do
do — verb
1. to perform a particular activity, task, or piece of work — for example, cleaning
to perform a particular activity, task, or piece of work — for example, cleaning a room, finishing an assignment, or preparing a meal.
Nadia did her maths homework before watching television.
do + homework (common collocation for school tasks)
Pedro did the shopping for his grandmother every Saturday morning.
do the shopping (routine household task)
What chores do you and your sister do at home?
The students did some painting in their art class yesterday.
do + -ing noun for creative activities
Chidi did a great job organising the school talent show.
- do homework
- do the dishes
- do the shopping
- do a job
- do work
- do a task
Grammar Patterns
do + noun phrase
Usage Note
Object is typically a task, chore, or job noun (homework, shopping, dishes, work). Distinguish from 'make', which is used for creating or producing something (make a cake, make a noise).
Common Mistakes
2. to act in response to a particular problem, need, or situation — such as fixing
to act in response to a particular problem, need, or situation — such as fixing a broken pipe or helping when someone is in trouble.
The roof is leaking — we need to do something about it soon.
do something about [problem] — common pattern for addressing issues
Sofia did not know what to do when her phone stopped working.
The new principal did a lot to improve safety at the school.
do a lot to + infinitive (emphasising effort)
When the river flooded, the town did everything it could to help.
- do something about
- do nothing about
- do everything possible
- do what you can
- do a lot to
Grammar Patterns
do something about + noun phrase
do + noun phrase + to-infinitive
Usage Note
Often used in the pattern 'do something about [issue]' or 'do nothing/anything/everything/much/little' to describe the extent of action taken. Frequently occurs with modal verbs (must do, should do, can do).
Common Mistakes
3. to behave towards another person with a certain level of care, respect, generosi
to behave towards another person with a certain level of care, respect, generosity, or harshness — for example, treating guests kindly or treating workers unfairly.
The hotel did its guests well by offering comfortable rooms and good food.
do someone well — treat generously
Aarav felt that his manager did him wrong by cutting his hours without warning.
do someone wrong — treat unfairly
The charity did the elderly visitors well by providing free transport.
Élise was done badly by the landlord when he refused to fix the heater.
passive: done badly by [someone] — treated poorly
- do someone well
- do someone wrong
- do well by someone
- done badly by
Grammar Patterns
do + indirect object + well/badly
do well by + noun phrase
Usage Note
Almost always used in fixed patterns with an adverb: 'do someone well/good' (treat kindly/generously), 'do someone wrong/badly' (treat unfairly). The past participle 'done' is common in passive constructions ('I was done wrong').
Common Mistakes
4. to behave, perform, or get along in a particular way, especially regarding how s
to behave, perform, or get along in a particular way, especially regarding how successful or happy the result is — for example, a student doing well on a test, a business doing badly during a slow season, or plants doing better after fresh soil is added.
Tyler did very well in his final exams and passed with top marks.
do well — succeed or perform successfully
The football team did badly in the first match but improved later.
do badly — perform poorly
How is your brother doing in his new job at the city hospital?
how is [someone] doing — ask about progress or wellbeing
The little shop did well during the holiday season despite the big competition.
The children are doing very well at their new school this term.
do well — thrive or get along in a situation
Sade did badly in the interview because she felt very nervous.
The garden plants did much better after we added fresh soil.
do better — improve in condition
Emre's small restaurant is doing quite well despite the difficult economy.
- do well
- do badly
- do better
- do poorly
- how someone is doing
- do fine
- do OK
Grammar Patterns
do + adverb (well/badly/better)
how + subject + be doing
Usage Note
Always followed by an adverb (well, badly, better, poorly, fine, OK) or occurs in the question pattern 'How is someone doing?' Cannot take a direct object in this sense. Distinguish from sense 1 (CARRY OUT), which always takes a task as object.
Common Mistakes
5. to be related to, connected with, or about something — used in the fixed express
to be related to, connected with, or about something — used in the fixed expressions have to do with or be to do with.
