ENGLISH
REFERENCE

have to do with sb/sth

idiom.
B1 Intermediate Oxford

idiom. to be connected to or about someone or something.

idiom. to be associated with, related to, or concerned with a specific subject or person; often used to clarify or deny a connection.


SIMPLE

This problem has to do with the new software.

CONTEXTUAL

I don't think his bad mood has anything to do with you; he's just tired.

COMPLEX

The investigation into the company's finances may have to do with several suspicious transactions discovered during the annual audit.

Usage

often used with 'something', 'nothing', or 'anything' to show the strength of the connection.

Teaching tip

help students see this as a fixed unit meaning 'be related to' rather than a literal use of the verb 'have' or 'do'; it is very common in negative constructions like 'nothing to do with'.

Pitfall

It has to do about the weather.It has to do with the weather.the phrase always uses the preposition 'with' to show the connection, never 'about'.

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