English Outside The Box

English Expressions and Mistakes with DO and MAKE

Did you know that do is one of the most commonly used verbs in the English language?* Also making the top 10 most commonly used verbs in English is make , so it’s obviously very important to understand and use these verbs correctly. Unfortunately for many English students, these two words are the same in several languages, including Spanish (hacer) and Portuguese (fazer), so they’re often used incorrectly when learning and speaking English. But I’ve got great news for you! Today’s lesson with not only teach you the differences, but also English expressions with do and make, as well as common mistakes to avoid.

We’ll kick off ( *start* ) this English lesson with this week’s 5 Minute English video. These videos are part of my online learning series helping you learn useful English information in a short period of time. They’re perfect for you if you need to learn on the go! Once you finish with the video, keep on reading below for more information, to read the example sentences, and get practice exercises!

Are you ready?

Do and Make

As I mentioned, do and make are commonly confused because of incorrect translations. Many languages use the same verb to mean make and do, so how do you know how to use these words correctly in English? First, it’s important to understand the basic differences between the two.

DO: completing an activity or performing a task

‘Do’ is often used with work or job related actions. Many nouns that have the word “work” in them will use the verb do, like homework. I need to do homework.

Other examples : I still have to do a lot of work before I go. He needs to do his job well for a promotion.

We also use ‘do’ to talk about housework, or cleaning. My husband always does the dishes and I do the laundry .

Other examples : They always do their chores on Sundays. It’s important to do vacuuming before mopping the floors.

Additionally, we use ‘do’ when talking about exercises because these are movement we need to complete. We do exercises.

Other examples : I always do core workouts on Tuesday and Thursdays. John does crunches and squats every day.

MAKE: constructing or creating something (often with our hands)

‘Make’ is used when we talk about constructing or creating something, often with our own hands. This thing does not exist and we build/construct or create it. I am going to make dinner. I am going to make a cake. My husband made our kitchen table.

Other examples : I am going to make dress for the party (I am going to sew it.). Oliver made my birthday gift last year, it was a beautiful ring.

English Expressions with Do and Make

Another reason do and make are confusing is because there are many ( MANY ) fixed expressions and collocations with do and make. These expressions and collocations don’t necessarily agree with the definitions I gave above, and are things you need to learn and memorize. I have not included all of the expressions and collocations because of time and length of this lesson. However, the video and extra examples in this blog post are a great place to start!

Expressions with DO

do research: I had to do research on language for my final thesis project.

Before you decide, do a little a research about it.

do business with someone: I do a lot of business with international clients.

Erin never does business with family and friends.

do (someone) a favor: I did my mom a huge favor last week. I helped her paint the house.

Oliver is so helpful, he is always doing favors for people.

do (good/bad/hard/extensive) work: If you want a raise, you must do good work.

The teacher told the class they would get a reward if they all did their best work.

do a (good/bad/decent/OK) job: My students always do a good job.

The painter did an awful job on the house.

do (one’s) hair: Before we go out, we often have to do our hair.

Jane likes when Sam does her hair because it looks better.

do (one’s) makeup: Before we go out, we often have to do our makeup.

Donna never does her makeup before school.

EXTRA EXAMPLES :

do an assignment/project: We have to do our assignment tonight because it’s due tomorrow.

do the shopping: My mom does the shopping on Sundays.

do (one’s) best= to try one’s hardest: Sarah always does her best in class.

do damage=to cause harm: Alex did a lot of damage when he spoke badly about his boss.

Expressions with MAKE

make a mistake: Many students make mistakes with do and make.

It’s common to make a mistake when learning new languages.

make an effort: However, if they make an effort, it’s easy to learn and they will improve.

Learning a language is difficult and it requires people to make an effort.

make a difference=to cause a positive change: Volunteers often make a big difference in various charities and organizations.

Simple acts of kindness can make a huge difference.

make a choice: I made a choice to move to a new city.

It’s not always easy to make the right choice.

make a decision: I made a great decision when I married my husband.

It’s important to know what you need and make the right decisions.

make sense: Is this information making sense?

The information was clear and made sense.

make someone (feel a) feeling: You make me so happy when you learn with me and watch my videos.

I hope I make you motivated to learn!

make a fortune=earn a lot of money: Lucy made a fortune selling her photographs and artwork.

make a suggestion=to give advice: Mark’s essay was incomplete, so his teacher made a few suggestions to help.

make the bed: I make my bed every morning.

make plans: I haven’t made plans for the weekend yet.

English Mistakes with Do and Make: Avoid these!

Many students translate words and expressions for their native languages to English, which creates a lot of mistakes when speaking in English. This is why I never recommend translating! However it happens, and maybe you do it. So here are some common mistakes with do and make to avoid:

to make a barbecue or a party  → to have a barbecue or a party: I am having a barbecue next week. I am having a party next week.

to make a question  → to ask a question: The teacher asked the students a question

to make a road trip → to take a road trip: Next year I am taking a cross-country road trip.

to make a test/exam  → to take a test/exam: Last year I took a very important test.

Practice Exercises

Practice makes perfect! Review the sentences above to understand how to use do and make correctly in English. I recommend reading the sentences out loud to practice pronunciation, and trying to create your own sentences with your own life/personal context. Additionally, try these exercises below. All of the answers are

Fill in the blanks : Complete the following sentences with the correct form of DO or MAKE. Pay attention to the time tenses and structure!

You can find the answers below

  • We all need to ________ our best to succeed.
  • I need to pass the TOEFL test to get into my college so I am _______ it next week.
  • I think it’s important to __________ a difference, so I volunteer 2 times per month.
  • Jason met someone he was interested in _________ business with.
  • It ______ my grandma happy when I called her every week.

Discussion questions:  Use these questions to practice what you’ve learned today and improve conversational skills.

  • What’s the most important decisions you’ve ever made?
  • Did you do any important projects last week? If so, what was it?
  • Have you ever made a mistake that you’ve regret?
  • How do you understand a word or phrase that doesn’t make sense in English?
  • What’s the last favor you did for someone? What’s the last favor someone did for you?

In this video, I mentioned offering private Skype lessons . Please check my website for current opportunities and training options.

*Word Frequency Stats from Word Frequency Data

Fill in the blank answers:  1) do  2) taking**  3) make  4) doing  5) makes.

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Hi Jennifer can you explain all meaning and uses of the word “set”. Thanks you so much!!!

Jennifer please can you explain all meaning and uses of the word “set”. Thanks you so much I am Edumarian on Instagram I ever saw you!!!

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to do one's homework expression

Expressions with the Verb TO DO

to do one's homework expression

The verb TO DO is very useful when talking about general actions.

We use it to ask about activities, as in:

What do you want  to do tonight?

(However, a different verb  is used to answer the question.)

  • I want  to watch the sunset. I want  to spend  time with my friends. I want  to walk on the beach .

Do is also used in many questions. You can read about questions  here .

However, some English expressions use the verb  to do for specific activities. It helps to learn them by category.

Housework, Chores, and Cleaning

Use  do  with common housework responsibilities.

to do one's homework expression

  • do the laundry (wash and dry)
  • do the dishes (wash and dry)
  • do the ironing
  • do the floors (sweep and mop)

After you  do all your housework, you can start  to do your homework.  Oh man!

to do one's homework expression

  • do school work
  • do a report on something
  • do research
  • a good job (nice work!)
  • a bad job (uh-oh!)

Speaking of work, don’t forget we use  do to talk about our jobs.

What do you  do ?  (What’s your job?) I’m a teacher. How about you, what do you do ?

Exercises and Workouts

to do one's homework expression

After work, you might want to work out at the gym.

We use  DO with all kinds of exercises, martial arts, and workouts. Other sports use  GO  or  PLAY . You can read more about other sports  here .

  • do jiu-jitsu
  • do burpees, pushups, jumping jacks, squats (ow!)
  • do a flip, a handstand, do a dance
  • do push-ups, sit-ups, and pull-ups (C’mon, 10 more times!)

Beauty Treatments

Are you tired from all that exercise? Use  do  when you talk about personal care for your body, skin, hair, and nails. Let’s go to the spa!

to do one's homework expression

  • do your nails (paint, pedicure or manicure)
  • Don’t you love getting your hair and nails  done ?
  • I love doing my makeup when I go to a party.

Relationships

Finally, we often use  do  when working with other people in social and business settings.

  • do someone a favor
  • Could you do me a favor and drive me to the bank?
  • We don’t want to do business with companies that aren’t environmentally friendly.

to do one's homework expression

Think you’ve got it? Let’s do it!!!

One thought on “Expressions with the Verb TO DO”

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I want to do well as I am putting my heart in it.

I want to do it as I strive to participate and bring a unique perspective.

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do/make Expressions

Here are some standard expressions that you should learn. Notice that as main verbs we use make more often than do :

  • do a favour
  • do business
  • make an attempt
  • make a bed*
  • make a change/changes
  • make a complaint
  • make a decision
  • make a demand
  • make an effort
  • make an exception
  • make an excuse
  • make a loss
  • make a mistake
  • make a noise
  • make an offer
  • make a phone call
  • make a profit
  • make a suggestion

* make a bed usually means "tidy the bedclothes" but it could also mean "manufacture the furniture"

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Expressions with DO & MAKE

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The English verbs do and make are frequently confused, so pay particular attention to the expressions below. It is best to learn the expressions by heart. Some guidelines do exist to help you determine which word to use when, but in general you will not have time to think through the rules before choosing a word. The best approach is to practice, and then practice some more! When you think you have learned them, try the free quiz that appears after the lists to test yourself.

  • to do a favor
  • to do a project
  • to do a test
  • to do an assignment
  • to do an exam
  • to do badly
  • to do business
  • to do damage
  • to do exercise
  • to do homework
  • to do housework
  • to do nothing
  • to do research
  • to do something
  • to do some letter-writing
  • to do some reading
  • to do some studying
  • to do some writing
  • to do the accounts
  • to do the cleaning
  • to do the dishes
  • to do the ironing
  • to do the laundry
  • to do the math
  • to do the maximum
  • to do the minimum
  • to do the paperwork
  • to do the shopping
  • to do the vacuuming
  • to do your best
  • to do your duty
  • to do your hair
  • to do your nails
  • to do your job
  • to do your makeup
  • to do 50 miles per hour
  • to make a booking
  • to make a bundle
  • to make a call
  • to make a cake
  • to make a choice
  • to make a comment
  • to make a complaint
  • to make a compromise
  • to make a deal
  • to make a decision
  • to make a difference
  • to make a fire
  • to make a fool of yourself
  • to make a fortune
  • to make a fuss
  • to make a habit
  • to make a move
  • to make a phone call
  • to make a point
  • to make a presentation
  • to make a profit
  • to make a promise
  • to make a remark
  • to make a reservation
  • to make a sales call
  • to make a sound
  • to make a speech
  • to make a suggestion
  • to make a threat
  • to make a visit
  • to make amends
  • to make an appearance
  • to make an appointment
  • to make an attempt
  • to make an enquiry
  • to make an exception
  • to make an excuse
  • to make an offer
  • to make arrangements
  • to make believe
  • to make friends
  • to make fun
  • to make changes
  • to make corrections
  • to make love
  • to make money
  • to make noise
  • to make peace
  • to make plans
  • to make progress
  • to make sense
  • to make someone angry
  • to make someone happy
  • to make (someone) mad
  • To make someone sad
  • to make someone’s day
  • to make sure
  • to make time
  • to make trouble
  • to make dinner
  • to make lunch
  • to make breakfast
  • to make a snack
  • to make tea/coffee
  • to make a mess
  • to make a mistake
  • to make the bed
  • to make war

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, how to do homework: 15 expert tips and tricks.