This letter has to do with your application for the teaching job.
have to do with — be related to or concern
Dahlia's question has nothing to do with the current discussion.
have nothing to do with — be completely unrelated
What does Yumi's decision have to do with the rest of the team?
Most of the argument was to do with who should pay for the repairs.
be to do with — British English variant of 'have to do with'
- have to do with
- have nothing to do with
- have something to do with
- have a lot to do with
- be to do with
- be unrelated to
to have no connection with
Grammar Patterns
have to do with + noun phrase
be to do with + noun phrase
Usage Note
Only occurs in the fixed expressions 'have (something/nothing/anything/a lot) to do with' and 'be to do with'. Cannot be used as a standalone verb. In negative clauses, 'have nothing to do with' strongly indicates no connection. 'Be to do with' is more common in British English.
Common Mistakes
6. to take responsibility for handling a regular task, job, or area of work — for e
to take responsibility for handling a regular task, job, or area of work — for example, cooking meals for the family or managing the office supplies.
Who does the cooking in your family during the week?
do the [task-type] — handle a regular responsibility
Omar does the gardening while his wife looks after the indoor plants.
I will do the shopping if you clean the kitchen afterwards.
do the shopping — take charge of a routine task
Christopher does all the paperwork for his uncle's small business.
- do the cooking
- do the cleaning
- do the shopping
- do the garden
- do the paperwork
- do the accounts
- handle
suggests managing or dealing with something (handle customer complaints)
- take care of
more informal; emphasises responsibility (take care of the bills)
- avoid
to stay away from a responsibility intentionally
Grammar Patterns
do + noun phrase (task/role)
Usage Note
The object is typically a gerund or noun representing a regular responsibility (cooking, gardening, shopping, cleaning, paperwork). Distinguish from sense 1 (CARRY OUT): sense 1 focuses on performing a specific activity at a specific time ('She did her homework last night'), while this sense focuses on being in charge of a recurring area of responsibility ('She does the homework in their house').
Common Mistakes
7. to study a particular subject or take a course as part of your education, especi
to study a particular subject or take a course as part of your education, especially at school or university
Ife is doing biology at school this year and really enjoys it.
do + school subject name
Sumin did French for three years before moving to Montreal.
What subjects are you doing this term at university?
Rafael did a short photography course last summer and loved it.
do + a course in [subject]
Tamar did music at university and now works as a teacher.
- do + [subject]
- do + a course
- do + [subject] at school/university
- teach
the teacher does the opposite of studying — they give knowledge rather than receive it
Grammar Patterns
do + school subject/course
Usage Note
Very common in informal British English. In American English, 'take' is more often used for courses and subjects ('I am taking biology this semester').
Common Mistakes
8. to work through a problem, puzzle, sum, or question until you reach the correct
to work through a problem, puzzle, sum, or question until you reach the correct answer
Ishaan did the puzzle in just five minutes and won the prize.
do + puzzle (solve)
Can you help me do this maths problem? I cannot figure it out.
Rania did the crossword on the train during her morning commute.
Christopher could not do the last three questions on the science test.
do + question/problem (as in solving or answering)
If you do the sum carefully with a calculator, you will get the right answer.
- do + a puzzle
- do + a sum
- do + a crossword
- do + a problem
- do + a question
- solve
more specific — makes clear the answer was found
- work out
phrasal verb, common in British English; 'work out the answer'
- figure out
informal; common in American English
Grammar Patterns
do + puzzle/problem/sum/question
Usage Note
Object is typically a puzzle, sum, equation, crossword, or exam question. Common in classroom contexts. With 'cannot/could not', it means the person was unable to find the answer.
Common Mistakes
9. to bring something into existence through your own effort, for example a meal, a
to bring something into existence through your own effort, for example a meal, a drawing, a product, or a deal
Valentina did a beautiful painting of the old temple near her house.
do + painting/drawing (create)
Apinya is doing dinner for the whole family tonight.
