I was in college. I showed up for class and realized that I hadn’t done the homework. A fellow classmate showed me what was supposed to be done. I was disappointed in myself. How could I have done this? Vaguely, I recall that there was an assignment. But, why hadn’t I done it . . or, at least, researched it so I could appear prepared? What was I thinking?
I stopped feeling sorry for myself and decided to take some prophylactic action. I found a seat near the back of the class and took out the homework. Damage control. Skim the reading and try and answer the questions in the last fifteen minutes before class!!
No. No reason for this aggravation. I just woke myself up.
I bet the English are trying to do the very same thing.