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Everyone struggles with homework sometimes, but if getting your homework done has become a chronic issue for you, then you may need a little extra help. That’s why we’ve written this article all about how to do homework. Once you’re finished reading it, you’ll know how to do homework (and have tons of new ways to motivate yourself to do homework)!

We’ve broken this article down into a few major sections. You’ll find:

  • A diagnostic test to help you figure out why you’re struggling with homework
  • A discussion of the four major homework problems students face, along with expert tips for addressing them
  • A bonus section with tips for how to do homework fast

By the end of this article, you’ll be prepared to tackle whatever homework assignments your teachers throw at you .

So let’s get started!

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How to Do Homework: Figure Out Your Struggles 

Sometimes it feels like everything is standing between you and getting your homework done. But the truth is, most people only have one or two major roadblocks that are keeping them from getting their homework done well and on time. 

The best way to figure out how to get motivated to do homework starts with pinpointing the issues that are affecting your ability to get your assignments done. That’s why we’ve developed a short quiz to help you identify the areas where you’re struggling. 

Take the quiz below and record your answers on your phone or on a scrap piece of paper. Keep in mind there are no wrong answers! 

1. You’ve just been assigned an essay in your English class that’s due at the end of the week. What’s the first thing you do?

A. Keep it in mind, even though you won’t start it until the day before it’s due  B. Open up your planner. You’ve got to figure out when you’ll write your paper since you have band practice, a speech tournament, and your little sister’s dance recital this week, too.  C. Groan out loud. Another essay? You could barely get yourself to write the last one!  D. Start thinking about your essay topic, which makes you think about your art project that’s due the same day, which reminds you that your favorite artist might have just posted to Instagram...so you better check your feed right now. 

2. Your mom asked you to pick up your room before she gets home from work. You’ve just gotten home from school. You decide you’ll tackle your chores: 

A. Five minutes before your mom walks through the front door. As long as it gets done, who cares when you start?  B. As soon as you get home from your shift at the local grocery store.  C. After you give yourself a 15-minute pep talk about how you need to get to work.  D. You won’t get it done. Between texts from your friends, trying to watch your favorite Netflix show, and playing with your dog, you just lost track of time! 

3. You’ve signed up to wash dogs at the Humane Society to help earn money for your senior class trip. You: 

A. Show up ten minutes late. You put off leaving your house until the last minute, then got stuck in unexpected traffic on the way to the shelter.  B. Have to call and cancel at the last minute. You forgot you’d already agreed to babysit your cousin and bake cupcakes for tomorrow’s bake sale.  C. Actually arrive fifteen minutes early with extra brushes and bandanas you picked up at the store. You’re passionate about animals, so you’re excited to help out! D. Show up on time, but only get three dogs washed. You couldn’t help it: you just kept getting distracted by how cute they were!

4. You have an hour of downtime, so you decide you’re going to watch an episode of The Great British Baking Show. You: 

A. Scroll through your social media feeds for twenty minutes before hitting play, which means you’re not able to finish the whole episode. Ugh! You really wanted to see who was sent home!  B. Watch fifteen minutes until you remember you’re supposed to pick up your sister from band practice before heading to your part-time job. No GBBO for you!  C. You finish one episode, then decide to watch another even though you’ve got SAT studying to do. It’s just more fun to watch people make scones.  D. Start the episode, but only catch bits and pieces of it because you’re reading Twitter, cleaning out your backpack, and eating a snack at the same time.

5. Your teacher asks you to stay after class because you’ve missed turning in two homework assignments in a row. When she asks you what’s wrong, you say: 

A. You planned to do your assignments during lunch, but you ran out of time. You decided it would be better to turn in nothing at all than submit unfinished work.  B. You really wanted to get the assignments done, but between your extracurriculars, family commitments, and your part-time job, your homework fell through the cracks.  C. You have a hard time psyching yourself to tackle the assignments. You just can’t seem to find the motivation to work on them once you get home.  D. You tried to do them, but you had a hard time focusing. By the time you realized you hadn’t gotten anything done, it was already time to turn them in. 

Like we said earlier, there are no right or wrong answers to this quiz (though your results will be better if you answered as honestly as possible). Here’s how your answers break down: 

  • If your answers were mostly As, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is procrastination. 
  • If your answers were mostly Bs, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is time management. 
  • If your answers were mostly Cs, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is motivation. 
  • If your answers were mostly Ds, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is getting distracted. 

Now that you’ve identified why you’re having a hard time getting your homework done, we can help you figure out how to fix it! Scroll down to find your core problem area to learn more about how you can start to address it. 

And one more thing: you’re really struggling with homework, it’s a good idea to read through every section below. You may find some additional tips that will help make homework less intimidating. 

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How to Do Homework When You’re a Procrastinator  

Merriam Webster defines “procrastinate” as “to put off intentionally and habitually.” In other words, procrastination is when you choose to do something at the last minute on a regular basis. If you’ve ever found yourself pulling an all-nighter, trying to finish an assignment between periods, or sprinting to turn in a paper minutes before a deadline, you’ve experienced the effects of procrastination. 

If you’re a chronic procrastinator, you’re in good company. In fact, one study found that 70% to 95% of undergraduate students procrastinate when it comes to doing their homework. Unfortunately, procrastination can negatively impact your grades. Researchers have found that procrastination can lower your grade on an assignment by as much as five points ...which might not sound serious until you realize that can mean the difference between a B- and a C+. 

Procrastination can also negatively affect your health by increasing your stress levels , which can lead to other health conditions like insomnia, a weakened immune system, and even heart conditions. Getting a handle on procrastination can not only improve your grades, it can make you feel better, too! 

The big thing to understand about procrastination is that it’s not the result of laziness. Laziness is defined as being “disinclined to activity or exertion.” In other words, being lazy is all about doing nothing. But a s this Psychology Today article explains , procrastinators don’t put things off because they don’t want to work. Instead, procrastinators tend to postpone tasks they don’t want to do in favor of tasks that they perceive as either more important or more fun. Put another way, procrastinators want to do things...as long as it’s not their homework! 

3 Tips f or Conquering Procrastination 

Because putting off doing homework is a common problem, there are lots of good tactics for addressing procrastination. Keep reading for our three expert tips that will get your homework habits back on track in no time. 

#1: Create a Reward System

Like we mentioned earlier, procrastination happens when you prioritize other activities over getting your homework done. Many times, this happens because homework...well, just isn’t enjoyable. But you can add some fun back into the process by rewarding yourself for getting your work done. 

Here’s what we mean: let’s say you decide that every time you get your homework done before the day it’s due, you’ll give yourself a point. For every five points you earn, you’ll treat yourself to your favorite dessert: a chocolate cupcake! Now you have an extra (delicious!) incentive to motivate you to leave procrastination in the dust. 

If you’re not into cupcakes, don’t worry. Your reward can be anything that motivates you . Maybe it’s hanging out with your best friend or an extra ten minutes of video game time. As long as you’re choosing something that makes homework worth doing, you’ll be successful. 

#2: Have a Homework Accountability Partner 

If you’re having trouble getting yourself to start your homework ahead of time, it may be a good idea to call in reinforcements . Find a friend or classmate you can trust and explain to them that you’re trying to change your homework habits. Ask them if they’d be willing to text you to make sure you’re doing your homework and check in with you once a week to see if you’re meeting your anti-procrastination goals. 

Sharing your goals can make them feel more real, and an accountability partner can help hold you responsible for your decisions. For example, let’s say you’re tempted to put off your science lab write-up until the morning before it’s due. But you know that your accountability partner is going to text you about it tomorrow...and you don’t want to fess up that you haven’t started your assignment. A homework accountability partner can give you the extra support and incentive you need to keep your homework habits on track. 

#3: Create Your Own Due Dates 

If you’re a life-long procrastinator, you might find that changing the habit is harder than you expected. In that case, you might try using procrastination to your advantage! If you just can’t seem to stop doing your work at the last minute, try setting your own due dates for assignments that range from a day to a week before the assignment is actually due. 

Here’s what we mean. Let’s say you have a math worksheet that’s been assigned on Tuesday and is due on Friday. In your planner, you can write down the due date as Thursday instead. You may still put off your homework assignment until the last minute...but in this case, the “last minute” is a day before the assignment’s real due date . This little hack can trick your procrastination-addicted brain into planning ahead! 

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If you feel like Kevin Hart in this meme, then our tips for doing homework when you're busy are for you. 

How to Do Homework When You’re too Busy

If you’re aiming to go to a top-tier college , you’re going to have a full plate. Because college admissions is getting more competitive, it’s important that you’re maintaining your grades , studying hard for your standardized tests , and participating in extracurriculars so your application stands out. A packed schedule can get even more hectic once you add family obligations or a part-time job to the mix. 

If you feel like you’re being pulled in a million directions at once, you’re not alone. Recent research has found that stress—and more severe stress-related conditions like anxiety and depression— are a major problem for high school students . In fact, one study from the American Psychological Association found that during the school year, students’ stress levels are higher than those of the adults around them. 

For students, homework is a major contributor to their overall stress levels . Many high schoolers have multiple hours of homework every night , and figuring out how to fit it into an already-packed schedule can seem impossible. 

3 Tips for Fitting Homework Into Your Busy Schedule

While it might feel like you have literally no time left in your schedule, there are still ways to make sure you’re able to get your homework done and meet your other commitments. Here are our expert homework tips for even the busiest of students. 

#1: Make a Prioritized To-Do List 

You probably already have a to-do list to keep yourself on track. The next step is to prioritize the items on your to-do list so you can see what items need your attention right away. 

Here’s how it works: at the beginning of each day, sit down and make a list of all the items you need to get done before you go to bed. This includes your homework, but it should also take into account any practices, chores, events, or job shifts you may have. Once you get everything listed out, it’s time to prioritize them using the labels A, B, and C. Here’s what those labels mean:

  • A Tasks : tasks that have to get done—like showing up at work or turning in an assignment—get an A. 
  • B Tasks : these are tasks that you would like to get done by the end of the day but aren’t as time sensitive. For example, studying for a test you have next week could be a B-level task. It’s still important, but it doesn’t have to be done right away.
  • C Tasks: these are tasks that aren’t very important and/or have no real consequences if you don’t get them done immediately. For instance, if you’re hoping to clean out your closet but it’s not an assigned chore from your parents, you could label that to-do item with a C.

Prioritizing your to-do list helps you visualize which items need your immediate attention, and which items you can leave for later. A prioritized to-do list ensures that you’re spending your time efficiently and effectively, which helps you make room in your schedule for homework. So even though you might really want to start making decorations for Homecoming (a B task), you’ll know that finishing your reading log (an A task) is more important. 

