ENGLISH
REFERENCE

to do with sb/sth

fixed phr..
B1 Intermediate Oxford

fixed phr.. to be connected to or about a person or thing.

fixed phr.. indicating a connection, relationship, or relevance between two entities; often used in the negative to deny involvement or association.


SIMPLE

This problem has nothing to do with you.

CONTEXTUAL

I think the engine noise has something to do with the fan belt being loose.

COMPLEX

The recent decline in local biodiversity likely has much to do with the expansion of industrial farming in the surrounding valley.

Usage

commonly used with 'something', 'nothing', 'anything', or 'a lot' to show the degree of connection.

Teaching tip

focus on the negative 'nothing to do with' first, as it is a very common way to set boundaries or deny responsibility in conversation.

Pitfall

It is do with the weather.It has to do with the weather.the phrase requires the verb 'have' to function correctly as a predicate.

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