I have lived in this city for five years,” you’re talking about an action (living in the city) that has a connection to the present (you still live there). But if you say “I had visited that museum before it closed,” you’re talking about an action (visiting the museum) that is completely in the past.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Navigating the nuances between the Present Perfect and Past Perfect tenses can be challenging, often leading to common mistakes. Here’s a look at these mistakes and tips on how to avoid them:

1. Confusing Time Reference

Mistake:  Using the Present Perfect to talk about a specific time in the past. Example of Mistake:  “I have seen him yesterday.”Correction: “I saw him yesterday.” (Use simple past for specific times in the past.) How to Avoid:  Remember that the Present Perfect connects the past action to the present moment without specifying when it happened. For actions at a specific past time, use the Simple Past.

2. Using the Past Perfect without a Second Past Action

Mistake:  Using the Past Perfect when there’s no second past action or event for it to precede. Example of Mistake:  “I had gone to the store.” (No second action mentioned.)Correction: “I went to the store.” (Use Simple Past if there’s no subsequent action in the past.) How to Avoid:  Use the Past Perfect only when you need to show that one past action happened before another past action. Otherwise, stick with the Simple Past.

3. Misplacing Time Expressions

Mistake:  Misusing time expressions specific to each tense. Example of Mistake:  “I had finished my work just now.”Correction: “I have just finished my work.” How to Avoid:  Use time expressions like “just,” “already,” “ever,” and “never” with the Present Perfect. For the Past Perfect, phrases like “by the time,” “before,” and “until” are more appropriate.

4. Overusing the Past Perfect

Mistake:  Overusing the Past Perfect for actions that don’t require emphasizing order. Example of Mistake:  “After I had woken up, I had brushed my teeth, and then I had gone to school.”Correction: “After I woke up, I brushed my teeth, and then I went to school.” How to Avoid:  Use the Past Perfect sparingly, mainly to clarify the sequence of past events when the sequence is not clear through context. Otherwise, the Simple Past is often sufficient.

5. Ignoring the Present Implication of Present Perfect

Mistake:  Forgetting that the Present Perfect implies a connection to the present. Example of Mistake:  “I have lived in Paris in 2005.” (The action is completely in the past.) Correction: “I lived in Paris in 2005.” (Use Simple Past for actions that happened and ended in the past.) How to Avoid:  Use the Present Perfect to talk about experiences that affect the present or when the exact time of the action is not important or not mentioned. For past actions with a clear end, use the Simple Past.

Practical Examples of Present Perfect vs Past Perfect

To better understand the difference between present perfect and past perfect tenses, let’s look at some practical examples and exercises.

Example 1: Event

• Past perfect : You had already finished your homework before the party began.
• Present perfect : You have finished your homework before the party started. In this example, the past perfect tense is used to describe a completed action that happened before another past action. The present perfect tense is used to describe a completed action that happened before the present moment.

Example 2: Experience

• Past perfect : You had never been to New York before you visited last year.
• Present perfect:  You have been to New York three times this year. In this example, the past perfect tense is used to describe a past experience that happened before another past action. The present perfect tense is used to describe a past experience that happened at an unspecified time in the past and has relevance to the present moment.

Example 3: Dinner

• Past perfect : You had already eaten dinner when your friend arrived.
• Present perfect : You have eaten dinner already. In this example, the past perfect tense is used to describe a completed action that happened before another past action. The present perfect tense is used to describe a completed action that happened before the present moment.

Example 4: Not Finished

• Past perfect : You had not finished your work when your boss called.
• Present perfect : You have not finished your work yet. In this example, the past perfect tense is used to describe an incomplete action that happened before another past action. The present perfect tense is used to describe an incomplete action that is relevant to the present moment.

Example 5: So Far

• Past perfect : You had traveled to five countries before you turned 30.
• Present perfect : You have traveled to seven countries so far. In this example, the past perfect tense is used to describe a completed action that happened before another past action. The present perfect tense is used to describe a completed action that is relevant to the present moment.

Example 6: Events

• Past perfect : You had missed the train when you arrived at the station.
• Present perfect : You have missed the last train. In this example, the past perfect tense is used to describe a completed action that happened before another past action. The present perfect tense is used to describe a completed action that is relevant to the present moment.

Example 7: Will/Going to

• Past perfect : You had planned to go to the beach, but it rained.
• Present perfect : You have planned to go to the beach this weekend. In this example, the past perfect tense is used to describe a planned action that did not happen because of an external factor. The present perfect tense is used to describe a planned action that is relevant to the present moment.

Example 8: Already Eat

• Past perfect : You had already eaten breakfast when your friend arrived.
• Present perfect : You have already eaten breakfast. In this example, the past perfect tense is used to describe a completed action that happened before another past action. The present perfect tense is used to describe a completed action that happened before the present moment.