#2: Use a Planner With Time Labels

Your planner is probably packed with notes, events, and assignments already. (And if you’re not using a planner, it’s time to start!) But planners can do more for you than just remind you when an assignment is due. If you’re using a planner with time labels, it can help you visualize how you need to spend your day.

A planner with time labels breaks your day down into chunks, and you assign tasks to each chunk of time. For example, you can make a note of your class schedule with assignments, block out time to study, and make sure you know when you need to be at practice. Once you know which tasks take priority, you can add them to any empty spaces in your day. 

Planning out how you spend your time not only helps you use it wisely, it can help you feel less overwhelmed, too . We’re big fans of planners that include a task list ( like this one ) or have room for notes ( like this one ). 

#3: Set Reminders on Your Phone 

If you need a little extra nudge to make sure you’re getting your homework done on time, it’s a good idea to set some reminders on your phone. You don’t need a fancy app, either. You can use your alarm app to have it go off at specific times throughout the day to remind you to do your homework. This works especially well if you have a set homework time scheduled. So if you’ve decided you’re doing homework at 6:00 pm, you can set an alarm to remind you to bust out your books and get to work. 

If you use your phone as your planner, you may have the option to add alerts, emails, or notifications to scheduled events . Many calendar apps, including the one that comes with your phone, have built-in reminders that you can customize to meet your needs. So if you block off time to do your homework from 4:30 to 6:00 pm, you can set a reminder that will pop up on your phone when it’s time to get started. 

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This dog isn't judging your lack of motivation...but your teacher might. Keep reading for tips to help you motivate yourself to do your homework.

How to Do Homework When You’re Unmotivated 

At first glance, it may seem like procrastination and being unmotivated are the same thing. After all, both of these issues usually result in you putting off your homework until the very last minute. 

But there’s one key difference: many procrastinators are working, they’re just prioritizing work differently. They know they’re going to start their homework...they’re just going to do it later. 

Conversely, people who are unmotivated to do homework just can’t find the willpower to tackle their assignments. Procrastinators know they’ll at least attempt the homework at the last minute, whereas people who are unmotivated struggle with convincing themselves to do it at a ll. For procrastinators, the stress comes from the inevitable time crunch. For unmotivated people, the stress comes from trying to convince themselves to do something they don’t want to do in the first place. 

Here are some common reasons students are unmotivated in doing homework : 

  • Assignments are too easy, too hard, or seemingly pointless 
  • Students aren’t interested in (or passionate about) the subject matter
  • Students are intimidated by the work and/or feels like they don’t understand the assignment 
  • Homework isn’t fun, and students would rather spend their time on things that they enjoy 

To sum it up: people who lack motivation to do their homework are more likely to not do it at all, or to spend more time worrying about doing their homework than...well, actually doing it.

3 Tips for How to Get Motivated to Do Homework

The key to getting homework done when you’re unmotivated is to figure out what does motivate you, then apply those things to homework. It sounds tricky...but it’s pretty simple once you get the hang of it! Here are our three expert tips for motivating yourself to do your homework. 

#1: Use Incremental Incentives

When you’re not motivated, it’s important to give yourself small rewards to stay focused on finishing the task at hand. The trick is to keep the incentives small and to reward yourself often. For example, maybe you’re reading a good book in your free time. For every ten minutes you spend on your homework, you get to read five pages of your book. Like we mentioned earlier, make sure you’re choosing a reward that works for you! 

So why does this technique work? Using small rewards more often allows you to experience small wins for getting your work done. Every time you make it to one of your tiny reward points, you get to celebrate your success, which gives your brain a boost of dopamine . Dopamine helps you stay motivated and also creates a feeling of satisfaction when you complete your homework !  

#2: Form a Homework Group 

If you’re having trouble motivating yourself, it’s okay to turn to others for support. Creating a homework group can help with this. Bring together a group of your friends or classmates, and pick one time a week where you meet and work on homework together. You don’t have to be in the same class, or even taking the same subjects— the goal is to encourage one another to start (and finish!) your assignments. 

Another added benefit of a homework group is that you can help one another if you’re struggling to understand the material covered in your classes. This is especially helpful if your lack of motivation comes from being intimidated by your assignments. Asking your friends for help may feel less scary than talking to your teacher...and once you get a handle on the material, your homework may become less frightening, too. 

#3: Change Up Your Environment 

If you find that you’re totally unmotivated, it may help if you find a new place to do your homework. For example, if you’ve been struggling to get your homework done at home, try spending an extra hour in the library after school instead. The change of scenery can limit your distractions and give you the energy you need to get your work done. 

If you’re stuck doing homework at home, you can still use this tip. For instance, maybe you’ve always done your homework sitting on your bed. Try relocating somewhere else, like your kitchen table, for a few weeks. You may find that setting up a new “homework spot” in your house gives you a motivational lift and helps you get your work done. 

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Social media can be a huge problem when it comes to doing homework. We have advice for helping you unplug and regain focus.

How to Do Homework When You’re Easily Distracted

We live in an always-on world, and there are tons of things clamoring for our attention. From friends and family to pop culture and social media, it seems like there’s always something (or someone!) distracting us from the things we need to do.

The 24/7 world we live in has affected our ability to focus on tasks for prolonged periods of time. Research has shown that over the past decade, an average person’s attention span has gone from 12 seconds to eight seconds . And when we do lose focus, i t takes people a long time to get back on task . One study found that it can take as long as 23 minutes to get back to work once we’ve been distracte d. No wonder it can take hours to get your homework done! 

3 Tips to Improve Your Focus

If you have a hard time focusing when you’re doing your homework, it’s a good idea to try and eliminate as many distractions as possible. Here are three expert tips for blocking out the noise so you can focus on getting your homework done. 

#1: Create a Distraction-Free Environment

Pick a place where you’ll do your homework every day, and make it as distraction-free as possible. Try to find a location where there won’t be tons of noise, and limit your access to screens while you’re doing your homework. Put together a focus-oriented playlist (or choose one on your favorite streaming service), and put your headphones on while you work. 

You may find that other people, like your friends and family, are your biggest distraction. If that’s the case, try setting up some homework boundaries. Let them know when you’ll be working on homework every day, and ask them if they’ll help you keep a quiet environment. They’ll be happy to lend a hand! 

#2: Limit Your Access to Technology 

We know, we know...this tip isn’t fun, but it does work. For homework that doesn’t require a computer, like handouts or worksheets, it’s best to put all your technology away . Turn off your television, put your phone and laptop in your backpack, and silence notifications on any wearable tech you may be sporting. If you listen to music while you work, that’s fine...but make sure you have a playlist set up so you’re not shuffling through songs once you get started on your homework. 

If your homework requires your laptop or tablet, it can be harder to limit your access to distractions. But it’s not impossible! T here are apps you can download that will block certain websites while you’re working so that you’re not tempted to scroll through Twitter or check your Facebook feed. Silence notifications and text messages on your computer, and don’t open your email account unless you absolutely have to. And if you don’t need access to the internet to complete your assignments, turn off your WiFi. Cutting out the online chatter is a great way to make sure you’re getting your homework done. 

#3: Set a Timer (the Pomodoro Technique)

Have you ever heard of the Pomodoro technique ? It’s a productivity hack that uses a timer to help you focus!

Here’s how it works: first, set a timer for 25 minutes. This is going to be your work time. During this 25 minutes, all you can do is work on whatever homework assignment you have in front of you. No email, no text messaging, no phone calls—just homework. When that timer goes off, you get to take a 5 minute break. Every time you go through one of these cycles, it’s called a “pomodoro.” For every four pomodoros you complete, you can take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes.

The pomodoro technique works through a combination of boundary setting and rewards. First, it gives you a finite amount of time to focus, so you know that you only have to work really hard for 25 minutes. Once you’ve done that, you’re rewarded with a short break where you can do whatever you want. Additionally, tracking how many pomodoros you complete can help you see how long you’re really working on your homework. (Once you start using our focus tips, you may find it doesn’t take as long as you thought!)

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Two Bonus Tips for How to Do Homework Fast

Even if you’re doing everything right, there will be times when you just need to get your homework done as fast as possible. (Why do teachers always have projects due in the same week? The world may never know.)

The problem with speeding through homework is that it’s easy to make mistakes. While turning in an assignment is always better than not submitting anything at all, you want to make sure that you’re not compromising quality for speed. Simply put, the goal is to get your homework done quickly and still make a good grade on the assignment! 

Here are our two bonus tips for getting a decent grade on your homework assignments , even when you’re in a time crunch. 

#1: Do the Easy Parts First 

This is especially true if you’re working on a handout with multiple questions. Before you start working on the assignment, read through all the questions and problems. As you do, make a mark beside the questions you think are “easy” to answer . 

Once you’ve finished going through the whole assignment, you can answer these questions first. Getting the easy questions out of the way as quickly as possible lets you spend more time on the trickier portions of your homework, which will maximize your assignment grade. 

(Quick note: this is also a good strategy to use on timed assignments and tests, like the SAT and the ACT !) 

#2: Pay Attention in Class 

Homework gets a lot easier when you’re actively learning the material. Teachers aren’t giving you homework because they’re mean or trying to ruin your weekend... it’s because they want you to really understand the course material. Homework is designed to reinforce what you’re already learning in class so you’ll be ready to tackle harder concepts later.

When you pay attention in class, ask questions, and take good notes, you’re absorbing the information you’ll need to succeed on your homework assignments. (You’re stuck in class anyway, so you might as well make the most of it!) Not only will paying attention in class make your homework less confusing, it will also help it go much faster, too.

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What’s Next?

If you’re looking to improve your productivity beyond homework, a good place to begin is with time management. After all, we only have so much time in a day...so it’s important to get the most out of it! To get you started, check out this list of the 12 best time management techniques that you can start using today.

You may have read this article because homework struggles have been affecting your GPA. Now that you’re on the path to homework success, it’s time to start being proactive about raising your grades. This article teaches you everything you need to know about raising your GPA so you can

Now you know how to get motivated to do homework...but what about your study habits? Studying is just as critical to getting good grades, and ultimately getting into a good college . We can teach you how to study bette r in high school. (We’ve also got tons of resources to help you study for your ACT and SAT exams , too!)

These recommendations are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links, PrepScholar may receive a commission.

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Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

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How to Use “Make” and “Do” in English

It can be difficult to know when to use “make” and when to use “do”. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice.

1. We use “make” for more creative activities:

“She makes her own clothes .”

“He made a beautiful hat for the wedding.”

2. We also use “make” to describe functions of speech – what we are doing when we speak.

For example:

You make … an offer … an appointment … an arrangement … a promise … a threat … a compromise … a suggestion … a promise … a mistake … a decision … a point … a complaint … an excuse

3. There are also some “fixed expressions” with “make”:

“They made friends when they were at primary school.”

“He made fun of her new hairstyle.”

Other expressions are:

… make a fuss … make a fortune … make money … make a profit / a loss … make a journey … make an effort … make progress … make a mess … make a telephone call … make a choice

One expression that uses either “do” or “make” is: make a deal / do a deal (“I’ll do it if you help me.”)