That little bakery on the corner does the best lemon cake in town.
Beatrix did me a lovely drawing of a cat for my birthday card.
do + indirect object + direct object
The travel agency is doing a special discount for students this month.
David learned to do a simple omelette from his older sister.
do + specific dish — learn to cook it
Nia is doing roast chicken and potatoes for the family dinner tonight.
The little cafe near the station does the best mushroom soup in town.
do + dish — describing what a restaurant serves
Tyler's grandmother taught him how to do dumplings from scratch.
- do + dinner/breakfast/lunch
- do + painting/drawing
- do + deal
- do + a favour
- do + [sb] + [sth]
Grammar Patterns
do + [object]
do + [indirect object] + [direct object]
Usage Note
Can take two objects ('do someone something'). With food, 'do' usually implies preparing or cooking, and is common in informal British English ('do roast chicken', 'do dumplings from scratch'). For baking cakes from scratch, 'bake' or 'make' is more natural than 'do'.
Common Mistakes
10. to bring an activity to an end, especially after you have completed everything r
to bring an activity to an end, especially after you have completed everything relating to a person or thing
Have you done with the newspaper? I want to read it.
be done with [something] (finish using)
Élise is almost done with her homework and will join us soon.
When you are done washing the dishes, come and help me in the garden.
be done + [verb]-ing (finish an action)
Once Ishaan is done with his final exams, he will travel to Japan.
Tamar said she was done with smoking and threw away her last pack.
- be done with
- be done + [verb]-ing
- have done with
- finish
more formal; usable in all registers
- complete
formal; emphasises reaching the final step
- be through with
informal; similar meaning to 'be done with'
Grammar Patterns
be done with + [noun]
be done + [verb]-ing
Usage Note
Almost always appears in the perfect form ('have done with') or as a predicate adjective ('be done with / be done doing'). Used informally; 'finished' is more formal. The 'with' is required before a noun object.
Common Mistakes
11. to put a room, house, or other area into a clean and tidy state, or to groom par
to put a room, house, or other area into a clean and tidy state, or to groom part of your body
Ife did the kitchen while Sumin did the living room.
do + room name (clean)
Rafael did his hair before the job interview and looked very smart.
The cleaner does the offices every Monday morning before anyone arrives.
Esme did the bathroom floor with a cloth and some soapy water.
do + specific area/object (clean)
Valentina did her nails bright red for the party on Saturday.
- do + the kitchen
- do + the bathroom
- do + the house
- do + hair
- do + nails
- do + the floor
Grammar Patterns
do + [room/area]
do + [body part/hair]
do the + [cleaning noun]
Usage Note
When used with a room name ('do the kitchen'), it always means clean. When used with body parts or hair ('do her nails', 'do his hair'), it means groom or style rather than just clean. To specify the cleaning method, add 'with' ('do the floor with a mop').
Common Mistakes
12. to arrange or put something in a particular order, especially for decoration or
to arrange or put something in a particular order, especially for decoration or display at an event
Christopher did the flowers for the wedding reception at the hotel.
do + flowers (arrange for decoration)
Apinya did the table with plates, glasses, and a tablecloth.
Rania always does the window displays at the bookshop near the station.
Sumin did the decorations for the school festival last spring.
The hotel staff did the chairs in neat rows before the ceremony.
do + [objects] in [arrangement]
- do + flowers
- do + the table
- do + decorations
- do + window display
- do + chairs
- mess up
to disturb an arrangement; 'don't mess up the flowers'
Grammar Patterns
do + [item arranged]
Usage Note
Object is the item being arranged (flowers, table, decorations, chairs), not the location. To specify the location, use 'for' or 'at' ('do the flowers for the church').
Common Mistakes
13. used to describe how far someone or something goes, or how fast something moves
used to describe how far someone or something goes, or how fast something moves — for example, a car doing 100 km/h or a runner doing ten kilometres.
