Collocation Station: Do

Collocations play a very important role in helping to make your English sound more
natural! These phrases can improve your English speaking abilities and help you express
your emotions.

Let’s review. What is a collocation?

A collocation is a group of words that are often put together to create a specific
meaning. These phrases are used in a way that sounds correct to native English
speakers, but the meaning of these phrases may be different than what would be
expected.

There are several different types of collocations. Today we will be talking about “do +
___” collocations. ​We typically use this collocation when talking about
actions, tasks and activities.

10 Useful “Do” Collocations

Collocation Meaning
1. Do business To be involved in selling, trading or working
with a company
2. Do nothing To be involved in selling, trading or working
with a company
3. Do your makeup Applying cosmetics (lipstick, mascara)

4. Do a good job To do something very well

5. Do the right thing To act correctly, selflessly, or with the best

intentions
6. Do the math To figure something out, to come to a
conclusion based on other facts
7. Do it right (Do it wrong) To do something correctly (or incorrectly)

8. Do research Studying something and trying to discover

facts about it
9. Do the dishes Wash the plates, glasses, and silverware
used at a meal
10. Do someone (me, her, him, Do something for someone as an act of
them, yourself) a favor kindness

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Let’s practice!
See if you can complete these sentences using a “do” collocation. Check your answers
by using the key at the bottom of this article.

1. I always take my car to the Main Street Garage. They are expensive, but they
_________.
2. I’ve had a stressful week at work. I want to stay home and _________ this weekend.
3. After dinner, he will wipe the tables and _________.
4. If you find a stranger’s wallet, you should _________ and give it back to the owner.
5. Our company used to _________ with their company.

What are some ways to learn “Do” collocations?

1. Try to find more “do” collocations as you go through your daily life. Write down any
that you find!
2. Try to practice using these collocations over the next week. See where you can fit
them into your conversations or writing.
3. A great way to find new “do” collocations is to focus on reading and listening in
English. This will help you start to recognize “do” collocations when you see and hear
them.

“Do” Collocations Answer Key:

1. I always take my car to the Main Street Garage. They are expensive, but they do a
good job.
2. I’ve had a stressful week at work. I want to stay home and do nothing this weekend.
3. After dinner, he will wipe the tables and do the dishes.
4. If you find a stranger’s wallet, you should do the right thing and give it back to the
owner.
5. Our company used to do business with their company.