1. We use “do” to refer to jobs, or responsibilities. These are often routine things, which do not involve much creativity or fun:

“I do the shopping once a week.”

“He does the gardening every weekend.”

“We have to do a lot of work on the house.”

You also do: … your homework … the housework … a job … the paperwork … an exam

2. There are some fixed expressions that you can learn which use “do”:

“She does a lot of good in the community.”

“This chemical can do a lot of harm .”

“She always does favours for her colleagues.” (Do someone a favour = help someone)

… do something well / badly … do your best … do something right / wrong … do the minimum / the maximum … do damage

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Learn English The Fun Way

15 Awesome IDIOMS for Daily Conversation | Work From Home

Today Learn English Fun Way has got some very common English expressions and idioms to help you talk about working from home, something that many of us have been getting used to lately due to the COVID-19.

Are you working from home? What do you think about it so far? Do you love it? Do you hate it? Do you feel like you’re being very productive?

Let we know about it in the comments.

In the meantime, we have got fifteen English expressions for you to learn to help you talk about working from home and doing things professionally at home. Some of them are informal but you can definitely still use them in a professional context, especially if you’ve got a good relationship with your clients, and your team and your customers. So if you all like to have a laugh together and make each other smile, then these are some really great idioms to use.

So let’s get started!

15 Awesome IDIOMS for Daily Conversation | Work From Home

Table of Contents

15 Awesome Idioms About Working From Home

First, we will begin with some really common idioms that talk about learning new things.

1, (To) throw (someone) in/at the deep end

  • Anyone feel like they’ve been thrown in the deep end lately?

This is a really common idiom especially in a professional context because it describes that moment when you’re forced to do something unfamiliar or perhaps something that’s quite complex and without much help from anyone else.

You’ve just got to sort of try and work it out on your own, which is why this idiom is so relevant now, because so many of us have been thrown in the deep end recently because working from home is a very new and different experience.

Often at a new job, this happens right? When you’re put in an unfamiliar situation and you’re just expected to work it out or to get good results.

  • Your manager might throw you in the deep end to see how you respond under pressure.

Something to note about this idiom is that you’ll often hear it used in the passive voice.

  • It’s good to be thrown in the deep end. It’s the fastest way to learn.

But by using the passive voice here, we make the experience the most important part in the sentence. It doesn’t really matter who threw you in the deep end. But that’s why using the passive is a really good option with this idiom.

15 Awesome IDIOMS for Daily Conversation | Work From Home

2, (To) get the hang of something

This is a really great, really common expression and it really just means to learn how to do something, especially when it’s not obvious or it’s not simple.

  • Don’t worry, I’ll teach you how to use the software. You’ll get the hang of it soon.

So that just means you’ll learn how to do it soon and then it’s not going to be a problem for you.

Now if you’ve only just recently started working from home, you might still be getting the hang of it but a lot of us have been working from home for a few weeks or a few months. Perhaps you’re getting comfortable with it.

So we want you to think about the tense that you should be using with this expression right? Is it happening now or did it happen in the past?

  • It wasn’t easy to sell products to customers on Zoom. It took a while for me to get the hang of it.
  • Or eventually, I got the hang of it.

So we want to know, have you been getting the hang of something lately? Definitely share it in the comments. Use it in a sentence!

15 Awesome IDIOMS for Daily Conversation | Work From Home

3, (To) get (one’s) head around (something)

Another idiom with a very similar meaning to the second expression is ‘to get your head around something’, which means to understand something that is challenging or confusing.

So have any of you had to teach your parents or your grandparents how to use Zoom or Skype in the last few weeks?

  • It took my grannie a few attempts to get her head around it but now she loves it.

And you can definitely use this expression in all sorts of contexts, anytime that you’re learning something new.

  • Bryan ran me through the process yesterday and I think I’ve got my head around it now.
  • I think I’ve finally got my head around how this works.

And there’s a couple of variations on this idiom as well:

“To wrap your head around something”, or “To get your mind around something” , which is a bit less common but you’ll hear those different variations from time to time.

15 Awesome IDIOMS for Daily Conversation | Work From Home

4, (To) take a hit

This is an informal expression that’s used to talk about when something suffers damage or loss.

  • The hospitality industry right now has taken a huge hit due to the corona virus.
  • Some companies may have noticed that employee productivity took a hit over the past few months as everyone adjusted to their new home working environments.

So can you think of a way to use this expression in a sentence? Can you think of something else that has taken a hit over the last few months? So it has been negatively affected or negatively impacted.

15 Awesome IDIOMS for Daily Conversation | Work From Home

5, Smooth sailing

If you’re thinking: “ Surprisingly, this transition of working at home has not been as difficult as I was expecting”, then this expression is the one to use.

  • It’s been smooth sailing.

It’s used as an adjective to say that something is easy or manageable, that everything is going according to plan. There’s nothing you need to worry about.

If you’re a school teacher or a university teacher, when you first found out that you needed to take online classes, you were a bit worried. Maybe you were worried about the technology or maybe you were worried if your students would even participate in online classes but hopefully, to your surprise, there haven’t been too many problems at all. So when someone asks you “Hey how’s it going?” You could answer “Surprisingly, it’s all been smooth sailing.”

  • “Hey how’s it going?”- “Surprisingly, it’s all been smooth sailing.”

When the schools closed, it was a difficult transition for the kids. But once we got a routine in place, it’s been smooth sailing!

And you can definitely use this same expression in the negative form to express the opposite idea. You can say:

  • “It hasn’t been smooth sailing. The team’s found it really hard to collaborate remotely.”

15 Awesome IDIOMS for Daily Conversation | Work From Home

6, (A) madhouse

‘Madhouse’ is a place where there is no order and no control. This expression could be useful to help you humorously talk about your home office. It’s a really funny expression, especially used when you’re trying to make a joke about how crazy and frustrating a situation is.

So if you’ve got your kids, your partner and a dog and you’re all at home, you’re all stuck inside working, studying, eating, cooking, working out in the same space, you could joke with your colleagues about how wild it is:

  • “How’s it going over there? How are you coping?”- “Haha, it’s a madhouse! I will be glad when all of this is over!”

Or when you’re on a video call, talking to a colleague, and your kids burst in, you can say:

  • “I’m so sorry about the disruption. It’s a madhouse around here!”

However, you should always use the expression with humour, when you’re smiling and you’re making a joke to other people.

15 Awesome IDIOMS for Daily Conversation | Work From Home

7, (To) be cooped up

If you’re cooped up somewhere, you’re in a small closed space, a space that you can’t escape from.

  • I hate being cooped up inside working when it’s a sunny day outside.
  • There are five of us cooped up inside this one tiny apartment!

8, (To) be sick of something

This is a really great idiom to learn and start using regularly. You can use it to say that you are really annoyed or you’re really frustrated about something and you want it to end or stop.

  • I’m sick of my neighbor playing the trumpet all the time.
  • Are you sick of being cooped up inside all day?
  • If your kids are disrupting you while you’re trying to work, tell them you’re sick of it!
  • If you’re frustrated because your internet speed has halved since everyone is now working at home, call the phone company and tell them that you’re sick of it.

So it’s a really good one to use when you are frustrated and you’re annoyed.

Since we’re talking about being so frustrated and annoyed, let’s talk about work meetings by video. There are so many annoying things about online meetings. Mute yourself if your kids are yelling in the background or there’s a dog barking. Everyone else in the meeting can hear it. Or if you’re working a little later in the evening when everyone else is watching Netflix, how annoying are all of the connection problems? It’s like overload, so you will get video and audio problems, which are pretty frustrating when you have an online meeting.

15 Awesome IDIOMS for Daily Conversation | Work From Home

So next we will share with you some expressions to help you talk about that!

9, (To) freeze or (to) be frozen

When your connection is bad, it could be said:

  • Hang on, you’re frozen!
  • You keep freezing! We can’t hear you!

Another useful one is to say that “there’s a lag or there is a delay”,  which is really annoying. So you know when someone’s mouth is moving but the voice is behind it, it’s really frustrating to try and understand what’s going on.

And the last one is to say that “the connection cut out”.

  • The connect cut out. I didn’t hear you there, I missed something that you said.

So all of these are really useful expressions when there are connection problems in online meetings.

15 Awesome IDIOMS for Daily Conversation | Work From Home

10, Hit and miss

This idiom is another one that’s really useful in this situation.

So if something is hit and miss, you can’t rely on it. You can’t confidently say that it’s gonna be good quality, and accurate, and perfect. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. So you could say

  • “I’m really sorry, my internet connection has been a bit hit and miss today.” => Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s bad.

You can also use this same expression to talk about something else, the quality of something.

  • The coffee at my local cafe is a bit hit and miss. => Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s bad, depends on who makes it.

15 Awesome IDIOMS for Daily Conversation | Work From Home

Now we want to share a few expressions that will help you during meetings, online meetings or in-person meetings.

11, Hold that thought

‘Hold that thought’ is a good expression. The chances of getting disrupted while you’re working from home are quite high. Your kids might wander into the room. Your dog might stop barking. The postman might ring the doorbell. The phone might ring. So it’s really hard to avoid these distractions when you’re working from home.

So this expression is a really good one to let someone know that you want them to remember what you were talking about and you want to keep talking about it when you come back in a couple of moments, so you’re asking them to hold that thought.

  • I’m so sorry my son is calling me from the bathroom. Hold that thought, I’ll be right back.

15 Awesome IDIOMS for Daily Conversation | Work From Home

12, On/ off track

This is a really great set of expressions to learn, given all of the distractions that we’ve been talking about.

When you’re in an online meeting, you want to make sure that you all stay focused. You need to keep focused on what you’re doing, you need to stay on track and try not to get off track .

So, on track is when things are happening as they should be, there’s no problems at all. And if something is not happening as you want it to and you want to change it, that’s when we use the expression ‘to get back on track’ . So logically if something is not on track, it’s off track . It’s not happening as it should be.

So I want you to imagine this. You’re meeting some of your colleagues to discuss a project that you’ve been working on but halfway through, someone’s cat walks across the screen, across the keyboard and everyone starts laughing and talking about how hard it is to work from home. They’re talking about their kids and what they had for dinner last night and anything else except what you should be talking about in the meeting. So you might want to just interrupt the conversation and say:

  • “Guys we’re getting off track. We’ve only got ten minutes left until the end of the meeting and we haven’t even started talking about the marketing budget yet”.
  • “We should have completed the project last week but we got off track with a few technical issues”.

15 Awesome IDIOMS for Daily Conversation | Work From Home

13, (To) earn/ get/ score brownie points

Have you heard this expression before about brownie points?

It’s quite a funny expression, a humorous expression as well just like madhouse. It’s relevant, but you can use it at any time because you earn brownie points by getting praise or approval for something that you’ve done. So if you do something good, you earn or you get brownie points.

Your friend, Kat, overslept and missed a meeting which you weren’t too worried about because she works so hard and you said to her:

  • “Don’t worry Kat, you’ve got enough brownie points to sleep in once.”
  • “I know, but I don’t want to lose my brownie points”

But the funny thing is that these points are not real, they don’t get you anything except for someone else’s good opinion of you.

