do
verb (transitive)
UK/duː/US/duː/
To perform an action, task, or activity.
Example Sentences
He needs to do his homework before playing video games.
She did the dishes after dinner to help out around the house.
They do a lot of volunteer work in their community.
Can you do me a favor and pick up some groceries?
He did a great job organizing the event.
They did the laundry on the weekend.
She did her best to stay calm during the emergency.
He did the necessary research before starting the project.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
noun (countable)
UK/duː/US/duː/
A party or social gathering (chiefly British informal).
Example Sentences
They threw a big do to celebrate their wedding anniversary.
I'm hosting a do at my house this Saturday night.
The neighborhood organized a do for the local charity event.
She was excited to attend her friend's surprise do.
They danced and enjoyed the music at the lively do.
The do had a fantastic atmosphere with decorations and delicious food.
He arrived early to help set up for the do.
The do was a huge success, with everyone having a great time.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A versatile verb used to express actions or tasks.“Do” functions as a very common verb in English, signifying the performance or execution of an action. You can use “do” with an object to specify a task, as in “Do the laundry” or “Do your homework.” It also appears in questions and short answers: “Do you like pizza?” “Yes, I do.” In commands, “do” conveys a direct instruction—“Do it now!”—and can even appear in idiomatic expressions like “do well,” “do time,” or “do business.” When guiding someone, you might say, “First, do this; then, do that,” to lay out a sequence of actions. It can also serve as an auxiliary verb to form negatives and questions: “I don’t understand” or “Do you know the way?” This usage extends to emphasis, such as “I do want to help,” to stress sincerity or insistence. Whether you’re instructing a friend to take care of something (“Please do the dishes”) or forming part of a more complex sentence (“I do think you have a point”), “do” offers versatility for countless conversational and written scenarios, covering everything from routine tasks to emphatic statements.
Alternatives
If you’re looking to vary your language or avoid repetition, consider synonyms and related expressions like “perform,” “carry out,” “execute,” or “accomplish.” “Perform” often highlights a more formal or specialized act, as in “perform a task” or “perform a play.” “Carry out” underscores the idea of following through on a plan or order—“carry out the instructions” conveys an organized approach. “Execute” implies precision and sometimes a high level of skill, making it fitting for contexts like “execute the plan” or “execute a complex maneuver.” “Accomplish” highlights success in completing a goal, as in “accomplish your objectives.” Each of these terms can replace “do” in certain sentences, though you should consider context and nuance: “perform” suits professional or artistic contexts, “carry out” is great for systematic tasks, “execute” works well for precise or demanding actions, and “accomplish” emphasizes achievement. Choosing the most appropriate alternative lets you vary tone and specificity to better convey your message, whether in a formal document, casual conversation, or creative writing. By interchanging these words mindfully, your communication remains clear, purposeful, and dynamic, ensuring that audiences grasp both the nature and the significance of the tasks you describe.
Writing
When writing with “do,” clarity is essential because the word itself can be quite broad. Pinpoint what you want to convey: Are you describing a routine task, a specialized action, or an emphasis on urgency? For instance, “Please do your homework by Friday” sets a clear deadline, whereas “Do consider this possibility before making a decision” emphasizes strong advice. In formal writing, you may want to replace “do” with more precise verbs—like “complete,” “conduct,” or “undertake”—to lend specificity and depth. However, “do” can still be a valuable option when referring to multiple tasks: “We have much to do this week.” In structuring your text, consider how “do” might serve as an auxiliary verb to form questions or negatives: “Do you agree?” or “We do not recommend proceeding yet.” Always ensure it’s easy for the reader to pinpoint the subject, the nature of the task, and the context. Balancing the simplicity of “do” with occasional alternatives can prevent monotony and maintain clarity. Ultimately, “do” remains an indispensable part of the English language, bridging the gap between direct statements and nuanced expressions, and serving as a foundational verb in countless sentence structures.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “do” is a linguistic workhorse. You might say, “What should we do this weekend?” or “I didn’t do anything special yesterday.” It’s succinct, direct, and familiar, making it perfect for casual chats. Whether you’re asking someone about their plans (“What do you want to do tonight?”) or offering help (“Can I do something for you?”), the verb is flexible enough to fit virtually any friendly scenario. It also appears in short replies—“I do!” to affirm a statement, or “I don’t” to negate one. If you’re talking about chores or activities, “do” pairs nicely with everyday tasks, like “do the laundry,” “do the dishes,” or “do a quick workout.” This simple usage fosters clarity in small talk: no need for big words or elaborate phrasing to get your point across. Emphasizing the importance of immediate, recognizable language, “do” keeps conversations straightforward, letting you effortlessly invite, offer, or confirm actions without overcomplicating your message. In short, it’s a go-to verb for simple, effective communication among friends, family, and colleagues in day-to-day life.
Etymology
Historically, “do” comes from Old English “dōn,” meaning “to perform or execute,” tracing further back to the Proto-Germanic root “*dōanan.” This short yet powerful word has sustained shifts in pronunciation and usage as English evolved from its Germanic origins, but it has always retained its core meaning of carrying out an action. Over centuries, “do” also became crucial as an auxiliary verb, helping to form questions (“Do you want this?”), negatives (“I do not understand”), and emphatic statements (“I do believe in second chances”). While it’s one of the most common verbs in modern English, its historical lineage underscores the timeless need for a concise, all-purpose word to express “getting something done.” This remarkable continuity reveals how fundamental the concept of performing tasks is to human life and language, underscoring our collective drive to act, accomplish, and communicate effectively.
