In doing that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "In doing that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to an action that you are just starting to do, or have just done, or when you are referring to something that someone else has done. For example: "I knew that taking the job would be a huge commitment, but in doing that I gained a wealth of experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In doing that, he bucked a trend.

The New York Times

In doing that, they overreached themselves.

The Guardian - Opinion

In doing that, Cornish is alive.

BBC

"In doing that, you hope you can get the victory.

BBC

"I succeeded very well in doing that".

The New York Times

I wasn't interested in doing that".

The New York Times - Arts

And what's the point in doing that?

The Guardian

He's a monster in doing that".

The New York Times - Sports

"Is there something wrong in doing that?

The Guardian

"I have no interest in doing that".

The New York Times

What was the foreign policy goal in doing that?

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "In doing that" to clearly link an action with its immediate consequence, ensuring a smooth flow of reasoning in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "In doing that" without a clearly defined action or situation in the preceding context; otherwise, the phrase becomes vague and confusing. Always ensure the reader knows what "that" refers to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "In doing that" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by indicating the means, manner, or consequence of an action. It clarifies how an action leads to a specific outcome, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "In doing that" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to link an action with its consequence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across various writing styles. Its high frequency, especially in News & Media and Academic sources, underscores its utility in both formal and informal communication. To ensure clarity, always provide a clear antecedent to "that". Alternatives like "by doing so" or "thereby" can add variety, as necessary. Use of "In doing that" is generally safe, but the main risk lies in making unclear which action you are referring to.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

By doing so

Emphasizes the method or means by which something is achieved.

In so doing

A more formal variant of "by doing so", indicating a direct consequence of an action.

Through that action

Highlights the specific action as the means of achieving a result.

By that means

Focuses on the method used to accomplish something.

Thereby

Indicates that something is caused or achieved as a direct result of the specified action.

In the process

Implies that something happens during the execution of a particular action.

While doing that

Highlights the simultaneous nature of the action and its consequences.

As a result of this

Emphasizes the consequence or outcome of the initial action.

Consequently

Indicates that something follows logically as a result of a preceding action.

In consequence

A more formal way of saying "as a result", stressing the logical connection between actions and outcomes.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "In doing that" in a sentence?

Use "In doing that" to connect an action with its direct result or consequence. For example, "I aimed to improve my communication skills, and "in doing that", I enrolled in a public speaking course".

What are some alternatives to "In doing that" for variety in writing?

Consider using alternatives like "by doing so", "thereby", or "in so doing" to express a similar relationship between an action and its outcome, depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "In doing that" and "By doing that"?

"In doing that" often implies a more direct and immediate consequence, while "by doing that" can refer to a broader means or method. Both phrases can be used to link an action with its result, but the nuance differs slightly.

When is it inappropriate to use "In doing that"?

Avoid using "In doing that" when the connection between the action and the consequence is unclear or too distant. Ensure that the reader can easily identify the action to which "that" refers.