Exercise 6: Learners

• Past perfect : You had studied English for three years before you moved to the United States.
• Present perfect : You have studied English for six months. In this example, the past perfect tense is used to describe a completed action that happened before another past action. The present perfect tense is used to describe a completed action that is relevant to the present moment.

Related Articles:

• Present Perfect Tense: How to Use It
• Past Simple vs Present Perfect: A Clear Comparison Guide
• Questions in Present Perfect: Mastering its Usage and Structure
• Present Perfect Sentences with Examples

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English Grammar – Using ALREADY & YET

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• I 've already visited three universities.
• She 's just won the match.
• I haven't made a decision yet .
• ‘ Have you seen that new film yet ? ’   ‘ Yes, I have . / No, I haven't . ’

• visit  →  visit ed   arrive  →  arriv ed
• have, had  →  had   lose, lost  →  lost
• do, did  →  done   eat, ate  →  eaten
• They 've just made a big announcement.
• Have you finished that book yet ?
• Spring has already arrived in Madrid!
• Practice 1   Gap-fill
• Practice 2   Gap-fill
• Practice 3   Multiple choice
• Practice 4   Multiple choice
• Practice 5   Gap-fill
• Practice 6   Multiple choice
• Practice 7   Multiple choice
• Practice 8   Gap-fill
• Practice 9   Gap-fill
• Practice 10   Gap-fill
• Practice 11   Gap-fill

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:

By the way, have you already seen my brand new web app for non-native speakers of English ? It's based on reading texts and learning by having all meanings, pronunciations, grammar forms etc. easily accessible. It looks like this:

Use the image

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?

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'Have just finished' vs. 'Just finished': What is the difference?

I have just finished my homework. I just finished my homework.

I think there must be a difference in meaning. Could anyone tell me the difference in meaning sentence 1 and sentence 2?

• present-perfect
• past-simple

2 Answers 2

Your examples:

I have just finished my homework.

I just finished my homework.

I think this question is purely about simple past vs present perfect as well as British English vs American English. That's why, you are saying "there must be differences in meaning between them"

As far as the differences in meaning between these sentences is concerned, there is no real differences in meaning between them. As john Lawler mentions in his answer https://english.stackexchange.com/questions/202122/the-correct-usage-of-past-tense-with-just "Different speakers with different habits and experiences will probably see potential distinction or difference to make but nobody will see or make the same ones". Both of these sentences imply the same meaning but tense is different in them, which here doesn't affect their meanings. A speaker choces the one which sounds best to him/her.

The word "just" is commonly used with present perfect tense(most commonly in British English) to indicate that an action has recently happened and influences the present moment of speaking.

According to Cambridge dictionary, http://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/just

''just' as a time Expression'' can mean 'recently or very short time before' or after speaking.

I have just decided to sell my apartment. I'm on the way to the station. The train has just arrived. I have just finished my homework.

Having said that, In American English it's acceptable to use" just" with simple past as well as with present perfect to express that something recently happened.

However, since the language develops over the time, it's widely increasing the use of 'just' with 'simple past' even in British English.

This might be helpfull http://www.eslhq.com/forums/esl-forums/english-questions/past-simple-just-16200/

Simple past vs present perfect

We use Present perfect for actions which started in the past and are still happening now or for finished actions which have a connection to the present.

----A finished action with a result in the present:

I 've lost my keys! (The result is that I can't get into my house now).

We use the past simple for past events or actions which have no connection to the present----

I lost my keys yesterday. It was terrible! (Now there is no result. I got new keys yesterday).

For better understanding check

http://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/present-perfect-or-past-simple.html

I have just finished my homework (BrE, AmE).

I just finished my homework (AmE).

There's no difference in meaning.

The British use the present perfect for recent actions, especially with just, already, and yet. Americans can use either the present perfect or simple past with these words.

• I'm skeptical of your belief about "the British" here. On what do you base this notion? "The British" (whoever they might be) are as wont to eschew the perfect as we colonials. What you say may have been true three decades ago, but today, there's little to choose. –  P. E. Dant Reinstate Monica Commented Oct 22, 2016 at 9:09
• 1 The distinction in usage (American English v British English) is a known difference. But I can't agree they mean exactly the same, as used in the same dialect. In other words, in AmE there is a difference between I just finished... and I've just finished... . –  Alan Carmack Commented Oct 23, 2016 at 2:15
• As a native AmE speaker, I couldn't tell you what the difference in meaning between "I just finished" and "I have just finished" is. As far as I know they are exactly the same, just one more terse than the other. –  Matt Commented Feb 10, 2020 at 16:40

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Which timeline illustrates “I have finished my homework” most accurately? [duplicate]

I have learned Present-perfect in school. But I felt that foreigner used in different way of Present-perfect. What is the right tense of this sentence?

