"do the cooking" vs "do cooking"

Question

"do the cooking" vs "do cooking"

Both "do cooking" and "do the cooking" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Do cooking" is more general and refers to the act of cooking in a broad sense, while "do the cooking" is more specific and refers to taking on the responsibility of preparing meals.

Last Updated: April 04, 2024

This phrase is used when someone is responsible for preparing meals, often in a household or a professional kitchen.

Examples:

I usually do the cooking in our house.
Who will do the cooking for the party?
She enjoys doing the cooking for her friends.
He doesn't like to do the cooking every day.
Do you want me to do the cooking tonight?

Alternatives:

cook the meals
prepare the food
take on the cooking

This phrase can be used when talking about the general activity of cooking without specifying who is doing it or for what purpose.

Examples:

I enjoy doing cooking in my free time.
She is learning how to do cooking for her family.
Do you like to do cooking at home?

Alternatives:

cook
engage in cooking
prepare meals

Answer 1

do the cooking

This phrase is correct and more commonly used in English. It specifically refers to taking on the responsibility of preparing meals.

Answer 2

do cooking

This phrase is correct but less common in everyday English. It is more general and refers to the act of cooking in a broad sense.