By doing so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "By doing so" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a specific action will lead to a particular result or consequence. Example: "You can improve your writing skills by practicing regularly. By doing so, you will become a more effective communicator."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By doing so, I had earned some local notoriety.

The New Yorker

By doing so, societies save both economically and ecologically.

The Economist

By doing so, the Fund wouldn't just save the planet.

Independent

By doing so, he may persuade other countries to follow.

The New York Times

"By doing so, he proudly became a third-generation Marine".

The New York Times

By doing so, you're doing them a favor.

The New Yorker

By doing so, we often delay life.

Science Magazine

By doing so, the foreground objects are gradually extracted.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

By doing so, the generalization and data diversity are increased.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

By doing so, need for human operator intervention is eliminated.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

By doing so, we can re-rewrite as follows: (8).

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by doing so" to clearly link an action with its intended result, ensuring the connection is explicit for the reader. This enhances clarity and logical flow.

Common error

Avoid using "by doing so" when the action it refers to is unclear or distant in the text. Always ensure the connection to the antecedent action is immediately obvious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "By doing so" functions as an adverbial phrase of purpose or result. It connects a preceding action with its intended consequence, indicating that the action is performed to achieve a specific outcome. Ludwig provides many examples to corroborate this use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science & Research

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "By doing so" serves as a versatile connector to link actions and their intended consequences. As confirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical function is sound, and its usage is prevalent across various domains, particularly in science, news, and media. While adaptable for both formal and informal registers, clarity is key: always ensure the antecedent action is evident to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "in so doing" or "thereby" for varied expression. By adhering to these guidelines, you can wield "By doing so" with precision, enhancing the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In so doing

Formal variation, slightly more emphatic.

Thereby

More concise, emphasizes the direct consequence.

In doing this

More direct reference to a specific action.

By doing that

Points to a specific action, similar to "in doing this".

Through this action

Emphasizes the means by which something is achieved.

In consequence

Highlights the result or outcome of an action.

As a result of this

Clearly indicates a cause-and-effect relationship.

By that means

Focuses on the method used to achieve a result.

By virtue of this

More formal, suggests the action itself is the reason.

By this action

Directly links an action to its subsequent effect.

FAQs

How can I use "By doing so" in a sentence?

Use "By doing so" to connect an action with its direct consequence. For instance: "You can improve your writing by practicing regularly. "By doing so", you will become a more effective communicator."

What are some alternatives to "By doing so"?

Alternatives include "in so doing", "thereby", or "in doing this", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to start a sentence with "By doing so"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "By doing so", provided it clearly refers to a preceding action or statement.

What's the difference between "By doing so" and "By doing this"?

"By doing so" generally refers to a broader action or a series of actions, while "By doing this" typically refers to a more specific, immediate action. The choice depends on the scope of the action you are referencing.