Please choose the right picture that shows the exact meaning of the sentence i.e. I have finished my homework . Is it No.1 or No.2?

I heard that the Present-perfect tells the nearest past. The blue part of the picture shows the tense of the sentence. I think No.2 is the right picture that shows the right meaning of the sentence (I have finished my homework.) The sentence below include the nearest past of Present perfect tense. Am I right?

• present-perfect
• perfect-aspect

• related: 1. How to correctly use the present perfect tense 2. Simple Past vs. Present Perfect: “was” vs. “has been” 3. Past simple vs present perfect –  Mari-Lou A Commented Sep 22, 2015 at 9:38

Neither is right or wrong. That is not the distinction which the present perfect captures.

I have finished my homework.

is stating that the event in the past has some present relevance . Sometimes the present relevance is that it is very recent (your picture 2); but other times it will have a different significance.

For example,

Do you want to go out? No, I've got my homework to do. That's a pity: I've finished my homework, and I want to do something.

doesn't necessarily mean that I have just now finished my homework: I might have, but it might be that I finished it this morning. The present relevance is that now I am in a state of having-finished-my-homework, whereas you are not in that state.

In fact the significance of aspect (in English, perfect vs. past, or continuous vs. not continuous) is often not in the events described, but in the way you are, at that moment, choosing to talk about the events.

• I've been looking at the OP's timeline graph and it's not that bad really. But I'd say that neither one of them is right or wrong. Funnily enough, if you compare the OP's graph with the proposed duplicate question, the first is very similar to Robusto's graphical representation. english.stackexchange.com/a/21847/44619 –  Mari-Lou A Commented Sep 22, 2015 at 12:33

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I’ve already finished all my work, so I _______ study tonight. I think I’ll read for a while.

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I already did my homework vs I had already completed my homework

Last updated: March 21, 2024

I already did my homework

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate that the homework is finished.

• I already did my homework, so I can go out now.
• She asked me if I had done my homework, and I replied, 'I already did my homework.'

Alternatives:

• I have already finished my homework.
• I completed my homework already.

I had already completed my homework

This phrase is correct and is used to emphasize that the completion of the homework happened before a specific point in the past.

• By the time she asked me about my homework, I had already completed my homework.
• I had already completed my homework when the teacher announced the assignment.
• I had finished my homework already.
• My homework was already completed.

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Yale Grammatical Diversity Project English in North America 

Done my homework.

(Yerastov 2010b:117)

The done my homework construction involves a form of the word be , followed by the participle finished or done (or, for some speakers, started ), followed by a noun phrase. (1) and (2) show two examples of this construction:

1) I’m done my homework. 2) I’m finished my homework.

Note that the noun phrase does not have to be my homework . In fact, it can be almost any noun phrase, as shown by the following examples taken from Hinnell (2012:4):

3) a. Martin is done his bass tracks and we are ready to start vocals. b. By the time I am done dinner , I don’t want my side snack. c. So many bloggers I read are doing this. One is already done her 50,000 words ! d. This will be particularly important once you’re done the tattoo and need to leave the shop.

Who says this? Syntactic properties Recent survey results References

Who says this?

The done my homework construction is a widespread characteristic of Canadian English, and it is also found in the United States among speakers in the Philadelphia area, southern New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and the northern part of New England (Yerastov 2008, 2010a, 2010b, 2012, 2016; Hinnell 2012; Fruehwald and Myler 2013, 2015; Zanuttini et al. 2016). It has not been found in the dialects of the United Kingdom or elsewhere outside of North America.

See our interactive maps below to explore some of the raw data in more detail.

Syntactic Properties

The syntax of this construction has recently been studied in some detail by Fruehwald and Myler (2013, 2015). The following description is based on their work.

Degree modification by all

The done my homework construction may seem to resemble a sentence like I have done my homework . (A sentence that, like this one, contains have plus a participle is said to be in the perfect aspect ). However, the phrase done my homework is actually more similar to adjective phrases such as ready for school because, like an adjective phrase, these phrases can be modified by the degree word all . (4a) shows a typical example of all modifying an adjective phrase (namely, ready for school ), and (4b) shows an analogous example of the done my homework construction with modification by all :

4) a. I’m all ready for school. b. I’m all done my homework.

By contrast, done my homework may not be modified by all when it is used in a sentence with the perfect aspect. Thus, (5) is not acceptable:

5) *I have all done my homework.

This is evidence that the done my homework construction is not an instance of a verb phrase in the perfect aspect but rather is more like an adjective phrase.

