Most Common 30 Collocations with Do: Unlock English Fluency

Collocations, the natural combination of words that native speakers frequently use together, are essential for achieving fluency in any language. In English, the verb “do” forms numerous collocations that enrich the language, making expressions more natural and impactful. For English learners and educators alike, understanding these collocations is crucial for effective communication. This blog post delves into 30 common collocations with do, providing definitions, phonetic transcriptions, and practical examples for each. Whether you’re writing essays, engaging in conversations, or preparing for exams, mastering these collocations will elevate your language skills.

Most Common 30 Collocations with Do 🫡 Unlock English Fluency

Collocations are more than just vocabulary; they are the glue that holds sentences together in a coherent and natural manner. They enhance clarity and precision, allowing speakers to convey their thoughts more effectively. For instance, saying “do homework” instead of “make homework” aligns with native speaker usage and prevents misunderstandings. Similarly, “do the dishes” and “do business” are expressions that reflect everyday activities and professional interactions.

This comprehensive guide will not only introduce you to these essential collocations but also offer insights into their proper usage. By the end of this post, you will be equipped with the knowledge to incorporate these phrases seamlessly into your speech and writing. Moreover, for educators, this resource serves as a valuable tool to help students grasp the nuances of English collocations.

Embrace the journey to linguistic proficiency by diving into these 30 collocations with “do.” From daily chores to academic tasks, these expressions will become an integral part of your vocabulary arsenal. Let’s explore each collocation, understand its context, and see how it can be applied in real-life scenarios.

#1. Do Homework 📚

Definition: To complete assignments given by teachers. Phonetic Transcription: /duː ˈhoʊmwɜːrk/

Examples:

1. I need to do my homework before I can watch TV.
2. She always does her homework right after school.

#2. Do the Dishes 🍽️

Definition: To wash the dirty dishes after meals. Phonetic Transcription: /duː ðə ˈdɪʃɪz/

Examples:

1. Can you do the dishes tonight?
2. He hates doing the dishes, but it’s his turn.

#3. Do Business 💼

Definition: To engage in commercial or professional activities. Phonetic Transcription: /duː ˈbɪznɪs/

Examples:

1. We do business with several international companies.
2. She went to New York to do business with a new client.

#4. Do Your Best ⭐

Definition: To try as hard as you can. Phonetic Transcription: /duː jɔːr bɛst/

Examples:

1. Just do your best on the exam.
2. He always does his best to help others.

#5. Do a Favor 🙏

Definition: To do something to help someone. Phonetic Transcription: /duː ə ˈfeɪvər/

Examples:

1. Can you do me a favor and pick up my mail?
2. She did a favor for her neighbor by walking their dog.

#6. Do the Laundry 👕

Definition: To wash clothes. Phonetic Transcription: /duː ðə ˈlɔːndri/

Examples:

1. I need to do the laundry this weekend.
2. He always does the laundry on Saturdays.

#7. Do the Shopping 🛒

Definition: To buy groceries or other items. Phonetic Transcription: /duː ðə ˈʃɒpɪŋ/

Examples:

1. She does the shopping every Sunday morning.
2. We need to do the shopping for the party.

#8. Do the Dishes 🍽️

Definition: To wash the dirty dishes after meals. Phonetic Transcription: /duː ðə ˈdɪʃɪz/

Examples:

1. Can you do the dishes tonight?
2. He hates doing the dishes, but it’s his turn.

#9. Do Harm 🩹

Definition: To cause damage or injury. Phonetic Transcription: /duː hɑːrm/

Examples:

1. We must ensure that our actions do no harm to the environment.
2. He didn’t mean to do any harm with his words.

#10. Do a Job 🛠️

Definition: To perform a task or duty. Phonetic Transcription: /duː ə dʒɒb/

Examples:

1. She did a great job on the presentation.
2. He was hired to do a job for the company.

#11. Do an Assignment 📄

Definition: To complete a specific task or project. Phonetic Transcription: /duː ən əˈsaɪnmənt/

Examples:

1. He stayed up late to do his assignment.
2. The students are required to do several assignments each semester.

#12. Do Research 🔍

Definition: To study or investigate a subject thoroughly. Phonetic Transcription: /duː rɪˈsɜːrtʃ/

Examples:

1. She is doing research on climate change.
2. You need to do some research before writing your report.

#13. Do Exercises 🏋️‍♂️

Definition: To perform physical activities to stay fit. Phonetic Transcription: /duː ˈeksərsaɪzɪz/

Examples:

