ENGLISH
REFERENCE

do with

phr. v..
B1 Intermediate Oxford

phr. v.. to need or want something because it would be helpful or pleasant right now.

phr. v.. to require or benefit from something; typically used with 'could' or 'can' to express a desire or necessity for a specific object or action.


SIMPLE

I could really do with a cup of coffee.

CONTEXTUAL

After that long walk in the rain, we could all do with a warm shower and some dry clothes.

COMPLEX

The local library is looking quite run down and could certainly do with a significant injection of funding from the council.

Particles
with
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
could + do + with + object
Usage

almost always used with the modal verbs 'could' or 'can' and followed by a noun phrase.

Teaching tip

point out that this phrase is distinct from 'have to do with' (concerning) and 'do without' (manage in the absence of); it functions as a polite or indirect way to express a need.

Pitfall

I do with a break.I could do with a break.this phrase requires a modal verb like 'could' to express the sense of needing or wanting something.

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