Phrasal verb
do with
Definition
phrasal verb. to need or want something because it would be helpful or pleasant right now.
phrasal verb. to require or benefit from something; typically used with 'could' or 'can' to express a desire or necessity for a specific object or action.
Examples
“I could really do with a cup of coffee.”
“After that long walk in the rain, we could all do with a warm shower and some dry clothes.”
“The local library is looking quite run down and could certainly do with a significant injection of funding from the council.”
Examples
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.”
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.
Phrasal verb
Particles
with
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
could + do + with + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/do-with