What are the definitions of “do with”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Wish for or ask for ( usually after can or could ).
I could DO WITH a cold beer about now.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “do with”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb do with is to express a desire or need for something, usually after using 'can' or 'could'. It means that you would like to have or need something in a particular situation. For example, you might say, 'I could do with a cup of coffee right now.'
What are the different verb forms of “do with”?
| Root Verb | do with |
| Third Person Singular Present | does with |
| Present Participle | doing with |
| Simple Past | did with |
| Past Participle | done with |
Example
I can do with some help on this project.
Example
She does with a little more time to finish her work.
Example
He is doing with a break after working so hard.
Example
Yesterday, they did with some extra hands to help them move.
Example
The team had done with more resources to complete the task.
What kind of phrasal verb is “do with”?
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.)
Intransitive verb
“do with” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
I could do with a vacation.
Example
She could do with a new pair of shoes.
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 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
I could do with a vacation.
Example
She could do with a new pair of shoes.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “do with”?
Good things to know
Does “do with” have an informal or formal tone?
Do with is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the context.
