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Same verb · different particle

“do” phrasal verbs

Same verb, different particle, different meaning. Learn these 3 one at a time, then test yourself.

3 phrasal verbslisten & quiz
do
away withupwithout

do + away with · 1 of 3

do away with

abolish or remove

  • do away with sth

to get rid of something or stop using it, especially something that is no longer needed or wanted.

How oftenNow and then
LevelB2
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

Many companies want to do away with paper documents and switch to digital files.

A: Did you hear they're going to do away with the old uniforms at work?
B: Yeah, finally! Those things were so uncomfortable.

Common mistake

Not: They did away the old system.

Say: They did away with the old system.

Always 'do away WITH'.

More on “do away with”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, schools should do away with unnecessary exams so that students can focus more on practical skills.

Tell it apart

They did away with the entry fee.

  • got rid of it

They gave away free samples.

  • handed them out

Goes with

  • do away with
Practice saying this
Next: do up

do + up · 2 of 3

do up

fasten

  • do up sth

To fasten or close something, such as buttons, zippers, or straps on clothes or bags.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

It's cold outside, so make sure you do up your jacket.

A: Can you help me do up this bracelet?
B: Sure, just hold still for a second.

Common mistake

Not: Do up it before you go out.

Say: Do it up before you go out.

With a pronoun the object goes in the middle — 'do it up', never 'do up it'.

More on “do up”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

Before leaving the house in winter, I always do up my coat to keep warm.

Tell it apart

Do your coat up, it's cold.

  • fasten it

Undo the top button.

  • unfasten it

Goes with

  • do up + fastening
Practice saying this
Next: do without

do + without · 3 of 3

do without

manage without

  • do without sth

To cope or continue even though you do not have something you usually need or want.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

During the power cut, we had to do without electricity for several hours.

A: Did you forget your phone again?
B: Yeah, but I guess I’ll just have to do without it today.

Common mistake

Not: I can't do without of my morning coffee.

Say: I can't do without my morning coffee.

'Do without' takes the object directly — no 'of'.

More on “do without”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

If I had to do without the internet for a week, I think it would be really difficult because I use it for both studying and staying in touch with friends.

Tell it apart

We'll have to do without a car for now.

  • manage without it

We'll have to give up the car.

  • get rid of it for good

Goes with

  • do without + thing
Practice saying this
Test yourself: which “do” fits?
Fill the gap

Which “do” fits?

Read the sentence, then pick the phrasal verb that belongs in the gap.

Turn this into speaking practice

Pick one and say it out loud. Save the ones you mix up.

do away withdo updo without