However, having brownie points is definitely a good thing. It’s really important to have someone’s good opinion of you, right?

So you would probably earn brownie points with your neighbors if you left a cake on their doorstep for them. Or if your partner cooked a meal and cleaned the whole house for you, you might be a little suspicious and think “Why are you trying to earn brownie points with me?”

Can you think of something that would earn you brownie points with someone in your household at the moment? What could you do to earn some brownie points?

15 Awesome IDIOMS for Daily Conversation | Work From Home

14, Hang in there!

  • Hang in there! Everything is gonna be okay. It will become easier, you will get used to it.

So this expression is really useful when you want to tell someone not to give up even though it’s hard, even though it’s difficult.

If you’ve got friends or you’ve got family members, or colleagues who are having a difficult time adjusting to this new situation that we’re in, and they’re sharing their troubles with you about how their kids keep interrupting their online meetings, tell them to hang in there. Or if you know health care workers and they’r exhausted and they’re anxious, tell them hang in there.

  • “Hang in there. You know this won’t go on forever.”

15 Awesome IDIOMS for Daily Conversation | Work From Home

15, This is the new norm/ The new normal

  • This is the new norm/ the new normal, my friends!

We use this expression to talk about when our circumstances have changed, and we have to get used to a new situation and get comfortable with it.

Obviously, it’s a really relevant expression to use right now but you can also use it in other contexts as well when your life circumstances change.

For example, you had a friend who has just had a baby and you was saying:

  • “I just don’t know how you function with only three hours sleep”- “It’s the new norm in our house. We’re just having to get used to it.”

15 Awesome IDIOMS for Daily Conversation | Work From Home

It is the end of our lesson today! We hope that you’re hanging in there and you’re getting used to the new norm. We would love if you can think of any other English idioms that are relevant to working from home. It’s really important right now to find ways to express ourselves to talk about working from home and some of these challenges.

If you can think of some others, definitely add them in the comment session, but what we really would like you to do is to choose a few of the ones we mentioned in the writing today, and practice them by writing your sentences.  This really is the best way to try and remember these idioms as well as these new expressions.  In order to get further explanation and practice your listening skills also, watch the video below. Thank you for reading and see you in the next writing!

Credit: Youtube Channel “mmmEnglish”

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Do My Coursework

Expression to Do My Homework – What it Is and Why It’s Useful

There are many different types of homework expressions. It is important that you choose one that best describes how you feel. You may also want to express a particular emotion such as happiness, frustration, or sadness. Expressing your feelings in an expression to do my homework can be done effectively if you practice it consistently. I encourage you to incorporate this expression into your homework expression so that you will be able to express yourself effectively in the classroom.

The best expression to do my homework is the “I love you” expression. This expression can be done by kissing the paper with the other person’s kiss on top of the papers. Gently place your kiss on the papers before placing your hand on the top of the paper. You can use either your whole hand or just part of your hand to do this expression. This expression can be very effective because your classmates will get to see your genuine expression during the test.

Another homework expression is to put your entire hand up in the air and gesture to the skies. This can be very effective because anytime a student has to do an extra task that means that he or she has worked extra hard for the class. When you raise your hand in the air, everyone will acknowledge this. This can also be used when you are giving directions to a student.

A third expression that can be used in homework is to doodle. You will find that a lot of students doodle in class when they do not have enough time to go back and refresh their minds. When the student doodles, they should do so without looking at the paper. The purpose of looking at the paper is to check if their drawing or sketch is on the correct spot.

For those who need to doodle, they can draw using a black pen. However, this homework expression is not applicable for all students. If a student is unable to draw, he or she should write using a white hand written marker. This is because the white hand written marker can erase any mistakes that may be made when using a black pen.

In addition, the expression to do my homework can also be done by writing on a small piece of paper. The student should make sure to use highlighter pen so as to accent the written lines. This is to highlight all the important details that should be noted in his or her work. Once done with the writing task, the student should wipe the piece of paper before putting it away. After completing the assignment, the student should give an explanation to his or her teacher.

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'Do Your Homework' or 'Do The Homework'. Which Is Correct?

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The expression “do homework” refers to the work that a teacher gives a student to do at home.

The expression “ do homework ” refers to the work that a teacher gives a student to do at home.

Doing homework is a boring activity for some students.

Use the article “the” or a possessive pronoun (my, your, his, etc.) to be more specific.

Have you done your math homework ?

Since homework is an uncountable noun, it is not possible to use the indefinite article a/an.

The history teacher gave us some homework to do by Monday.

The history teacher gave us a homework to do by Monday.

1. Homework Is Uncountable

2. using other determiners with ‘homework’.

“ Homework ” is an uncountable noun; therefore, it does not have a plural form.

I have some homework to do.

I have three homeworks to do.

Being uncountable, " homework " is always followed by a singular verb.

The science homework was extremely difficult.

And you cannot put the article a/an in front of it.

You should do some homework today.

You should do a homework today.

But you can use the word “ assignment ” to mention separate pieces of homework.

Complete the three homework assignments .

Rebecca, you did an impressive job on the homework assignments .

Or just say “ a/one piece of homework ” or " a bit of homework ".

You still have one piece of homework left to do.

Note that we always say “ do homework ”. Avoid the verbs make or write with this word.

It’s worth doing a bit of homework before playing video games.

It’s worth making/writing a bit of homework before playing video games.

But you can use the verbs give or help (somebody).

The teacher gave us some homework to do by Friday.

My mother used to help me with my homework .

Instead of referring to the work that a student is asked to do at home, you can use “ homework ” as a synonym of preparation.

Since we have done our homework , we are well prepared for the meeting with the investor.

Using "a" or "the" with common activities

We commonly add a possessive pronoun (my, your, his, her, our, their) before “ homework ”.

Do your homework before dinner.

Have the kids done their homework ?

Jennifer is very good at doing her homework .

But you can also use other determiners, such as:

  • some (affirmative sentences)
  • any (interrogative and negative sentences)

The teacher gives too much homework .

I don’t have any homework .

We can also omit the determiner to speak about homework in a general way.

Homework is boring.

Is it bad to do homework in bed?

For homework , finish the exercise on page 8.

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The Path to Self-Discovery: Effective Therapy Homework for Self-Expression

The role of therapy homework.

Therapy homework plays a crucial role in the therapeutic process, especially when it comes to fostering self-expression and personal growth. By assigning specific tasks or exercises to clients outside of therapy sessions, therapists provide opportunities for individuals to delve deeper into their emotions, thoughts, and experiences. This section will explore the importance of therapy homework and how it supports self-expression.

Understanding the Importance of Therapy Homework

Therapy homework serves as an extension of the therapeutic work done during sessions. It allows individuals to actively engage with the therapeutic process and take ownership of their healing journey. Here are a few key reasons why therapy homework is important:

  • Continuity of Progress : Therapy sessions are typically scheduled at regular intervals, leaving gaps between sessions. Homework assignments bridge these gaps and allow for ongoing progress. By consistently working on tasks outside of sessions, individuals can maintain momentum and build upon the insights gained during therapy.
  • Deepening Self-Exploration : Therapy homework provides an avenue for individuals to explore their emotions, experiences, and patterns in more depth. Through journaling, creative expression, or self-reflection exercises, clients can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their inner world.
  • Enhanced Self-Awareness : Engaging in therapy homework encourages individuals to pay attention to their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This increased self-awareness helps to identify patterns, triggers, and areas for growth. By becoming more aware of themselves, individuals can make more conscious choices and enact positive changes.
  • Empowerment and Agency : Therapy homework empowers individuals to take an active role in their own healing process. By engaging in assigned tasks, individuals become agents of their own change, fostering a sense of control and self-efficacy.
  • Integration of Learning : Therapy homework facilitates the integration of therapeutic concepts and skills into daily life. Practicing techniques, applying insights, and experimenting with new behaviors outside of therapy sessions allows individuals to apply what they have learned in real-life situations.

How Therapy Homework Supports Self-Expression

Self-expression is a vital component of personal growth and emotional well-being. Therapy homework offers various avenues for individuals to express themselves authentically. Here are some ways in which therapy homework supports self-expression:

  • Journaling Prompts : Writing down thoughts, feelings, and experiences through journaling prompts allows individuals to express themselves freely and reflect on their inner world. This form of self-expression can be insightful and therapeutic. For more ideas on journaling prompts, check out our article on  therapy homework for journaling .
  • Artistic Expression : Engaging in creative activities such as visual art, music, dance, photography, or collage provides individuals with alternative means of self-expression. These mediums allow for the release of emotions, exploration of personal narratives, and the communication of inner experiences.
  • Mindfulness and Meditation : Mindfulness practices, such as mindful meditation, breathwork exercises, and guided visualization, can create a safe space for individuals to connect with their emotions, thoughts, and sensations. This self-reflective practice facilitates self-expression and enhances self-awareness.
  • Self-Reflection Exercises : Therapy homework that involves self-reflection exercises, such as identifying personal values, exploring strengths and limitations, and setting personal goals, encourages individuals to deeply reflect on their values, desires, and aspirations. This process supports self-expression by allowing individuals to align their actions with their authentic selves.

By incorporating therapy homework into the therapeutic process, individuals are provided with valuable opportunities for self-expression, self-reflection, and personal growth. The assigned tasks or exercises serve as gateways for individuals to explore their inner worlds, experiment with new behaviors, and foster positive change. Through consistent engagement with therapy homework, individuals can develop a deeper understanding of themselves, enhance their self-expression, and ultimately, lead more fulfilling lives.

Journaling Prompts

Journaling is a powerful therapeutic tool that can aid in self-expression and self-discovery. It provides a safe space for individuals to explore their emotions, reflect on personal experiences, and even indulge in creative writing. Here are three journaling prompts that can be effective therapy homework for self-expression:

Exploring Emotions and Feelings

One way to enhance self-expression through journaling is by exploring emotions and feelings. Encourage individuals to write about their current emotional state, identifying and describing the emotions they are experiencing. This can help them gain a deeper understanding of their emotional landscape and provide an outlet for expressing and processing their feelings. They can also explore the possible triggers or causes of these emotions, allowing them to gain insight into their emotional patterns.

Reflecting on Personal Experiences

Reflecting on personal experiences is another therapeutic journaling prompt that encourages self-expression. People can write about significant events, milestones, or challenges they have faced. By reflecting on these experiences, they can gain a better understanding of how these events have shaped them and their emotions. This process of self-reflection can help individuals gain insights into their strengths, weaknesses, and personal growth.

Writing Creative Stories or Poems

Engaging in creative writing, such as storytelling or poetry, can be a powerful way to express oneself. Encourage individuals to write fictional stories or poems that reflect their emotions, experiences, or inner thoughts. This creative outlet allows for artistic expression and can provide a cathartic release. It also encourages individuals to tap into their imagination and find unique ways to express themselves.

Using these journaling prompts, individuals can delve into their thoughts, emotions, and experiences, fostering self-expression and self-discovery. This process can be further enhanced by seeking guidance from a professional therapist or counselor who can provide support and help individuals navigate their personal journey. For more therapy homework ideas and resources, visit our article on  therapy homework assignments .

