Meaning & use
to do good
Last updated
Meanings
phraseintransitive
To act in a way that helps others or benefits society.
Grammar: No object; the focus is on the action itself.
Patterns
- do good in the world
- do good for others
- do good works
She volunteers at the shelter because she wants to do good.
The charity's main goal is to do good in the community.
He believes that small acts of kindness can do good.
phrasetransitive
To have a positive effect on someone or something.
Grammar: Takes an object: do someone good. Often used with 'someone' or 'something'.
Patterns
- do someone good
- do something good
- do good to someone
A holiday would do you good.
The extra practice did her game good.
Fresh air will do you good.
Common combinations
- do good works
- The organization is known for its do good works in the community.
- do good for others
- He spends his weekends doing good for others.
- do someone good
- A good night's sleep will do you good.
- do good in the world
- Many young people want to do good in the world.
Synonyms and how they differ
- help
- More direct and often takes an object; 'do good' is broader and can be intransitive.
- benefit
- More formal and usually transitive; 'do good' is more everyday and can be used without an object.
Opposites
Word family
- do-gooder noun
- A person who tries to help others, often in a way that is seen as naive or annoying.
Commonly confused: to do good or do well?
to do good vs do well
Means to be successful or to perform well, not to help others. 'She did well on the exam' means she got a good score.
Practice
Complete the sentence: 'A cup of tea would ___ you good.'
Choose one answer.
The correct phrase is 'do someone good', meaning to have a positive effect. 'Make', 'give', and 'take' do not fit this fixed expression.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “to do good”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.