Ilan's old motorbike can do a hundred and fifty kilometres on a single tank of fuel.
do + distance + fuel unit for vehicle range
The airport bus does the trip from the city centre every thirty minutes.
do + specific route as a regular service
Ishaan runs every weekend and does at least ten kilometres before stopping.
do + distance for physical activity
That little fishing boat does about twelve knots in calm weather.
- do + distance
- do + speed
- do + trip/route
Grammar Patterns
do + number + distance unit
do + number + speed unit
Usage Note
Object must be a measurable distance (kilometres, miles), a speed (kilometres per hour, knots), or a specific route/trip. Common in informal English about vehicles and physical exercise.
Common Mistakes
14. to finish travelling from one place to another, especially when the route is a n
to finish travelling from one place to another, especially when the route is a named or well-known journey.
Karim and Sari did the whole coastline road in three days by bicycle.
do + whole [route] in [time] for journey completion
Kasia's train does the route from Warsaw to Kraków in just over two hours.
Rodrigo's family did the mountain crossing from sunrise until sunset.
do + [geographic feature] + crossing for completing a natural route
Caleb cycled from Portland to San Francisco and did the distance in six days.
- do + whole/all + route
- do + [place A] to [place B]
- do + the crossing/journey
- complete
more formal; 'we completed the route in three days'
Grammar Patterns
do + [place A] to [place B]
Usage Note
Distinguish from sense 13 (COVER DISTANCE): this sense emphasizes finishing the whole route, not just measuring how far you went. The object is typically a named route or journey rather than a raw number.
15. to be good enough or suitable for a particular purpose, even if not perfect.
to be good enough or suitable for a particular purpose, even if not perfect.
A simple blanket on the floor will do as a bed for one night.
will do as + noun phrase for temporary solution
Mizuki looked at the spare desk and decided it would do for her sewing.
Élise said that cold water would do; she did not need tea.
would do — rejecting something fancier
Inês asked if next Tuesday would do for the appointment, and the dentist agreed.
A small bowl of rice with vegetables will do for my lunch today.
- will/would do
- do for/as
- will do nicely
- fall short
to not be enough or suitable
Grammar Patterns
will/would do
will/would do for/as + noun phrase
will/would do + to infinitive
Usage Note
Almost always appears with 'will' or 'would'. The sense is most common in spoken English. In questions ('Will it do?') it asks whether something meets a requirement.
Common Mistakes
16. to give, provide, or arrange something for someone — used especially with 'a fav
to give, provide, or arrange something for someone — used especially with 'a favour', 'a kindness', 'a good turn', or practical help.
The hotel did us a wonderful room with a view of the ocean.
do + indirect object + direct object (arranged benefit)
Christopher did his grandmother a favour by driving her to the clinic.
Tendai's uncle did him a great kindness by paying for his school books.
do + someone + a kindness — providing generous help
The local bakery does fresh bread to all the shops in the area.
- do + someone + a favour
- do + someone + a kindness
- do + someone + a good turn
Grammar Patterns
do + someone + something
do + something + for + someone
Usage Note
British English, informal. The indirect object (person receiving) comes before the direct object. Common fixed phrases include 'do someone a favour', 'do someone a kindness', 'do someone a good turn'.
Common Mistakes
17. to act the role of a particular character in a play, film, or television show, o
to act the role of a particular character in a play, film, or television show, or to perform a dramatic scene or production.
Hassan did a convincing Hamlet at the school drama competition last March.
do + [play/character] for theatrical performance
The drama teacher asked students to do a Romeo and Juliet scene for their exam.
Saira did Queen Elizabeth so well that the audience gave her a standing ovation.
do + [role/character] with adverbial modifier
The local theatre group is doing a Shakespeare comedy at the festival next month.
My cousin did the lead role in the school musical and sang beautifully.
do + [role/part] — common object pattern
- do a role
- do a part
- do a play
- do Shakespeare
- do a scene
- do a character
Grammar Patterns
do + [play/role/scene/character]
Usage Note
Common in informal and amateur-theatre contexts. For professional theatre, 'perform' or 'play the role of' are more formal alternatives. The object can be the play itself ('do Macbeth'), the character ('do Macbeth'), or a scene ('do a scene').