Co-occurrence with perfect aspect

The done my homework construction also differs from verb phrases in the perfect aspect in that done my homework can actually co-occur with the perfect aspect, as in (6):

6) I have been done my homework for a while now.

By contrast, although done my homework can co-occur with the perfect aspect as shown in (6), the perfect aspect cannot co-occur with a second instance of the perfect aspect in the same sentence. Thus, (7) would not be acceptable:

7) *I have had done my homework for a while now.

Fruehwald and Myler (2013, 2015) show several other ways in which the done my homework construction is distinct from the perfect aspect.

No leaving the object behind

At first glance, it may be tempting to think that the done my homework construction involves simply not pronouncing the word with in a sentence like (8):

8) I'm done with my homework.

Fruehwald and Myler (2013, 2015), however, present several differences between the two constructions. One such difference is the ability (shown in (9c)) to move the word done to the beginning of the sentence, similar to the movement of proud and angry in (9a) and (9b):

9) a. Proud though John is of his daughter , it won't matter. b. Angry though John is with his daughter , it won't matter. c. Done though John is with his computer , it won't matter.

This kind of movement is not possible with the done my homework construction. For example, although the entire phrase done his homework may be moved as in (10b), (10a) would be judged unacceptable because only done has moved, leaving the object his homework behind:

10) a. * Done though John may be his homework , it won't matter. b. * Done his homework though John may be, it won't matter.

In this respect, it is similar to phrases like worth the money because (11a), like (10a), is unacceptable, whereas (11b), like (10b), is acceptable:

11)  a. * Worth though this may be the money , it won't matter. b. * Worth the money though this may be, it won't matter.

Fruehwald and Myler (2013, 2015) also argue that the meaning of the construction is not what we would expect if it involved an unpronounced with .

Allowed verbs

There is variation across dialects in terms of which verbs speakers allow in this construction. According to Yerastov (e.g. 2010a, 2010b), there is a hierarchy along the lines of finished > done > started . In other words, if speakers accept started (as in I'm started my homework ), they will accept all three verbs. If speakers accept done , they will also accept finished , but not necessarily started . Finally, some speakers accept only finished . This kind of hierarchy resembles the one found in the needs washed construction with need > want > like (see here for further discussion of the needs washed construction).

Recent Survey Results

The following map shows results from a recent nationwide survey. It represents speakers' judgments of the sentence I'm done my homework . There is some description of the map on the left, as well as a legend in the upper righthand side.

This next map shows recent results of a survey regarding various iterations of the PAST-PARTICIPLE + YOUR HOMEWORK construction:

Page contributed by Jim Wood on February 28, 2014.

Updates/revisions: August 9, 2015 (Tom McCoy); June 1, 2018 (Katie Martin); July 8, 2020 (Oliver Shoulson)

Please cite this page as: Wood, Jim. 2014. Done my homework. Yale Grammatical Diversity Project: English in North America . (Available online at http://ygdp.yale.edu/phenomena/done-my-homework . Accessed on YYYY-MM-DD). Updated by Tom McCoy (2015), Katie Martin (2018), and Oliver Shoulson (2020).

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Have/Haven't you finished your homework yet/already?

• Thread starter sitifan
• Start date Oct 8, 2021

Senior Member

• Oct 8, 2021

1. Have you finished your homework yet? 2. Have you finished your homework already? 3. Haven't you finished your homework yet? 4. Haven't you finished your homework already? Are the above interrogative sentences all grammatically correct?  

They are all potentially correct, depending on the implications and the context.  

sitifan said: 1. Have you finished your homework yet? 2. Have you finished your homework already? 3. Haven't you finished your homework yet? 4. Haven't you finished your homework already? Are the above interrogative sentences all grammatically correct? Click to expand...

Keith Bradford

No.3 is the normal question expressing suprise that the homework is taking too long. No.4 is the same question as 3, put by an American of Jewish origin (to my ear).  

"Haven't you finished your homework already?" might be an alternative to "Didn't you finish your homework already?," where the expected answer is "yes" and the speaker is befuddled by the fact that the student is acting as if it weren't finished.  

#4 doesn't work for me.  

sitifan said: 1. Have you finished your homework yet? 2. Have you finished your homework already? 3. Haven't you finished your homework yet? 4. Haven't you finished your homework already? Click to expand...

Moderator Emeritus

sitifan said: Is the adverb "already" used in questions that expect or encourage the answer "yes"? Click to expand...

DonnyB said: In (2), it expresses surprise that the person apparently has: in (4), it doesn't work in standard English. Click to expand...

sitifan said: 5. Do you have any questions? 6. Do you have some questions? 7. Don't you have any questions? 8. Don't you have some questions? In (8), does it work in standard English? Click to expand...

• Oct 9, 2021