do

Used with another verb to form questions, negatives, short answers, or strong statements.

• Do you like apples?
• He doesn't drive.
• I did lock the door.

How to use it: do/does/did + subject + base verb (Do you live nearby?); subject + do/does/did not + base verb (She does not eat meat.); subject + do/does/did + base verb (I do appreciate your help.)

Common phrases: do you know, do not touch, do like something, do not know

To carry out an activity or work on and finish a task.

• I do my homework after school.
• She did the washing yesterday.
• Have you done all your exercises?

Similar words: perform, carry out, complete

Common phrases: do homework, do the dishes, do a job, do some work

To perform an action that is not named or has already been mentioned.

• What are you doing?
• Please don't do that again.
• She wanted to leave, and she did.

How to use it: do so (She promised to call and did so the next day.)

Common phrases: do something, do that, do the same, do it

To perform or progress in a particular way, especially successfully or unsuccessfully.

• She's doing well at school.
• Our team did badly yesterday.
• How did you do in the interview?

How to use it: do + adverb + in/at something (She did well in the exam.); how + do/does/did + someone + do (How did your team do?)

Similar words: fare, perform

Common phrases: do well, do badly, do better, do in something

To make a drawing, painting, or piece of writing.

• I did a drawing of our dog.
• Can you do a quick sketch of the room?
• She is doing an article about local farms.

Similar words: create, produce

Common phrases: do a drawing, do a sketch, do a portrait, do a report

An action you should take, usually mentioned with actions you should avoid.

• The guide lists the dos and don'ts.
• Wearing a helmet is one of the main dos.
• We discussed the dos and don'ts of online meetings.

Similar words: recommended action

Opposites: don't

Common phrases: do and don't, a basic do

The way someone’s hair is cut or arranged.

• I love your new do.
• She chose a fancy do for the wedding.
• His new do makes him look younger.

Similar words: hairstyle, hairdo

Common phrases: a new do, a fancy do, a short do

A party or other event where people meet to celebrate.

• We're having a small do on Friday.
• Did you enjoy the office do?
• They invited us to a big do for their anniversary.

Similar words: party, celebration, gathering

Common phrases: a birthday do, a work do, a big do, a family do