Common Mistakes
18. to visit and see the interesting sights and attractions in a particular city, co
to visit and see the interesting sights and attractions in a particular city, country, or area, especially as a tourist.
We did the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower in one exhausting day in Paris.
do + [specific landmark/sight]
Esme wants to do all the art museums in Florence before her semester abroad ends.
The guide said we could do the old town on foot in three hours.
Kian and his cousin did the Grand Canyon during their summer road trip.
do + [natural landmark / area]
If you visit Kyoto, do the bamboo grove early before the crowds arrive.
- do the sights
- do a city
- do a museum
- do the galleries
- do the tour
Grammar Patterns
do + [place/sights/museum]
Usage Note
Very common in travel conversations. Often used with the definite article before the sight or attraction: 'do the Louvre', 'do the sights'. The focus is on 'visiting and seeing' rather than 'experiencing deeply'. More formal alternatives include 'visit', 'tour', or 'see'.
Common Mistakes
19. to go into a building without permission in order to take things that do not bel
to go into a building without permission in order to take things that do not belong to you.
The thieves did three houses on our street last Tuesday while everyone was at work.
do + [building] for burgling
Someone did the electronics shop downtown and took all the laptops from the back room.
The police believe the same gang did both banks within the same hour Sunday morning.
Soraya's flat was done last week while she was visiting her mother in Birmingham.
passive: be done — common in crime reports
- do a house
- do a bank
- do a shop
- do a flat
- get done
- burgle
neutral British English, less informal
- rob
can be used for people as well as places
- break into
describes the action more literally
Grammar Patterns
do + [building/shop]
Usage Note
British informal slang. The object is the building or property entered, not the items stolen. Frequently used in the passive ('My house was done'). A more neutral alternative is 'burgle' (British) or 'burglarise' (American).
Common Mistakes
20. to cheat or trick someone by taking money or property from them through dishones
to cheat or trick someone by taking money or property from them through dishonest methods.
The used-car salesman did me out of three thousand dollars with a fake warranty contract.
do + [someone] + out of + [amount/money]
Hugo's business partner did him out of his profit share through forged documents.
The dishonest accountant did the elderly couple out of their life savings over several years.
Amihan felt the landlord had done her out of the deposit without valid reason.
pattern: do [someone] out of [something]
- do someone out of money
- do someone out of property
- do someone out of a share
- do someone out of savings
Grammar Patterns
do + [someone] + out of + [money/goods]
Usage Note
Almost always followed by 'out of' plus the item taken. Without 'out of', the meaning changes completely. The construction 'do someone out of something' is the fixed pattern. More formal alternatives include 'cheat', 'swindle', or 'defraud'.
Common Mistakes
21. to spend a particular period of time in prison as punishment for a crime that yo
to spend a particular period of time in prison as punishment for a crime that you have committed.
Vikram did three years in prison for a robbery he committed at age nineteen.
do + [time period] + in prison
The judge sentenced him to do five years for his role in the fraud scheme.
Eitan did time in a maximum-security prison before his conviction was overturned on appeal.
do time — fixed expression for serving a prison sentence
The witness admitted he had done eighteen months for theft as a young man.
Samir's uncle did ten years in prison and started a small business after his release.
- do time
- do years in prison
- do a sentence
- do a stretch
- do ten years
- serve
more formal; used in official contexts
- spend time in prison
more neutral and descriptive
Grammar Patterns
do + [period of time] + (in prison)
Usage Note
The object is always a period of time, never the prison itself. 'Do time' is a fixed idiomatic expression meaning to serve a prison sentence. This sense is more common in informal speech and news reporting. A more formal alternative is 'serve'.
Common Mistakes
22. to punish someone, especially by using physical force or by treating them harshl
to punish someone, especially by using physical force or by treating them harshly.
