do with: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal to Neutral
Quick answer
What does “do with” mean?
To need or want something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To need or want something; to benefit from having or using something; to be able to use something.
Expresses a need, desire, or potential benefit from an object, situation, or action. Can also express a relationship or connection between things, as in 'have to do with'. Also used in negative constructions to express tolerance or acceptance ('could do with').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slight preference in British English for 'could do with' to mean 'would benefit from/need'. American English may be slightly more likely to use 'can use' or 'need' in similar contexts, but the phrase is common in both varieties.
Connotations
Informal, conversational tone in both varieties. 'Have to do with' is neutral-formal.
Frequency
Very high frequency in spoken English; common in written informal contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “do with” in a Sentence
[Subject] + could do with + [noun/gerund][Subject] + have/has + nothing/something + to do with + [noun]What + [auxiliary] + [subject] + do with + [noun]?Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “do with” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- This car could do with a good wash.
- What have you done with the scissors?
- His attitude has nothing to do with me.
American English
- This report can do with some more data.
- What did you do with the remote?
- Her success has everything to do with hard work.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Informal meetings: 'This report could do with a final proofread.'
Academic
Rare in formal writing, except for 'have to do with' (e.g., 'This chapter has to do with methodological approaches.').
Everyday
Very common: 'I could do with a cup of tea.' / 'What did you do with my keys?'
Technical
Mostly unused except in explanatory contexts ('This setting has to do with network latency.').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “do with”
- *I am doing with a new phone. (Incorrect tense/use) -> I could do with a new phone.
- *This has do with history. (Missing 'to') -> This has *to* do with history.
- Confusing 'do with' (need) and 'do without' (manage despite not having).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Do with' expresses needing or benefiting from something. 'Do without' means to manage or survive despite not having something.
No. While common with modals (could do with), it is also used in questions ('What to do with...?') and in the fixed phrase 'have to do with'.
The 'could/can do with' construction is informal. For formal writing, use 'need', 'require', or 'would benefit from'. The phrase 'have to do with' is acceptable in formal contexts.
'Have to do with' is a fixed phrasal verb where 'to' is an integral part of the infinitive, not a preposition. The structure is 'have + infinitive (to do) + with'.
To need or want something.
Do with: in British English it is pronounced /ˈduː wɪð/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdu wɪθ/ or /wɪð/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “have to do with”
- “can do with one's eyes shut/closed”
- “do with a bang”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a person looking at a messy room and thinking, 'This room could DO WITH a clean.' The 'DO' is the action needed, and 'WITH' is what it needs to be accompanied by.
Conceptual Metaphor
NEED IS A COMPANION (to do WITH something implies needing it as a companion for improvement).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'could do with' typically express in the sentence: 'This soup could do with a bit more salt.'?