What does the phrasal verb “do away with” mean?

What are the definitions of “do away with”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Abolish, get rid of.

  The United Kingdom DID AWAY WITH the death penalty in 1965.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “do away with”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb do away with is to abolish or get rid of something, usually a rule, law, or practice. It means to stop using or following something.

What are the different verb forms of “do away with”?

Root Verb	do away with
Third Person Singular Present	does away with
Present Participle	doing away with
Simple Past	did away with
Past Participle	done away with

Example

Many people believe we should do away with plastic bags to protect the environment.

Example

The government does away with outdated laws to improve efficiency.

Example

The company is doing away with old policies to create a more inclusive workplace.

Example

The school did away with uniforms last year.

Example

The old system has been done away with and replaced with a new one.

What kind of phrasal verb is “do away with”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“do away with” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

The government did away with the old law.

Example

They did away with the outdated policy.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“do away with” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

The government did away with the old law.

Example

They did away with the outdated policy.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “do away with”?

Do away with oneself

An old-fashioned and indirect way of saying to commit suicide.

Example

In the novel, the character tragically does away with himself.

Do away with tradition

To stop following a long-established custom or practice.

Example

The new generation wants to do away with tradition and create their own path.

Do away with barriers

To remove obstacles or hindrances.

Example

The organization aims to do away with barriers to education for underprivileged children.

Good things to know

Does “do away with” have an informal or formal tone?

Do away with is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as academic writing or professional discussions.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “do away with”?

Synonyms

• abolish
• eliminate
• end
• eradicate
• repeal
• discard
• remove
• cancel
• discontinue
• terminate

Antonyms

• establish
• implement
• introduce
• create
• institute
• enact
• uphold
• maintain
• preserve
• continue