done their homework

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "done their homework" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone has prepared or researched adequately before taking action or making a decision. Example: "Before presenting her proposal, she made sure she had done her homework on the market trends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Have they done their homework?

The New York Times

All had done their homework.

The New Yorker

"They have done their homework".

The New York Times

They'd done their homework.

The Guardian - Music

'They had done their homework.

The Guardian - Film

The Soviets had also done their homework.

The New York Times - Sports

"They had done their homework," says one.

The Economist

Many students haven't really done their homework.

The New York Times

I'm sure someone has done their homework".

The Guardian - Sport

Often this is simply because they haven't done their homework.

The Economist

It was clear that both teenagers had done their homework.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "done their homework", ensure it aligns with the context of preparation, research, or investigation. For example, "The team had done their homework before the presentation".

Common error

Avoid using "done their homework" when referring to simple tasks that do not require extensive research or preparation. It is more appropriate for situations involving detailed analysis or investigation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "done their homework" functions as a verb phrase indicating that someone has adequately prepared or researched a topic before taking action. Ludwig confirms its correct usage across numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "done their homework" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that someone has adequately prepared or researched a topic. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is particularly prevalent in News & Media. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and choose more formal or informal alternatives as appropriate. By understanding its nuances and avoiding common errors, you can effectively use "done their homework" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

researched thoroughly

Highlights the investigative aspect of the preparation.

prepared diligently

Emphasizes the effort and care taken in preparing.

become well-versed

Emphasis on accumulating deep knowledge on the topic.

covered all bases

Indicates a comprehensive approach to preparation, ensuring nothing is missed.

left no stone unturned

Suggests a very detailed and exhaustive investigation.

read up on

Suggests studying and research as preparation

studied up

An informal way of saying someone has prepared by studying.

got their ducks in a row

Implies organizing and preparing in advance.

made preparations

A more general term for getting ready.

crammed

Informal way to refer to intensive preparation, usually in short timeframe

FAQs

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

You can use "done their homework" to indicate that someone has prepared or researched adequately before taking action. For example: "The students had "done their homework" before the exam".

What can I say instead of "done their homework"?

You can use alternatives like "prepared diligently", "researched thoroughly", or "studied up" depending on the context.

Is "done their homework" formal or informal?

"Done their homework" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives exist for specific situations, as well as the more informal like "studied up".

What's the difference between "done their homework" and "done their research"?

"Done their homework" implies a broader preparation, while "done their research" specifically focuses on the investigative aspect of gathering information. The best fit depends on whether the context involves general preparation or targeted investigation.