Artistic Expression

Artistic expression can be a powerful tool for self-expression and exploration. Engaging in creative activities allows individuals to tap into their inner thoughts, emotions, and experiences. When it comes to therapy homework for self-expression, artistic activities can play a significant role. Here are three artistic methods that can help individuals express themselves:

Creating Visual Art

Visual art encompasses various forms, such as painting, drawing, and sculpting. These mediums provide individuals with a means to visually represent their emotions, thoughts, and experiences. Through the use of colors, shapes, and textures, individuals can communicate and process their inner world.

Creating visual art can be a therapeutic process, allowing individuals to explore their creativity and tap into their subconscious. It provides a safe space for self-expression, allowing for the release of emotions that may be difficult to express verbally. Whether it’s creating abstract paintings, sketching portraits, or molding clay, visual art can be a powerful therapy homework assignment for self-expression.

Engaging in Music or Dance

Music and dance offer unique avenues for self-expression. Through rhythm, melody, and movement, individuals can convey emotions, tell stories, and connect with their inner selves. Music therapy and dance therapy are established practices that utilize these mediums to promote emotional well-being and self-expression.

Engaging in music or dance as therapy homework can involve activities such as listening to music that resonates with one’s emotions, playing a musical instrument, or learning dance routines. These activities provide an outlet for individuals to express themselves non-verbally and connect with their bodies and emotions.

Using Photography or Collage

Photography and collage are visual mediums that can be used as therapy homework for self-expression. Photography allows individuals to capture moments, perspectives, and symbols that hold personal meaning. By focusing on specific subjects or themes, individuals can explore and express their emotions and experiences through the lens of a camera.

Collage, on the other hand, involves combining various images, textures, and materials to create a cohesive visual representation. It offers a collage of personal experiences, thoughts, and emotions. Through the process of selecting and arranging images, individuals can explore their inner world and communicate their unique narrative.

Both photography and collage provide opportunities for self-reflection, creativity, and self-expression. They offer individuals a means to visually communicate their emotions and experiences, allowing for a deeper understanding and connection with oneself.

By engaging in artistic expression as therapy homework, individuals can tap into their creativity and explore their inner world. Whether through visual art, music, dance, photography, or collage, these activities offer powerful channels for self-expression and self-discovery. Remember to tailor these activities to your personal interests and preferences, allowing yourself to fully immerse in the process of artistic expression.

Mindfulness and Meditation

In the journey of self-discovery,  mindfulness and meditation  can be powerful tools for self-expression and personal growth. These practices help individuals cultivate a deeper sense of awareness and connect with their inner selves. Here are some therapy homework exercises that focus on mindfulness and meditation:

Practicing Mindful Meditation

Mindful meditation involves focusing one’s attention on the present moment and accepting it without judgment. This practice can be beneficial for individuals looking to enhance self-expression and self-awareness. By regularly engaging in mindful meditation, individuals can develop a greater understanding of their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations.

To practice mindful meditation as therapy homework, individuals can set aside a few minutes each day to sit in a quiet space, close their eyes, and direct their attention to their breath. They can observe the sensations of each inhale and exhale, letting go of any distractions that arise. Encouraging clients to incorporate this practice into their daily routine can help them develop a stronger connection with themselves and their emotions.

Engaging in Breathwork Exercises

Breathwork exercises are another effective way to promote self-expression and relaxation. By consciously controlling the breath, individuals can regulate their emotions and access a state of calm and centeredness. Deep, intentional breathing can help release tension, reduce anxiety, and enhance self-awareness.

Therapy homework can include various breathwork exercises such as diaphragmatic breathing, alternate nostril breathing, or 4-7-8 breathing. By guiding clients through these exercises, therapists can encourage them to explore the power of breath in connecting with their inner selves and expressing their emotions.

Trying Guided Visualization

Guided visualization is a technique that involves creating vivid mental images to promote relaxation, self-reflection, and self-expression. During guided visualization exercises , individuals are guided through a journey in their imagination, exploring various landscapes, scenarios, or symbolic representations.

As a therapy homework assignment, individuals can engage in guided visualization exercises tailored to their specific needs. Therapists can provide recordings or scripts that guide clients through visualization exercises focused on self-discovery and self-expression. These exercises can help individuals tap into their creativity, emotions, and desires.

By incorporating mindfulness and meditation practices into therapy homework, individuals can embark on a journey of self-discovery with a greater sense of self-expression and awareness. It’s important for therapists to provide guidance and support throughout this process, encouraging clients to explore these practices and discover their own unique paths to self-expression.

Self-Reflection Exercises

Self-reflection exercises are an essential part of therapy homework for self-expression. These exercises encourage individuals to delve deeper into their thoughts, emotions, and personal experiences. By engaging in self-reflection, individuals can gain a better understanding of themselves and foster personal growth. Here are three self-reflection exercises that can be beneficial:

Identifying Personal Values

Identifying personal values is a powerful exercise that helps individuals clarify what is truly important to them. Personal values are the guiding principles that shape our actions and decisions. By identifying and understanding these values, individuals can align their lives with what truly matters to them.

To begin this exercise, individuals can create a list of values that resonate with them. These values may include concepts such as integrity, compassion, growth, or creativity. Once the list is complete, individuals can reflect on each value and consider how it manifests in their lives. This exercise can help individuals gain clarity about their priorities and make choices that align with their values.

Exploring Strengths and Limitations

Exploring strengths and limitations is a valuable exercise for self-reflection. By understanding our strengths, we can build upon them and leverage them in our personal and professional lives. Similarly, acknowledging our limitations allows us to identify areas for growth and development.

One way to explore strengths is to make a list of personal qualities, skills, or talents that one excels in. This exercise can help individuals recognize their unique strengths and appreciate their value. On the other hand, exploring limitations involves acknowledging areas in which individuals may face challenges or areas that require improvement. This exercise can provide insight into areas for personal growth and identify opportunities for further development.

Setting Personal Goals

Setting personal goals is an effective self-reflection exercise that allows individuals to envision and work towards their desired outcomes. Goal setting provides direction, motivation, and a sense of purpose. By setting meaningful and achievable goals, individuals can experience personal fulfillment and growth.

To set personal goals, individuals can start by considering what they would like to achieve in various aspects of their lives, such as career, relationships, health, or personal development. It’s important to make goals specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). This ensures that the goals are realistic and can be broken down into actionable steps. Regularly reviewing and revising goals keeps individuals on track and motivated to pursue their aspirations.

Engaging in self-reflection exercises like identifying personal values, exploring strengths and limitations, and setting personal goals can promote self-expression and personal growth. These exercises encourage individuals to delve deep within themselves, gaining a better understanding of who they are and what they want to achieve. By incorporating these self-reflection exercises into their therapy homework, individuals can embark on a journey of self-discovery and self-expression.

Incorporating Therapy Homework into Daily Life

To make the most of therapy homework and support self-expression, it’s important to  create a routine ,  track progress , and  seek professional guidance . By implementing these strategies, individuals can enhance their therapeutic journey and foster personal growth.

Creating a Routine

Establishing a consistent routine for therapy homework can help individuals stay committed and engaged in their self-expression journey. Setting aside dedicated time each day or week allows for focused reflection and exploration. Whether it’s journaling, engaging in artistic expression, or practicing mindfulness, having a structured routine provides a sense of stability and accountability.

To create an effective routine, consider the following steps:

  • Set realistic goals : Determine the frequency and duration of therapy homework sessions that align with your schedule and availability.
  • Designate a specific time and space : Choose a time when you can fully engage in the homework without distractions. Create a comfortable and calming environment to facilitate concentration and self-reflection.
  • Incorporate variety : Incorporate a variety of therapy homework activities to keep the routine interesting and prevent monotony.
  • Stay flexible : Adapt the routine as needed to accommodate changes in your schedule or personal circumstances. Flexibility allows for a sustainable and enjoyable routine.

Tracking Progress

Tracking progress is an essential aspect of therapy homework. It provides individuals with tangible evidence of their growth and serves as a source of motivation and encouragement. By regularly monitoring progress, individuals can observe patterns, identify areas for improvement, and celebrate achievements along the way.

Consider the following methods for tracking progress:

  • Keep a journal : Maintain a journal to document thoughts, feelings, and experiences related to therapy homework. This allows for reflection and comparison over time.
  • Use a progress tracker : Utilize a progress tracker, such as a spreadsheet or a dedicated app, to record completed therapy homework tasks, set goals, and track milestones.
  • Seek feedback : Engage in regular discussions with your therapist or counselor to review your progress. Their professional guidance and insights can provide valuable feedback and help you navigate any challenges that arise.

Seeking Professional Guidance

While therapy homework can be a beneficial tool for self-expression, seeking professional guidance from a therapist or counselor is crucial. They can provide personalized recommendations, offer insights, and guide individuals through their therapeutic journey. A trained professional can tailor therapy homework assignments to specific goals and circumstances, ensuring the most effective and appropriate approaches are used.

By working with a therapist or counselor, individuals can benefit from their expertise in various self-expression techniques and receive support in overcoming obstacles or resistance that may arise during therapy homework. They can also help individuals explore deeper aspects of self-expression and provide guidance on integrating therapy homework into their overall treatment plan.

Remember to communicate openly with your therapist or counselor about your experiences with therapy homework. They can offer guidance on adjusting assignments, provide additional resources, or suggest alternative approaches to enhance your self-expression journey.

Incorporating therapy homework into daily life requires commitment, consistency, and professional support. By creating a routine, tracking progress, and seeking guidance from a therapist or counselor, individuals can maximize the benefits of therapy homework and embark on a transformative path of self-discovery and self-expression.

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To make in Spanish: the multifunctional Spanish verb hacer

The verbs to do  and to make  are two of the most common English verbs. Whether you want to say to do  or to make  in Spanish, you’ll use the same word: hacer . We use the verb hacer  for almost everything! Whether we talk about doing homework, making cakes, doing some activities or tasks, or just about the weather, we use the verb hacer  to express all of this.

The mission of today’s post is to give you all of the tools you need to master the hacer verb like an expert. Ready? Let’s dive into the many uses of hacer!

Hacer: The Multifunctional Verb

We first need to know that hacer behaves like a multifunctional tool in Spanish since we can use it in different contexts. In other words, the verb hacer helps us to express ourselves easily, instead of looking for complicated terms. However, that doesn’t mean that we go crazy about their uses. We have to pay attention to how and when we should use this powerful tool correctly.

In English, we have to choose between to make  or to do , depending on if the actions are the product or result of something, or if they are physical, intellectual, or indefinite. Considering to do  and to make  in Spanish, however, it is quite different because the verb hacer integrates both of these in just one word, independent of the type of actions. Let’s see this in action:

  • I’m going to make dinner – Voy a hacer la cena.
  • I’m going to do the homework – Voy a hacer la tarea.

As you can see in these examples, we have a product of the action, cooking, and we have an intellectual activity. We use the same verb in Spanish to express either of those actions. Hacer  is the ideal translation for both to do  and to make  in Spanish!

Before we get into more detail on usage, let’s first cover the grammatical structure of the verb hacer .

