do its homework

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do its homework" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something is preparing or researching thoroughly before taking action or making a decision. Example: "Before launching the new product, the company needs to do its homework on market trends and customer preferences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

So, either Yahoo didn't do its homework, or it must have expected Ramakrishnan's '208 patent to come back and bite it in the ass.

TechCrunch

Overall, Facebook is trying to do its homework so it's ready for a "heat of the moment, last day before the election scenario" and won't get caught flat-footed, says Facebook's director of Product Management for News Feed Greg Marra.

TechCrunch

"It didn't do its homework and embarked on a few adventures".

The New York Times

"It's not a question of Europe making it quicker; Kosovo has to do its homework and tackle difficult issues like rule of law, organised crime and corruption," he says.

BBC

Wall Street didn't do its homework, he says.

The New York Times

"Greece is no longer the miserable partner who listens to lectures to do its homework.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

"They have to draw a line to show that Spain will not be pushed into the safety net as long as it does its homework of bringing its deficit down, and it is on a good track," he said.

The New York Times

However, it did its homework finding an area of London where parents were struggling to find enough places for their children.

Independent

The company's risk of loss in the trades "may have been minimal," the court ruled, but that was partly because it "did its homework before engaging in the transactions".

The New York Times

When the last stragglers have rung the doorbell with one of two perennial lame excuses ("We waited an hour for the sitter," "Traffic was a nightmare — the President must be in town"), the casserole gets popped into the oven, where it does its homework without parental supervision while filling the house with delicious smells.

The New Yorker

But the Bank does feel it has done its homework on polymer, which it claims is harder to copy and last at least 2.5 times longer than current notes printed on a mix of cotton fibre and linen rag.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "do its homework", ensure the subject clearly refers to an entity capable of performing research or preparation, such as a company, organization, or government.

Common error

Avoid using "do its homework" when referring to actions that simply require basic common sense or instinct, as the phrase implies a deeper level of investigation and preparation. It's more suitable for situations needing research or planning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do its homework" functions as a verb phrase, often used in sentences to indicate that a subject, such as a person, group, or organization, is performing the necessary research, preparation, or investigation before taking action. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "do its homework" is a commonly used and grammatically correct idiom that emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation and research. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase effectively conveys the need for diligence before taking action. Primarily found in news and media contexts, this phrase can be applied across various registers, maintaining a generally neutral tone. To ensure correct usage, focus on using the phrase when preparation or investigation is needed, and avoid applying it to situations requiring only basic common sense. Related phrases like ""conduct thorough research"" or "prepare meticulously" can also provide alternative ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conduct thorough research

Emphasizes the research aspect more explicitly than "do its homework".

prepare meticulously

Focuses on the careful and detailed preparation involved.

make adequate preparations

Highlights the act of making necessary arrangements in advance.

undertake a comprehensive study

Implies a more in-depth and formal investigation.

carry out due diligence

Suggests a formal review and investigation, especially in a business context.

get its ducks in a row

An idiomatic expression indicating that everything is well-organized and ready.

lay the groundwork

Focuses on establishing a solid foundation through preparation.

ensure readiness

Highlights the outcome of preparation, ensuring a state of being ready.

plan effectively

Emphasizes the act of making effective plans.

study in detail

Highlights the detailed aspect of studying.

FAQs

How can I use "do its homework" in a sentence?

You can use "do its homework" to describe a person, team, or organization preparing thoroughly for a task. For example: "The company needs to "conduct thorough research" before launching a new product to "ensure readiness".

What does "do its homework" mean?

"Do its homework" means to prepare for something by studying and gathering information about it beforehand. It suggests that someone is being diligent in their preparation.

What are some alternatives to "do its homework"?

Alternatives include phrases like "prepare meticulously", "make adequate preparations", or "carry out due diligence", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "do its homework" instead of "do its job"?

"Do its homework" is appropriate when the task at hand requires investigation, research, or planning. "Do its job" is a more general phrase referring to fulfilling regular responsibilities or duties. For example, the company should "prepare meticulously" before expanding to a new market, but should ""ensure readiness"" daily to satisfy the customers.