do by: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (primarily found in the fixed idiom "do as you would be done by")Formal / Literary / Proverbial
Quick answer
What does “do by” mean?
To treat or behave towards someone in a particular way.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To treat or behave towards someone in a particular way.
To deal with or handle a person, typically with connotations of fairness or fairness.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the phrase is almost exclusively known from the proverb 'Do as you would be done by'. In American English, the active construction (e.g., 'He did right by me') is more frequently used in speech.
Connotations
In the proverb, it conveys a golden rule of ethics. In active use, it often implies fair, just, or generous treatment.
Frequency
Overall low frequency. The active use is more frequent in AmE; the proverbial form is recognized in both varieties but used more in BrE as a set phrase.
Grammar
How to Use “do by” in a Sentence
[Subject] + do + [Adverb] + by + [Object (person)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “do by” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- One should always aim to do as one would be done by.
- I felt they had done rather poorly by the veterans.
American English
- The company did right by its customers with the refund policy.
- He always does well by his family.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
He promised to do right by all the employees during the restructuring.
Academic
The ethical principle of 'doing as you would be done by' was discussed in the philosophy seminar.
Everyday
She really did well by me when I was ill, bringing food every day.
Technical
Rare in technical contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “do by”
- Incorrect: *She did by him a favour. Correct: She did well by him. / She did him a favour.
- Incorrect: *I want to do by you nice. Correct: I want to treat you nicely. / I want to do right by you.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not a common or productive phrasal verb. Its use is largely restricted to the proverb 'Do as you would be done by' and fixed expressions like 'do right/well by someone'.
Yes, but typically only in the proverbial form: 'as you would be done by'. The active constructions ('do well by') are not commonly passivised.
It is a preposition. The phrase 'by someone' is a prepositional phrase modifying the verb 'do', indicating the recipient of the action/behaviour.
No, there is no direct nominal derivative. The related concept is 'treatment' or 'behaviour'.
To treat or behave towards someone in a particular way.
Do by is usually formal / literary / proverbial in register.
Do by: in British English it is pronounced /ˌduː ˈbaɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdu ˈbaɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Do as you would be done by.”
- “Do right by someone.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the phrase 'Do BY someone' as treating someone BY following the Golden Rule.
Conceptual Metaphor
ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR IS RECIPROCAL ACTION (The treatment you give is the treatment you receive).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'do by' as in 'He did well by her'?