Conjugating the Verb Hacer

Hacer is an irregular verb, which means that it doesn’t follow a regular pattern and it is a stem-changing verb. In other words, the base of the verb, or stem, changes when the verb is conjugated. So, the  “a”  in the stem of hacer changes to  “e”  or  “i”, and the “c” changes to “z” or “g”, depending on the conjugation.

The gerund is haciendo . The participle is hecho . The conjugations are in the following tables:

Indicative mood conjugations of hacer

Subjunctive mood conjugations of hacer, compound conjugations of hacer, imperative mood conjugations of hacer.

With these conjugation tables as references for the different forms of hacer , let’s see a few examples before moving on:

  • Mrs. Smith is doing her crossword puzzle for the week. – La Sra. Smith está haciendo su crucigrama de la semana.
  • We made the cake for Steven’s birthday. – Nosotros hicimos la torta para el cumpleaños de Steven.
  • Carlos will do  the design of the next mall. – Carlos hará el diseño del próximo centro comercial.
  • You guys have done an excellent job cleaning up the place. – Ustedes han hecho un excelente trabajo con la limpieza del lugar.
  • I would have made  the reservation at the restaurant when you told me, but now it’s too late to regret it. – Hubiera hecho  la reservación en el restaurante cuando me dijiste, pero ahora ya es tarde para arrepentirse.

Uses of the Verb Hacer

We have covered the grammatical behavior of the verb hacer . It’s time to learn about its uses.

Carrying out an action

Ejecutar una acción

We use hacer  to talk about actions executed by someone else or ourselves. These actions can be really anything.

  • Marta makes wicker baskets (she fabricates them). – Marta hace cestas de rattan (ella las fabrica).
  • Did you close the door? Yes, I did . – ¿Cerraste la puerta? Sí, ya lo hice .
  • Now that you’re here, let’s  make lunch for the others. – Ahora que ya estás aquí, vamos a hacer el almuerzo para los demás.
  • Mi abuela hace unos lindos peluches con hilos de algodón. – My grandmother makes cute stuffed animals with cotton threads.

In the first example, Marta fabricates the baskets from a material. In the second example, the action of closing the door was mentioned first, so for the answer to the question, we substitute the specific verb for hacer. In the third example, we mention an action relating to cooking. And in the final example, the grandma knits cute stuffed animals.

As you can see, we have replaced specific action verbs with the verb hacer .

Time elapsed

Tiempo transcurrido

We use hacer to talk about a moment in the past and the time elapsed from that period on. The English equivalent can be a variety of descriptions to describe the elapsed time.

  • Three years ago I started college and I still have a year to go. – Hace tres años comencé la universidad y aún me queda un año para terminar.
  • Raúl and I have been friends for  more than 10 years. – Raúl y yo somos amigos desde hace más de 10 años.
  • Lucia bought a vacuum cleaner a year ago and it works great. – Lucía compró una aspiradora hace un año y funciona de maravilla.
  • I’ve been meaning to call you for a long  time but I hadn’t decided until now. – He querido llamarte desde hace tiempo, pero no me había decidido hasta ahora.

When we talk about the weather, we use the verb hacer as an observation of what the weather is like. Whereas in English the weather is usually just described with the verb to be , in Spanish we use hacer  to ascribe some action to the weather events.

  • With the arrival of winter, it is so cold  that we cannot get out of bed. – Con la llegada del invierno hace tanto frío  que no podemos salir de la cama.
  • What a beautiful day! It’s  cool enough to go for a walk. – ¡Qué día tan bonito! Hace bastante fresco  como para salir a dar un paseo.
  • It’s  so hot that it’s impossible to concentrate on work. – Hace tanto calor que es imposible concentrarme en el trabajo.
  • Carlos is keeping tabs on the clothes hanging in the garden since it’s very windy . – Carlos está pendiente de la ropa tendida en el jardín porque hace mucho viento .

Changes in life

Cambios en la vida

The reflexive form hacerse  is used to talk about changes in life, whether external or by will, such as profession, ideology, lifestyle, etc. In this form, the English equivalent is to become .

  • My husband became a vegetarian after watching a documentary on animal torture. – Mi esposo se hizo vegetariano después de ver un documental sobre tortura animal.
  • Despite initially refusing, Steven became a lawyer to please his parents. – A pesar de negarse al principio, Steven se hizo  abogado para complacer a sus padres.
  • My neighbor became a millionaire after winning the lottery. – Mi vecina se hizo  millonaria después de ganar la lotería.
  • I became a Spanish teacher thanks to my love for the language. – Me hice  profesor de español por amor al idioma.

Physical activities

Actividades físicas

We use hacer to describe sports or other activities related to keeping the body active and healthy. This could be anything including skateboarding, karate, aikido, taekwondo, yoga, surfing, kayaking, meditation, and so on. The English translation is often to do , though other words may be a better fit depending on the sport.

  • This year I am finally going to start doing aikido to learn how to control my temper. – Este año por fin voy a comenzar a hacer aikido para aprender a controlar mi temperamento.
  • Doing karate is a great option for children who have excess energy. – Hacer karate es una gran opción para los niños que tienen exceso de energía.
  • Carla practices yoga because it helps her develop her flexibility. – Carla hace yoga porque la ayuda a desarrollar su flexibilidad.
  • Doing meditation sessions twice a week helps us cultivate a good character. – Hacer sesiones de meditación dos veces a la semana nos ayuda a cultivar un buen carácter.

Believing or assuming something

Creer o suponer algo

This use of hacer  is for describing what had been assumed, but which turns out to not be the case. In Spanish, this is generally expressed in the imperfect or the subjunctive. The English equivalent really depends on the context, best demonstrated through examples:

  • Anna, are you here? I thought  you were at the airport ready to fly to London. – Ana, ¿estás aquí? Yo te hacía en el aeropuerto lista para tomar el avión hacia Londres.
  • Is that Sarah? I had pictured her as being slimmer and taller. – ¿Esa es Sarah? Yo la hacía más alta y más delgada.
  • I’d made you out to be  much friendlier, but that’s not the case. – Había hecho  que fueras mucho más amigable, pero ese no es el caso.
  • My mom  thought she had  an innocent daughter, but it wasn’t true. – Mi mamá me hacía una hija inocente, pero no era cierto.

Simular o aparentar

We use the structure hacer que  or hacer como que  when we want to indicate that a person is pretending to do something when in reality they are doing something completely different. In this context, suitable equivalents in English are to pretend  to , to act like , or to make like .

  • Raul pretends to work, but in reality he is playing solitaire. – Raúl hace que  trabaja, pero en realidad está jugando solitario.
  • My dad acts like he’s listening to me, but he’s thinking about tomorrow’s baseball game. – Mi papá hace como que me escucha, pero está pensando en el juego de béisbol de mañana.
  • We make like  we’re cooking, but in reality we order food from a restaurant. – Hacemos como que cocinamos, pero en realidad ordenamos la comida a un restaurante.
  • Miriam pretends she’s vegetarian just to impress her new boyfriend. – Miriam hace que es vegetariana solo para impresionar a su nuevo novio.

To obtain or get hold of something

Apropiarse de algo

When we want to indicate that we have obtained something  or seized something  for our benefit, we use the structure hacerse con  (algo). The translation in English varies depending on the context, best explained through examples:

  • Did you get hold of  the book for chemistry class? – ¿ Te hiciste con  el libro para la clase de química?
  • The thieves made off with all the bank’s money. – Los ladrones se hicieron   con todo el dinero del banco.
  • The players were running around the field, trying to  get hold of  the ball. – Los jugadores corrían por el campo, intentando hacerse con  el balón.

Comportamiento

We can use the verb hacer  to talk about a person’s particular behavior. Here the English equivalent can also change depending on the context:

  • Marco really likes to play the clown  in class. – A Marco le gusta mucho hacerse el payaso  en clase.
  • Aurora was afraid of making a fool of herself in front of the whole class. – Aurora tenía miedo de hacer el ridículo  frente a toda la clase.
  • My brother and his friends love to goof around all the time. – A mi hermano y a sus amigos les encanta hacerse los tontos  todo el tiempo.
  • Sometimes I try to be funny , but it is impossible to achieve it. – A veces intento hacerme la graciosa , pero es imposible lograrlo.

Expressions Using to Make in Spanish

So far we’ve covered different uses for the verb hacer , which is usually the best translation for to make  in Spanish. But what about other English expressions based around the verb to make ? Here’s a handy list of expressions using to make , and their Spanish equivalents. Note that not all of their translations use hacer !

Other Expression with Hacer in Spanish

Whereas in the previous list we saw expressions based around the English word to make , whether they translate into Spanish with hacer  or some other verb, here we’ll turn it around and look at Spanish expressions based around the verb hacer . In these hacer  expressions, the English equivalents use all sorts of other verbs!

As you can see, hacer  is quite the versatile verb. Not only is it used for both to do  and to make  in Spanish, but it’s also used in so many other contexts and expressions we use in everyday speech. We’ve covered a bunch of common uses for hacer  along with its conjugations, we introduced dozens of hacer expressions , and we learned the Spanish equivalents for a wide variety of make expressions .

Are you ready to start using hacer in any new contexts now? We’ll leave you with a handful of exercises so you can get a bit of practice. ¡Hasta una próxima entrega!

Fill in the blank using the verb hacer .

1. ¡ _____ la tarea, Lucy! No lo voy a volver a repetir.

– Do your homework, Lucy! I will not repeat it again.

2. _____ lo que dijo el profesor.

– I did what the professor said.

3. Mi tía _____  hamburguesas para la cena.

– My aunt will make hamburgers for dinner.

4. Ojalá _____ un buen trabajo este nuevo gerente en la empresa.

– I hope this new manager will do a good job in the company.

5. Si no _____ ese examen, habría reprobado.

– If I hadn’t done that test, I would have failed.

6. Cristina _____ un buen trabajo con la decoración del lugar.

– Cristina has done a good job with the place decoration.

7. ¿Qué _____ aquí? Este no es el momento adecuado para ti.

– What are you doing here? This is not the correct time for you.

8. Si pudiera, yo lo _____, pero es imposible para mí ahora.

If I could, I would do it, but now it’s impossible for me.

9. _____ tres años, mis hermanos _____ un viaje a Sudáfrica.

– Three years ago, my siblings took a trip to South Africa.

10. Sara  _____ su cama después de levantarse.

– Sarah made her bed after getting up.

11. Empezó a llover _____ una hora, así que no podré llegar a tiempo para cenar.

– It started raining an hour ago, so I won’t be able to make it to dinner in time.

12. _____ tanto calor que me quitaría toda la ropa si pudiera.

– It’s so hot I’d take off all my clothes if I could.

13. El empleado _____ trabaja, pero en realidad está leyendo una revista.

– The employee pretends to work, but is actually reading a magazine.

14. Miriam se _____ con el premio de la rifa.

– Miriam has won the raffle prize.

15. Carlos se _____ cuando quiere fastidiar a su hermana.

– Carlos plays funny when he wants to annoy his sister.

Fill in the blank using the verb hacer.

1. ¡ Haz  la tarea, Lucy! No lo voy a volver a repetir.