The headmaster threatened to do the boys if they were caught smoking behind the gym.
informal British: do + [someone] as a threat of punishment
Grandma said my father would do me when he got home from work that evening.
The gang leader ordered his men to do the traitor for stealing from the group.
In the old school, the principal would do students for any minor rule they broke.
- do someone (threat)
- I'll do you
- threaten to do someone
Grammar Patterns
do + [someone]
Usage Note
British informal and somewhat dated. The meaning is often vague — it can mean anything from 'scold severely' to 'beat up', depending on context. More commonly found in threats ('I'll do you!') than in descriptions of actual punishment. More specific alternatives include 'beat', 'punish', or 'discipline'.
Common Mistakes
23. to put an illegal substance into your body, either occasionally for pleasure or
to put an illegal substance into your body, either occasionally for pleasure or as a regular habit.
Anong started doing drugs when she was fifteen, and her parents sent her to counselling.
doing drugs — set phrase for using illegal substances
The police found the musician doing heroin in a cheap motel room near the airport.
do + [specific drug name] — e.g. do heroin, do cocaine
Heloísa warned her younger brother that doing drugs would destroy his health and future.
An undercover officer watched the teenagers doing ecstasy inside the crowded nightclub.
Jin admitted that he had done marijuana a few times but never tried hard drugs.
done + [drug] — past participle form of this sense
- do drugs
- do heroin
- do cocaine
- do marijuana
- do ecstasy
- take drugs
more neutral in tone; suitable for formal contexts
- use drugs
broader, includes both legal and illegal substances
Grammar Patterns
do + drugs
do + [specific drug name]
Usage Note
Informal. Usually appears in the set phrase 'do drugs' (plural) or 'do + [a specific drug name]'. Common in past and progressive tenses. Avoid in formal or academic writing.
Common Mistakes
24. to be happening or taking place — used mainly in fixed expressions and questions
to be happening or taking place — used mainly in fixed expressions and questions.
'What's doing this weekend?' Sophia asked her colleague as she packed her bag on Friday.
'What's doing' — fixed question meaning 'What's happening?'
The tourists found there was nothing doing in the village after nine o'clock at night.
'nothing doing' — fixed phrase meaning 'nothing is happening'
Élise called her brother and asked what was doing at his new school.
Leo checked the empty café at midnight and realised that nothing was doing there.
Adina asked the hotel receptionist what was doing around town on Saturday evening.
- what's doing
- nothing doing
- there's nothing doing
Grammar Patterns
What's doing?
nothing doing
there's nothing doing
Usage Note
Restricted to informal questions ('What's doing?', 'What's doing at…?') and the fixed negative construction 'nothing doing' / 'there's nothing doing'. Cannot replace 'happen' freely — for example, you cannot say 'The accident did this morning.'
Common Mistakes
do — noun
1. the way someone is treated by another person or by a group, especially when the
the way someone is treated by another person or by a group, especially when the outcome is seen as fair or unfair; often used in fixed expressions such as 'fair do's' or 'a poor do'.
The workers felt it was a poor do when their manager took all the credit.
fixed phrase: a poor do — unfair treatment
Fair do's, you cannot expect Linh to do all the cleaning by herself.
fixed phrase: fair do's — appeal for fairness
After the merger, the junior staff complained they had not received a fair do.
Rania thought the judges gave her a rough do, scoring her routine so low.
collocation: a rough / hard / poor do
- fair do's
- a poor do
- a rough do
- a hard do
- raw deal
informal noun phrase for unfair treatment; stronger than 'poor do'
Usage Note
This sense of 'do' is almost always found in fixed phrases: 'fair do's' (an appeal for fair treatment), 'a poor/rough/hard do' (unfair treatment). It is not used freely like a regular countable noun, and it sounds distinctly British and informal. 'Fair do's' is often written with an apostrophe as 'fair do's' or without as 'fair dos'.
