do research

Meaning

This expression means to study a subject in detail, especially in order to discover new facts or information. In a business context, it refers to gathering market data, analyzing competitors, or preparing for a project. We always use the verb 'do' with 'research,' never 'make.'

Examples

• Before we pitch to the client, we need to do some research on their competitors.

  Before we pitch to the client, we need to do some research on their competitors.

• She spent the entire afternoon doing research for the new marketing campaign.

  She spent the entire afternoon doing research for the new marketing campaign.

• It's important to do thorough research before investing in a new startup.

  It's important to do thorough research before investing in a new startup.

• Our team is doing market research to understand what customers really want.

  Our team is doing market research to understand what customers really want.

• I need to do some more research on this software before making a decision.

  I need to do some more research on this software before making a decision.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We need to make research on this topic.

  ✓ We need to do research on this topic.

  The noun 'research' collocates with the verb 'do,' not 'make.' Using 'make' is a common error for non-native speakers.

• ✗ I have to do a research about the market.

  ✓ I have to do some research on the market.

  The word 'research' is an uncountable noun. You cannot use the indefinite article 'a' with it. Use 'some research' or simply 'research' instead.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Before launching the product, we must ___ on our target audience.

  💡 Use the correct verb with 'research'.

  Show answer

  do research

• She spent all week ___ for her presentation.

  💡 Use the continuous -ing form of the verb.

  Show answer

  doing research