Meaning & use
do something about it
Last updated
Meaning
phrasefixed phrase
Take action to solve a problem or improve a bad situation.
Grammar: Used as an intransitive verb phrase: you do something about a problem, not 'do something for it'.
Patterns
- do something about something
- do something about it
The neighbors are too noisy. We should do something about it.
Instead of complaining, why don't you do something about it?
The government finally did something about the housing crisis.
Common combinations
- do something about the problem
- We need to do something about the problem before it gets worse.
- do something about the situation
- She felt helpless and didn't know what to do about the situation.
- do something about climate change
- Many young people want the government to do something about climate change.
- do something about it now
- If you don't do something about it now, you'll regret it later.
Synonyms and how they differ
- take action
- More formal and general; it does not require an object like 'about it'.
- deal with
- Focuses on handling a problem, often used with a direct object: 'deal with the issue'.
- address
- Formal; means to give attention to a problem, often in official contexts.
Practice
The city has a serious traffic problem. The mayor promised to ______.
Choose one answer.
The fixed phrase is 'do something about it' when talking about solving a problem. 'Do something for it' means to help it, which doesn't fit; 'with it' suggests using it; 'on it' is not used in this phrase.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “do something about it”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.