Common Mistakes
2. a social gathering, party, or event where people come together to celebrate, eat
a social gathering, party, or event where people come together to celebrate, eat, drink, or have fun.
The neighbourhood is throwing a big do at the community centre this Saturday.
collocation: throw / have a do
Élise organised a farewell do for her colleague who was moving to Osaka.
Christopher wore his best jacket to the charity do at the town hall.
collocation: charity do / birthday do / farewell do
There is a small do at Naoko's place on Friday to celebrate her promotion.
- throw a do
- have a do
- a birthday do
- a charity do
- a farewell do
- a Christmas do
- a big do
- party
standard term; more formal and widely understood
- gathering
neutral, less festive than 'do'
- get-together
similar informal tone, especially for small groups
Usage Note
Used informally, especially in British English, as a light-hearted synonym for 'party' or 'event'. It is typically modified by a preceding noun or adjective that says what kind of event it is: 'a birthday do', 'a charity do', 'a Christmas do'. Avoid using it in formal writing.
Common Mistakes
3. a hairstyle, especially one that has been arranged, cut, or shaped by a hairdres
a hairstyle, especially one that has been arranged, cut, or shaped by a hairdresser; short for 'hairdo'.
Nia went to the salon for a new do before her sister's wedding.
collocation: a new do
The actress arrived at the ceremony with an elegant up-do pinned with silver clips.
compound: up-do
My grandmother still calls any haircut a do, which sounds very old-fashioned to us.
Hao spent an hour in front of the mirror perfecting his do for the reunion.
- a new do
- up-do
- a fancy do
- get a do
Usage Note
Short for 'hairdo', which itself is already informal. 'Do' used alone for 'hairdo' is old-fashioned in most English-speaking regions. It survives in the compound 'up-do' (a hairstyle worn up), which remains current in fashion contexts. Younger speakers rarely use 'do' alone to mean 'hairstyle'.
Common Mistakes
4. the syllable 'do', which stands for the starting pitch of a major scale in sol-f
the syllable 'do', which stands for the starting pitch of a major scale in sol-fa music teaching systems.
The children practised singing do, re, mi up the scale before the concert.
solfège series: do, re, mi
Nikhil played do on the piano, then moved up the notes one by one.
In music class, the teacher asked Ilan to hold the note do for four beats.
collocation: the note do
The first line of the score began with do in the treble clef.
- the note do
- sing do
- do, re, mi
- the scale starting on do
Usage Note
This is a technical music term. In fixed-do solfège, 'do' always represents the same pitch (C). In movable-do solfège, 'do' is the tonic of whatever key the music is in. The word is not capitalised in running text ('do, re, mi') except at the start of a sentence.
Common Mistakes
do — auxiliary verb
1. Used with the base form of another verb to create a question or a sentence that
Used with the base form of another verb to create a question or a sentence that says no. The form changes to 'does' with he/she/it in the present, and to 'did' for the past tense.
Do you and your sister like ice cream after dinner?
question: do + subject + base verb
Daniel does not play the guitar, but his brother does.
negative with does + not (he/she/it)
Did Saira go to school by bus yesterday morning?
past question: did + subject + base verb
The children did not eat their lunch at school today.
Does the little café on Park Street open on Sundays?
Grammar Patterns
do/does + subject + base verb (questions)
subject + do/does/did + not + base verb (negatives)
Usage Note
The main verb after do/does/did always stays in its base form (no -s, -ed, or -ing). Use 'does' only when the subject is he/she/it or a singular noun; use 'do' for I/you/we/they.
Common Mistakes
2. Placed after a statement as a short question that asks whether the information i
Placed after a statement as a short question that asks whether the information is correct. The tag uses do/does/did to match the tense of the main statement's verb.
You live in Taipei near the university, don't you?
positive statement + negative tag
Élise really likes dark chocolate with almonds, doesn't she?
The bus arrived on time this morning, didn't it?
past tense: did in the tag
They don't eat meat or fish at all, do they?
negative statement + positive tag
Grammar Patterns
subject + verb ... , do/does/did + not + subject pronoun?
subject + negative verb ... , do/does/did + subject pronoun?
