DO AWAY WITH

National Parks

📖 Definition

To do away with something means to abolish or eliminate it, getting rid of practices, customs, or institutions no longer deemed desirable or necessary.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

To do away with something means to abolish or eliminate it, getting rid of practices, customs, or institutions no longer deemed desirable or necessary.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
Yes
The object can go between 'do' and 'away'.
Register
Neutral
Used in both formal and informal contexts.
Transitive
Yes
Requires a direct object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple do away with They do away with unnecessary meetings.
Past Simple did away with They did away with outdated policies last year.
Present Continuous doing away with They are doing away with unnecessary regulations.
Present Perfect have done away with They have done away with the old system successfully.

💡 When to Use

Eliminating a tradition
Use when discussing the removal of customs or traditions that are considered outdated or harmful.
Example: "The school board decided to do away with the outdated dress code."
Abolishing a law
Appropriate when a law or regulation is being revoked or cancelled due to changes in societal needs.
Example: "The government plans to do away with obsolete laws from the colonial era."
Simplifying processes
Useful when talking about streamlining or simplifying complex or redundant processes.
Example: "The company is doing away with redundant tasks to streamline operations."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect object placement
❌ Wrong: They do the law away with.
✅ Correct: They do away with the law.
💡 Tip: Place the object after 'do away with'.
Using intransitively
❌ Wrong: They have done away.
✅ Correct: They have done away with unnecessary rules.
💡 Tip: Always provide an object for the verb.
Wrong tense usage
❌ Wrong: They are do awaying with it.
✅ Correct: They are doing away with it.
💡 Tip: Use 'doing away with' for continuous tense.
Practice

DO AWAY WITH - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

eliminate abolish

Antonyms

retain

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The company decided to ___ away with old technology."

done
do away with
doing
did

"When we strive to do away with our burdens, we find peace and enlightenment, shedding the weight of unnecessary complexities."

In Context

During the late 18th century, the French Revolution was marked by a fervent desire to do away with the monarchy and the feudal privileges that had long oppressed the common people. The revolution began in 1789 when the financial crisis and social inequalities prompted the Third Estate to demand reforms. The storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, symbolized the people's determination to do away with the old order. As the revolution progressed, revolutionary leaders like Maximilien Robespierre sought to do away with any remnant of royalist and counter-revolutionary influences. This led to the Reign of Terror, where thousands were executed to purge dissension and opposition. Despite its radical measures, the Reign of Terror did away with obstacles to establishing the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity. By 1799, Napoleon Bonaparte seized power, promising to uphold revolutionary ideals while bringing stability to France. The revolution's legacy ultimately did away with the monarchy permanently, laying the groundwork for modern France. Although the revolution's methods were often extreme, it was instrumental in doing away with the ancien régime, setting a precedent for future movements seeking political and social reform.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Do Away With

What is the origin of do away with?

+
The phrase 'do away with' has roots in the early 17th century. It evolved through the need to describe the act of eliminating or abolishing practices or objects.

Can do away with be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
Yes, 'do away with' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It effectively communicates the idea of eliminating or abolishing something.

What is the difference between do away with and eliminate?

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'Do away with' and 'eliminate' both mean to remove or abolish. However, 'do away with' is more idiomatic and versatile, while 'eliminate' is straightforward and formal.

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National Parks Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



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