do the laundry
يغسل الملابس
Literalmente: to perform the clothes-washing
Use `do the laundry` to describe the routine task of cleaning your clothes at home.
En 15 segundos
- The complete process of washing, drying, and folding dirty clothes.
- A standard everyday chore phrase used in all English-speaking regions.
- Used as a verb phrase to describe a routine household task.
Significado
This phrase refers to the entire process of cleaning your clothes. It includes washing them, drying them, and often folding them too.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Talking to a roommate
Is it your turn to do the laundry this week?
Is it your turn to do the laundry this week?
Explaining why you are busy
I'd love to go out, but I really need to do the laundry.
I'd love to go out, but I really need to do the laundry.
A formal apology for attire
Please excuse my casual clothes; I haven't had time to do the laundry.
Please excuse my casual clothes; I haven't had time to do the laundry.
Contexto cultural
The phrase reflects the shift from hand-washing to using electric machines in the mid-20th century. In the US and UK, 'Laundry Day' was traditionally Monday, but now it's a flexible chore. The 'Laundromat' culture in urban areas has made this phrase a staple of city life conversations.
A 'Load' of Laundry
We often count laundry in 'loads.' You can say, 'I have three loads of laundry to do today!'
Don't say 'Make'
Many learners say 'make the laundry' because of their native language. In English, it is always 'do'.
En 15 segundos
- The complete process of washing, drying, and folding dirty clothes.
- A standard everyday chore phrase used in all English-speaking regions.
- Used as a verb phrase to describe a routine household task.
What It Means
Do the laundry is a common collocation. It describes the chore of washing dirty clothes. It isn't just about the washing machine. It covers the whole cycle from the hamper to the closet. If you say you are 'doing laundry,' you might be sorting colors or folding socks. It is a basic part of adult life.
How To Use It
You use it as a verb phrase. You can say I need to do the laundry or I'm doing the laundry. It is very flexible with tenses. You can say I did the laundry yesterday or I will do the laundry later. It usually refers to a bulk task. You don't usually say it for just one shirt.
When To Use It
Use it when talking about household chores. It is perfect for making plans with roommates. Use it when explaining why you can't go out. 'I can't come to the movies, I have to do the laundry.' It works in any casual or home setting. It is a very safe, standard phrase.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you are only hand-washing one small item. In that case, say I'm washing this shirt. Avoid using it in high-level business meetings unless you are joking. If you are at a professional dry cleaner, you don't 'do' the laundry; they 'clean' your clothes. Also, don't confuse it with hanging out the laundry, which is just the drying part.
Cultural Background
In many English-speaking countries, doing the laundry is a weekly ritual. Many people have machines at home. In big cities like New York, people go to a 'laundromat.' This is a social spot where you pay to use machines. It is a classic scene in many American movies. It represents the 'daily grind' of life.
Common Variations
You can say wash the clothes or do a load of laundry. Some people just say do the wash. In British English, you might hear do the washing. All of these mean basically the same thing. If you have a lot of clothes, you might say you are drowning in laundry.
Notas de uso
The phrase is neutral and safe for almost any situation. Remember to use the verb `do` and treat `laundry` as an uncountable noun.
A 'Load' of Laundry
We often count laundry in 'loads.' You can say, 'I have three loads of laundry to do today!'
Don't say 'Make'
Many learners say 'make the laundry' because of their native language. In English, it is always 'do'.
Dirty Laundry
The phrase 'airing your dirty laundry' means telling people your private secrets. Be careful not to mix them up!
Ejemplos
6Is it your turn to do the laundry this week?
Is it your turn to do the laundry this week?
A common way to divide household chores.
I'd love to go out, but I really need to do the laundry.
I'd love to go out, but I really need to do the laundry.
Using a chore as a polite excuse.
Please excuse my casual clothes; I haven't had time to do the laundry.
Please excuse my casual clothes; I haven't had time to do the laundry.
Explaining a lack of clean formal wear.
Don't forget to do the laundry before the guests arrive!
Don't forget to do the laundry before the guests arrive!
A quick reminder via text.
I feel like I do the laundry for a family of twelve, but it's just me.
I feel like I do the laundry for a family of twelve, but it's just me.
Exaggerating the amount of work for comedic effect.
I'm so exhausted, I can't even think about doing the laundry right now.
I'm so exhausted, I can't even think about doing the laundry right now.
Showing how chores feel overwhelming when tired.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct verb to complete the chore.
I have no clean socks left, so I must ___ the laundry today.
In English, we always use the verb `do` with laundry, not `make`.
Complete the sentence with the correct noun.
The washing machine is broken, so I can't do the ___.
The washing machine is specifically for clothes, which we call `laundry`.
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Ayudas visuales
Formality of 'Do the Laundry'
Used with friends or family.
I'm doing the wash.
The standard way to say it.
I need to do the laundry.
Slightly more descriptive.
I am attending to the linens.
Where to use 'Do the Laundry'
At Home
Doing a load on Sunday.
At a Laundromat
Using public machines.
With Roommates
Splitting the chores.
On Vacation
Finding a hotel service.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, they are very similar. However, do the laundry sounds more like the whole routine (washing, drying, folding), while wash the clothes sounds like just the water part.
Absolutely! Using 'my' makes it more personal. For example, I'm going to do my laundry.
A 'load' is the amount of clothes that fits into the washing machine at one time. You might say I have one load left to do.
Yes, but British people often say do the washing or put a wash on more frequently than do the laundry.
No. For dry cleaning, you say take my clothes to the cleaners or pick up the dry cleaning.
Both are correct. Do the laundry is slightly more common when referring to a specific pile of clothes you have.
No, 'laundry' is an uncountable noun. You don't say 'three laundries.' You say 'three loads of laundry' or 'lots of laundry.'
It's a slangy way to say the day you have chosen to clean all your clothes. People often say It's laundry day as an excuse for wearing weird outfits.
Yes, if you are explaining a delay or a personal situation. It is a neutral phrase, not slang.
There isn't a direct opposite, but you might say your clothes are piling up if you aren't doing it.
Frases relacionadas
Do the dishes
To wash the plates and cutlery after a meal.
A load of laundry
The amount of clothes washed in one machine cycle.
Fold the clothes
To neatly bend clothes for storage after they are dry.
Laundry detergent
The soap used specifically for washing clothes.
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