Usage Note
The tag's subject is always a pronoun (you, he, she, it, we, they) that matches the subject of the main sentence. A positive statement takes a negative tag; a negative statement takes a positive tag. This is the most common pattern, used to confirm information you think is likely true.
Common Mistakes
3. Used after a statement as a short question that reveals the speaker finds the ne
Used after a statement as a short question that reveals the speaker finds the news surprising, interesting, or impressive.
So you actually met the president of the company, did you? That is amazing!
surprise tag: positive statement + positive tag
Zora passed the exam on her very first try, did she?
You really finished the whole novel in just one night, did you?
Dahlia baked all the cakes by herself this morning, did she?
Grammar Patterns
statement ... , do/does/did + subject pronoun?
Usage Note
Unlike checking tags (sense 2), surprise tags keep the same positive/negative form as the statement — so a positive statement takes a positive tag. The speaker usually says the tag with a rising intonation to show they find the information unexpected.
Common Mistakes
4. Used instead of saying a verb or action a second time. The form of 'do' (do/does
Used instead of saying a verb or action a second time. The form of 'do' (do/does/did) takes the same tense as the verb it replaces.
Saira speaks three languages, and her brother does too.
does replaces 'speaks three languages'
Mateo didn't finish his homework, but Eli did.
Please help me carry these bags. — I already did.
short answer: did replaces 'helped'
Sven runs much faster than Christopher does in the morning.
Zola asked me to join the team, so I did.
Grammar Patterns
subject + do/does/did (standing in for earlier verb phrase)
Usage Note
Common in comparisons, short answers, and replies where repeating the full verb phrase would sound awkward. The form (do/does/did) must match the tense of the original verb — use 'does' for present third-person singular, 'did' for past, and 'do' for all other present forms.
5. Used before the base form of a verb in an affirmative statement to make the mean
Used before the base form of a verb in an affirmative statement to make the meaning stronger, show a strong feeling, or contrast with a previous negative statement.
I do hope you can come to the party.
emphatic do: strengthens the feeling
The manager does want to meet you today.
We did warn you about the traffic, but you left late anyway.
past tense: did emphasises the action
Please do sit down and make yourself comfortable.
emphatic do in polite requests
Some students said the test was easy, but I did find it hard.
Grammar Patterns
subject + do/does/did + base verb
Usage Note
Only used in affirmative (positive) statements, not in negatives or questions. The emphatic 'do/does/did' is spoken with stronger stress than a normal auxiliary. This sense is particularly common in polite invitations and requests, and in arguments where you want to contradict someone who says you didn't do something.
Common Mistakes
Word family
Synonym discussion
Sense: verb/1
Do and make are the most easily confused because their uses overlap in Chinese. A useful rule: do is for tasks, duties, and general actions (do homework, do the dishes, do business), while make is for creating or producing something new (make a cake, make a noise, make a decision). Perform is more formal and suggests a task requiring skill or an audience (perform surgery, perform a dance). Carry out emphasises completing a planned order or instruction (carry out a plan, carry out an experiment). For example: 'She did her shopping in the morning' (routine task) ➔ 'She made a shopping list' (created) ➔ 'She performed a dance for the school' (skilful) ➔ 'She carried out the manager's instructions' (followed orders).
Common collocations
Nouns
Phrases
- do your best
- do the right thing
- do someone a favour
- do a good job
- do harm to
- do damage to
- do business with
- do nothing but
- do well by someone
- do without
Etymology
Do comes from Old English dōn, which goes back to Proto-Germanic *dōną. Its roots stretch even further to Proto-Indo-European *dʰeh₁-, meaning 'to put, place, or set'. It is related to Dutch doen and German tun, which have the same meaning. The word has been in English since before the 12th century, and its use as an auxiliary verb (forming questions, negatives, and emphatic statements) developed during the Middle and Early Modern English periods.