did their homework

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "did their homework" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has completed their research or preparation for a task or situation. Example: "Before the meeting, the team did their homework on the latest market trends to ensure they were well-prepared."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Somebody did their homework".

The New York Times

But they did their homework.

The New York Times - Arts

They did their homework side by side.

The New York Times - Sports

Usually they did their homework together.

The New York Times

I think the scriptwriters did their homework on that figure.

Independent

I ask Doug if the twins did their homework.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

They do their homework".

The New Yorker

Doing their homework?

The Guardian

All had done their homework.

The New Yorker

"They have done their homework".

The New York Times

Students were doing their homework.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a team's preparation, "did their homework" can illustrate their proactive approach to understanding challenges and opportunities before taking action.

Common error

While "did their homework" is widely understood, avoid overuse in strictly formal writing. Opt for alternatives like "conducted thorough research" or "prepared comprehensively" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "did their homework" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that a subject (individuals or groups) has adequately prepared or researched a topic. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in various contexts, reinforcing its role in conveying preparation and understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "did their homework" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that someone has adequately prepared or researched a topic, as confirmed by Ludwig. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral contexts, with more formal alternatives preferred in academic or professional settings. Usage is particularly frequent in news and media, as illustrated by various examples. The variety of alternative phrasings, such as "conducted their research" or "prepared thoroughly", allows for nuanced expression while maintaining the core meaning of preparedness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conducted their research

Emphasizes the research aspect of preparation, focusing on gathering information.

prepared themselves thoroughly

Highlights the completeness of the preparation process, stressing readiness.

made ample preparations

Focuses on the extent of preparations, indicating a significant effort.

undertook a thorough investigation

Stresses the investigative nature of the preparation, emphasizing examination and scrutiny.

investigated carefully

Similar to 'undertook a thorough investigation', but more concise.

studied the matter closely

Focuses on the detailed study of a specific issue or subject.

came fully prepared

Highlights the state of being prepared upon arrival or commencement.

covered all the bases

An idiomatic expression meaning that all possibilities have been considered and accounted for.

left no stone unturned

An idiomatic expression meaning that they investigated every possibility.

checked all the facts

Highlights the process of fact-checking.

FAQs

How can I use "did their homework" in a sentence?

You can use "did their homework" to indicate that someone has adequately prepared or researched a topic before taking action. For example, "The team "did their homework" before the presentation, ensuring they were well-prepared for any questions."

What are some alternatives to "did their homework"?

Alternatives include "conducted their research", "prepared themselves thoroughly", or "made ample preparations", depending on the context.

Is "did their homework" suitable for formal writing?

While acceptable, it's generally better to use more formal alternatives like "conducted a thorough analysis" or "prepared comprehensively" in academic or professional contexts to maintain a higher level of formality.

What does it mean when someone says they "did their homework"?

It means they took the time to gather information, study the facts, and understand the topic at hand. It suggests a proactive approach to being informed and prepared.