2. Hice  lo que dijo el profesor.

3. Mi tía hará  hamburguesas para la cena.

My aunt will make hamburgers for dinner.

4. Ojalá haga  un buen trabajo este nuevo gerente en la empresa.

5. Si no hubiera hecho  ese examen, habría reprobado.

6. Cristina ha hecho  un buen trabajo con la decoración del lugar.

7. ¿Qué estás haciendo  aquí? Este no es el lugar adecuado para ti.

– What are you doing here? This is not the correct place for you.

8. Si pudiera, yo lo haría , pero es imposible para mí ahora.

– If I could, I would do it, but now it’s impossible for me.

9. Hace  tres años, mis hermanos hicieron  un viaje a Sudáfrica.

10. Sara hizo  su cama después de levantarse.

11. Empezó a llover hace  una hora, así que no podré llegar a tiempo para cenar.

12. Hace  tanto calor que me quitaría toda la ropa si pudiera.

13. El empleado hace  como que  trabaja, pero en realidad está leyendo una revista.

14. Miriam se ha hecho  con el premio de la rifa.

15. Carlos se hace  el gracioso cuando quiere fastidiar a su hermana.

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About 1 in 5 U.S. teens who’ve heard of ChatGPT have used it for schoolwork

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Roughly one-in-five teenagers who have heard of ChatGPT say they have used it to help them do their schoolwork, according to a new Pew Research Center survey of U.S. teens ages 13 to 17. With a majority of teens having heard of ChatGPT, that amounts to 13% of all U.S. teens who have used the generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot in their schoolwork.

A bar chart showing that, among teens who know of ChatGPT, 19% say they’ve used it for schoolwork.

Teens in higher grade levels are particularly likely to have used the chatbot to help them with schoolwork. About one-quarter of 11th and 12th graders who have heard of ChatGPT say they have done this. This share drops to 17% among 9th and 10th graders and 12% among 7th and 8th graders.

There is no significant difference between teen boys and girls who have used ChatGPT in this way.

The introduction of ChatGPT last year has led to much discussion about its role in schools , especially whether schools should integrate the new technology into the classroom or ban it .

Pew Research Center conducted this analysis to understand American teens’ use and understanding of ChatGPT in the school setting.

The Center conducted an online survey of 1,453 U.S. teens from Sept. 26 to Oct. 23, 2023, via Ipsos. Ipsos recruited the teens via their parents, who were part of its KnowledgePanel . The KnowledgePanel is a probability-based web panel recruited primarily through national, random sampling of residential addresses. The survey was weighted to be representative of U.S. teens ages 13 to 17 who live with their parents by age, gender, race and ethnicity, household income, and other categories.

This research was reviewed and approved by an external institutional review board (IRB), Advarra, an independent committee of experts specializing in helping to protect the rights of research participants.

Here are the  questions used for this analysis , along with responses, and its  methodology .

Teens’ awareness of ChatGPT

Overall, two-thirds of U.S. teens say they have heard of ChatGPT, including 23% who have heard a lot about it. But awareness varies by race and ethnicity, as well as by household income:

A horizontal stacked bar chart showing that most teens have heard of ChatGPT, but awareness varies by race and ethnicity, household income.

  • 72% of White teens say they’ve heard at least a little about ChatGPT, compared with 63% of Hispanic teens and 56% of Black teens.
  • 75% of teens living in households that make $75,000 or more annually have heard of ChatGPT. Much smaller shares in households with incomes between $30,000 and $74,999 (58%) and less than $30,000 (41%) say the same.

Teens who are more aware of ChatGPT are more likely to use it for schoolwork. Roughly a third of teens who have heard a lot about ChatGPT (36%) have used it for schoolwork, far higher than the 10% among those who have heard a little about it.

When do teens think it’s OK for students to use ChatGPT?

For teens, whether it is – or is not – acceptable for students to use ChatGPT depends on what it is being used for.

There is a fair amount of support for using the chatbot to explore a topic. Roughly seven-in-ten teens who have heard of ChatGPT say it’s acceptable to use when they are researching something new, while 13% say it is not acceptable.

A diverging bar chart showing that many teens say it’s acceptable to use ChatGPT for research; few say it’s OK to use it for writing essays.

However, there is much less support for using ChatGPT to do the work itself. Just one-in-five teens who have heard of ChatGPT say it’s acceptable to use it to write essays, while 57% say it is not acceptable. And 39% say it’s acceptable to use ChatGPT to solve math problems, while a similar share of teens (36%) say it’s not acceptable.

Some teens are uncertain about whether it’s acceptable to use ChatGPT for these tasks. Between 18% and 24% say they aren’t sure whether these are acceptable use cases for ChatGPT.

Those who have heard a lot about ChatGPT are more likely than those who have only heard a little about it to say it’s acceptable to use the chatbot to research topics, solve math problems and write essays. For instance, 54% of teens who have heard a lot about ChatGPT say it’s acceptable to use it to solve math problems, compared with 32% among those who have heard a little about it.

Note: Here are the  questions used for this analysis , along with responses, and its  methodology .

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Many Americans think generative AI programs should credit the sources they rely on

Americans’ use of chatgpt is ticking up, but few trust its election information, q&a: how we used large language models to identify guests on popular podcasts, striking findings from 2023, what the data says about americans’ views of artificial intelligence, most popular.

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COMMENTS

  1. Do (one's) homework

    Definition of do (one's) homework in the Idioms Dictionary. do (one's) homework phrase. What does do (one's) homework expression mean? Definitions by the largest Idiom Dictionary.

  2. 8 Important Idioms For Knowing Something Well

    8. Do One's Homework Definition and Meaning: Do One's Homework. The expression literally means to finish schoolwork, it can also mean to do heavy research or study a topic hard in other contexts beyond school. Do One's Homework Example Sentences: Celia really did her homework on the city's architecture. They're not rookies.

  3. Collocations with DO: 42 Useful Expressions with DO • 7ESL

    Collocations with Do with Meaning and Examples. Do a course. Meaning: To complete a learning program. Example: They do a course in coding to prepare for their career. Do a deal. Meaning: To make an agreement or arrangement. Example: She will do a deal with the distributor to expand her business. Do a favour.

  4. English Expressions and Mistakes with DO and MAKE

    do (one's) best= to try one's hardest: Sarah always does her best in class. do damage=to cause harm: Alex did a lot of damage when he spoke badly about his boss. Expressions with MAKE. make a mistake: Many students make mistakes with do and make. It's common to make a mistake when learning new languages.

  5. etymology

    I consulted a number of print dictionaries of British slang and found only one that had an entry for "do one." From Jonathon Green, Cassell's Dictionary of Slang, second edition (2005): do one v. {1950s+} to leave, to run away. If Green's dating of the expression to the 1950s is correct, "do one" is older than "do a runner," which Green ...

  6. 35 Work Idioms in English: Common Phrases Used • 7ESL

    Some common work idioms include "putting your nose to the grindstone," which means working hard and diligently, and "thinking outside the box," which means thinking creatively and innovatively. Other examples include "climbing the corporate ladder," "going the extra mile," and "the ball is in your court.".

  7. Expressions with the Verb TO DO

    Use do with common housework responsibilities. do the laundry (wash and dry) do the dishes (wash and dry) do the ironing; do the floors (sweep and mop) Work. After you do all your housework, you can start to do your homework. Oh man! do homework; do school work; do a report on something; do research; a good job (nice work!) a bad job (uh-oh!)

  8. do/make Expressions

    make money. make a noise. make an offer. make peace. make a phone call. make a profit. make a suggestion. make war. * make a bed usually means "tidy the bedclothes" but it could also mean "manufacture the furniture".

  9. Expressions with DO & MAKE · engVid

    The English verbs do and make are frequently confused, so pay particular attention to the expressions below. It is best to learn the expressions by heart. Some guidelines do exist to help you determine which word to use when, but in general you will not have time to think through the rules before choosing a word.

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    You finish one episode, then decide to watch another even though you've got SAT studying to do. It's just more fun to watch people make scones. D. Start the episode, but only catch bits and pieces of it because you're reading Twitter, cleaning out your backpack, and eating a snack at the same time. 5.

  11. How to Use "Make" and "Do" in English

    One expression that uses either "do" or "make" is: make a deal / do a deal ("I'll do it if you help me.") Using do. 1. We use "do" to refer to jobs, or responsibilities. These are often routine things, which do not involve much creativity or fun: "I do the shopping once a week.". "He does the gardening every weekend.".

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    So next we will share with you some expressions to help you talk about that! 9, (To) freeze or (to) be frozen. When your connection is bad, it could be said: Hang on, you're frozen! You keep freezing! We can't hear you! Another useful one is to say that "there's a lag or there is a delay", which is really annoying. So you know when ...

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    Free math problem solver answers your algebra homework questions with step-by-step explanations.

  14. Expression to Do My Homework

    Expression to do my homework is a common way of expressing how I am feeling. This expression originated in grade school when the teacher would ask us to do an assignment on a certain topic. ... Looking at these different homework expression, you will notice that each one has a specific purpose. In addition, each expression gives the student a ...

  15. expressions with faire Flashcards

    Start studying expressions with faire. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. ... to do one's homework. faire la lessive. to do the laundry. faire le marché. to do the grocery shopping. faire le ménage. to do the housework. faire la queue. to wait in line. faire un tour. to go for a walk.

  16. Make or Do

    One way to remember make vs. do is to consider the word plan. When you are still forming it, the correct phrase is making a plan. ... The correct expression is do homework because it's an activity you accomplish or fulfill. For example: I did the late homework after dinner.

  17. 'Do Your Homework' or 'Do The Homework'. Which Is Correct?

    The expression "do homework" refers to the work that a teacher gives a student to do at home. The expression " do homework " refers to the work that a teacher gives a student to do at home. Doing homework is a boring activity for some students.. Use the article "the" or a possessive pronoun (my, your, his, etc.) to be more specific.

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    Here are three journaling prompts that can be effective therapy homework for self-expression: Exploring Emotions and Feelings. One way to enhance self-expression through journaling is by exploring emotions and feelings. Encourage individuals to write about their current emotional state, identifying and describing the emotions they are experiencing.

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  21. To Make in Spanish: Mastering the Multifunctional Spanish Verb "Hacer"

    The verbs to do and to make are two of the most common English verbs.Whether you want to say to do or to make in Spanish, you'll use the same word: hacer.We use the verb hacer for almost everything!Whether we talk about doing homework, making cakes, doing some activities or tasks, or just about the weather, we use the verb hacer to express all of this.

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    You should arrange this into a regression equation: Ŷ = 10.778 - 0.9537 X Note that the given p-value is .00999.If the test is one sided, then you need to do: 0.00999/2 = .004995 (in either case, the test would be significant at α = 0.01) Finally, notice that the R2 is 0.5845. If everything else is okay (e.g. residual plots), we can say

  23. Use of ChatGPT for schoolwork among US teens

    However, there is much less support for using ChatGPT to do the work itself. Just one-in-five teens who have heard of ChatGPT say it's acceptable to use it to write essays, while 57% say it is not acceptable. And 39% say it's acceptable to use ChatGPT to solve math problems, while a similar share of teens (36%) say it's not acceptable.