do
- 01 A1 Beginner
v.to perform an action, activity, or job.
v.to carry out or perform an action, task, or obligation. Transitive — requires a direct object.
Simple“I need to do my homework before I can go out with my friends.”
In context“The research team must do a thorough investigation before they can publish the final results of the clinical trial.”
UsageOften used with general nouns like 'something', 'nothing', 'anything', or 'work'.
PitfallI 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.
- 02 A1 Beginner
v.a helper word used to ask questions or say 'no'.
v.an auxiliary verb used to form the interrogative and negative moods in the simple present and simple past tenses.
Simple“Do you like Italian food, or do you prefer spicy dishes?”
In context“Why did the manager not mention the budget cuts during the morning briefing?”
UsageIn questions, 'do' or 'does' comes before the subject. In negatives, 'do not' or 'does not' comes before the main verb.
Teacher's tipRemind students that 'do' carries the tense and person, while the main verb stays in the base form.
- 03 B1 Intermediate
v.to be enough or to be acceptable for a situation.
v.to be sufficient, adequate, or acceptable for a specific purpose. Intransitive in this sense.
Simple“You don't need a fancy dress; a simple skirt will do.”
In context“While a full report is preferred, a brief summary of the findings will do for the preliminary meeting.”
UsageOften used with the modal 'will' or 'would'.
- 04 A2 Elementary
v.to clean, wash, or arrange something to make it look neat.
v.to tidy, clean, or provide necessary maintenance for something.
Simple“It is your turn to do the dishes after we finish dinner.”
In context“She spent nearly an hour doing her hair and makeup before the awards ceremony began.”
UsageCommon in fixed phrases like 'do the dishes' or 'do your hair'.
- 05 B1 Intermediate
v.to get along or make progress in a certain way.
v.to fare or manage in a specified way, often regarding health or success.
Simple“How is your sister doing after her surgery last week?”
In context“The company is doing remarkably well despite the recent downturn in the global economy.”
UsageUsually followed by an adverb like 'well' or 'badly'.
- 06 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to visit a place as a tourist and see the famous sights.
v.to visit or tour a specific location, often as part of a planned itinerary.
Simple“We plan to do three different museums while we are in London.”
In context“They managed to do the entire Louvre in a single afternoon, though they felt exhausted by the end.”
Teacher's tipThis sense implies a quick or superficial visit, like 'doing' all of Europe in two weeks.
- 07 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a party or a social event.
n.a social gathering, party, or function. Primarily British English and informal.
Simple“Are you coming to the office Christmas do on Friday night?”
In context“The retirement do was a surprisingly lavish affair, held in the ballroom of a local hotel.”
UsageOften used with 'big' or 'work'.
Synonyms - 08 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a way of cutting or arranging your hair.
n.a hairstyle or the arrangement of a person's hair. Informal clipping of 'hairdo'.
Simple“I really like your new do; the shorter length suits you.”
In context“She arrived at the gala with an elaborate do that must have taken hours to style.”
do vs make — Do focuses on the action or process of performing a task, while make focuses on the result or the creation of something new.