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do

v. · n.
Irregular verb past did past participle done
  1. 1 to perform an action (v.)
    A1 Beginner

    to perform an action, activity, or job.

    to carry out or perform an action, task, or obligation. Transitive — requires a direct object.

    Example

    I need to do my homework before I can go out with my friends.

    Example

    The research team must do a thorough investigation before they can publish the final results of the clinical trial.

    Usage

    Often used with general nouns like 'something', 'nothing', 'anything', or 'work'.
    Pitfall
    I did a mistake on the test.
    I made a mistake on the test.

    Use 'make' for creating or producing something new, like a mistake or a cake. Use 'do' for general activities or work.

  2. 2 auxiliary for questions/negatives (v.)
    A1 Beginner

    a helper word used to ask questions or say 'no'.

    an auxiliary verb used to form the interrogative and negative moods in the simple present and simple past tenses.

    Example

    Do you like Italian food, or do you prefer spicy dishes?

    Example

    Why did the manager not mention the budget cuts during the morning briefing?

    Usage

    In questions, 'do' or 'does' comes before the subject. In negatives, 'do not' or 'does not' comes before the main verb.

    Teacher's tip

    Remind students that 'do' carries the tense and person, while the main verb stays in the base form.

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  1. 3 to be enough (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to be enough or to be acceptable for a situation.

    to be sufficient, adequate, or acceptable for a specific purpose. Intransitive in this sense.

    Example

    You don't need a fancy dress; a simple skirt will do.

    Example

    While a full report is preferred, a brief summary of the findings will do for the preliminary meeting.

    Usage

    Often used with the modal 'will' or 'would'.
  2. 4 to clean or arrange (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to clean, wash, or arrange something to make it look neat.

    to tidy, clean, or provide necessary maintenance for something.

    Example

    It is your turn to do the dishes after we finish dinner.

    Example

    She spent nearly an hour doing her hair and makeup before the awards ceremony began.

    Usage

    Common in fixed phrases like 'do the dishes' or 'do your hair'.
  3. 5 to progress or fare (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to get along or make progress in a certain way.

    to fare or manage in a specified way, often regarding health or success.

    Example

    How is your sister doing after her surgery last week?

    Example

    The company is doing remarkably well despite the recent downturn in the global economy.

    Usage

    Usually followed by an adverb like 'well' or 'badly'.
  4. 6 to visit or tour (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    to visit a place as a tourist and see the famous sights.

    to visit or tour a specific location, often as part of a planned itinerary.

    Example

    We plan to do three different museums while we are in London.

    Example

    They managed to do the entire Louvre in a single afternoon, though they felt exhausted by the end.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense implies a quick or superficial visit, like 'doing' all of Europe in two weeks.
  5. 7 a party (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate British English Informal

    a party or a social event.

    a social gathering, party, or function. Primarily British English and informal.

    Example

    Are you coming to the office Christmas do on Friday night?

    Example

    The retirement do was a surprisingly lavish affair, held in the ballroom of a local hotel.

    Usage

    Often used with 'big' or 'work'.
  6. 8 a hairstyle (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    a way of cutting or arranging your hair.

    a hairstyle or the arrangement of a person's hair. Informal clipping of 'hairdo'.

    Example

    I really like your new do; the shorter length suits you.

    Example

    She arrived at the gala with an elaborate do that must have taken hours to style.
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