Lesson

Verbs - Expressions with 'Do'

Common expressions using do

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

What are expressions with 'do'?

Expressions with 'do' are common verb + noun combinations where the verb 'do' pairs with a noun to form a fixed phrase or collocation. These expressions can describe tasks, professional activities, idiomatic actions, or requests.

  • They often describe actions or tasks (do the paperwork, do the dishes).
  • Many are collocations used in business (do business, do an audit).
  • Some are idiomatic and cannot be replaced by other verbs (do someone a favor).

Table

Common 'do' expressions (useful in business & daily life)

Expression Meaning Example
do business (with) engage in commercial transactions or a relationship with a company We do business with suppliers in three countries.
do the paperwork complete administrative documents I need to do the paperwork for the new contract.
do an audit perform an official financial or compliance review The firm will do an audit next quarter.
do someone a favor help someone, usually informally Could you do me a favor and email the report?
do the dishes wash the plates and utensils After the office party, I stayed late to do the dishes.
do a deal make a business agreement or transaction They did a deal with a regional distributor.
do damage cause harm or loss The data breach did serious damage to the company's reputation.
do well perform successfully or profitably Our new product is doing well in the market.

Tip

Key rule: 'do' + noun = action or task

Remember how 'do' combines with nouns:

  • 'do' + task noun = perform an action (do the paperwork, do the audit).
  • 'do' + idiomatic object = fixed expression (do someone a favor).
  • Many collocations with 'do' are not interchangeable with 'make' — choose the correct verb.

When in doubt, learn the verb + noun as a chunk (collocation).

Example

Examples in context

Could you do me a favor and review this contract?

Our company does business with partners in three continents.

The audit team did the audit last month and found no major issues.

I stayed late to do the paperwork for the new hire.

Tip

Common mistakes to avoid

Watch out for these universal errors when using 'do' expressions:

  • Confusing 'do' with 'make' (e.g., say 'make a favor' — incorrect).
  • Changing the noun unnecessarily (e.g., 'do a meeting' instead of 'have/hold a meeting').
  • Incorrect prepositions after the expression (focus on the fixed form: 'do business with', not 'do business to').
  • Using literal translations from your native language that break English collocations.

Learn each expression as a unit and practice it in context.

Quiz

Choose the correct meaning of 'do the paperwork':

Hint: Think about administrative tasks and forms

Quiz

Complete: Can you _____ a favor?

Hint: Think of the common spoken phrase used to request help

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Focus on common collocations with 'business'

Key Points

Expression

do someone a favor

expression CEFR A2 //duː ˈsʌmwʌn ə ˈfeɪvər//

to help someone, usually informally

Could you do me a favor and print this file?

Vocabulary

do business (with)

verb phrase CEFR B1 //duː ˈbɪznəs (wɪð)//

to engage in commercial transactions or have commercial relations with someone

Our company does business with several European distributors.

Vocabulary

do the paperwork

verb phrase CEFR B1 //duː ðə ˈpeɪpərwɜːrk//

to complete administrative documents or forms

Please do the paperwork before the end of the week.

Vocabulary

do an audit

verb phrase CEFR B2 //duː ən ˈɔːdɪt//

to perform a formal review of accounts, processes, or compliance

The internal team will do an audit next month.

Vocabulary

do a deal

verb phrase CEFR B2 //duː ə diːl//

to make or complete a business agreement or transaction

They met to negotiate and eventually did a deal.

Vocabulary

do well

verb phrase CEFR B1 //duː wɛl//

to perform successfully or to be profitable

The new service is doing well and attracting many clients.

Vocabulary

do damage

verb phrase CEFR B2 //duː ˈdæmɪdʒ//

to cause harm, loss, or injury

A data leak can do serious damage to a brand's reputation.