1. He does exercises every morning.
2. They do yoga exercises to relax.

#14. Do the Cooking 🍳

Definition: To prepare meals. Phonetic Transcription: /duː ðə ˈkʊkɪŋ/

Examples:

1. She does the cooking in their household.
2. He enjoys doing the cooking for his family.

#15. Do Your Hair 💇

Definition: To style or arrange your hair. Phonetic Transcription: /duː jɔːr hɛr/

Examples:

1. She spent an hour doing her hair for the party.
2. I need to do my hair before the meeting.

#16. Do the Math 📏

Definition: To calculate or figure out something. Phonetic Transcription: /duː ðə mæθ/

Examples:

1. You need to do the math to find out how much it will cost.
2. He did the math and realized he couldn’t afford it.

#17. Do Time ⏳

Definition: To serve a prison sentence. Phonetic Transcription: /duː taɪm/

Examples:

1. He did time for a crime he didn’t commit.
2. She has to do time for her involvement in the scandal.

#18. Do Wonders 🌟

Definition: To have a very positive effect. Phonetic Transcription: /duː ˈwʌndərz/

Examples:

1. A good night’s sleep can do wonders for your mood.
2. The new policy did wonders for employee morale.

#19. Do the Honors 🎉

Definition: To perform a social duty or ceremony. Phonetic Transcription: /duː ðə ˈɒnərz/

Examples:

1. Would you like to do the honors and cut the cake?
2. He did the honors of welcoming the guests.

#20. Do the Right Thing ✔️

Definition: To act in a morally correct way. Phonetic Transcription: /duː ðə raɪt θɪŋ/

Examples:

1. He always tries to do the right thing.
2. She did the right thing by returning the lost wallet.

#21. Do Your Duty 💂

Definition: To fulfill your responsibilities. Phonetic Transcription: /duː jɔːr ˈdjuːti/

Examples:

1. He did his duty as a citizen by voting.
2. She always does her duty, no matter how difficult.

#22. Do Your Part 🤝

Definition: To contribute to a collective effort. Phonetic Transcription: /duː jɔːr pɑːrt/

Examples:

1. Everyone needs to do their part to keep the office clean.
2. He did his part by volunteering at the event.

#23. Do a Course 📚

Definition: To study a subject formally. Phonetic Transcription: /duː ə kɔːrs/

Examples:

1. She is doing a course in computer science.
2. They did a course on digital marketing last year.

#24. Do the Housework 🏡

Definition: To perform domestic chores. Phonetic Transcription: /duː ðə ˈhaʊswɜːrk/

Examples:

1. He helps his mother do the housework on weekends.
2. They divide the housework equally between them.

#25. Do a Report 📝

Definition: To write or present information on a topic. Phonetic Transcription: /duː ə rɪˈpɔːrt/

Examples:

1. She did a report on the effects of pollution.
2. The team did a report on their recent findings.

#26. Do a Service 🛠️

Definition: To provide help or work for someone. Phonetic Transcription: /duː ə ˈsɜːrvɪs/

Examples:

1. They did a great service for the community.
2. He does a service by repairing cars.

#27. Do Yoga 🧘‍♀️

Definition: To practice yoga. Phonetic Transcription: /duː ˈjoʊɡə/

Examples:

1. She does yoga every morning to stay flexible.
2. They do yoga together as a form of bonding.

#28. Do a Test 🧪

Definition: To complete an examination or experiment. Phonetic Transcription: /duː ə tɛst/

Examples:

1. The students did a test on the new material.
2. The scientist did a test to confirm the hypothesis.

#29. Do a Workout 🏋️

Definition: To engage in physical exercise. Phonetic Transcription: /duː ə ˈwɜːrkaʊt/

Examples:

1. He does a workout at the gym every evening.
2. She did a workout to relieve stress.

#30. Do a Project 📊

Definition: To complete a specific task or assignment. Phonetic Transcription: /duː ə ˈprɒdʒekt/

Examples:

1. They did a project on renewable energy.
2. He is doing a project for his science class.

Sum Up

Mastering these 30 collocations with “do” will significantly enhance your English language proficiency. Each collocation is a building block, enabling more natural and fluent communication. By incorporating these phrases into your daily conversations and writings, you’ll find yourself expressing ideas more clearly and effectively. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or an English language enthusiast, these collocations are indispensable tools in your linguistic repertoire.

As you practice and become more familiar with these expressions, you’ll notice an improvement in your ability to understand and use English in various contexts. Remember, the key to mastering collocations is consistent practice and application. Try to use them in sentences, write them down, and speak them out loud. The more you use them, the more natural they will become.

Happy learning, and keep doing your best!

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