a doing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a doing" is correct and can be used in written English, though it is somewhat informal.
It can be used to refer to an action or activity, often in a context where the specific action is not named. Example: "It was quite a doing to organize the event, but we managed to pull it off successfully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

"The sexual activity subsequently progressed to Dr. Iscove removing his penis from his trousers, then Patient A doing the same," reads the decision.

Vice

Suffice it to say, we are a doing a job.

The New York Times

England are getting a bit of a doing here.

The Guardian - Sport

6.47pm BST Correction: Bolt is a doing a lap of honour in a rocket.

The Guardian - Sport

She stressed, however, that individuals do not exist prior to or independently of the genders they "perform": "gender is always a doing, though not a doing by a subject who might be said to preexist the deed".

Encyclopedia Britannica

"You have to understand, any other group would be a doing a warm-up gig, and then they would have like two or three concerts in a row.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

A doing-exactly-what-it-says-on-the-tin scenario.

The Guardian - Film

Once I combine two doing-nothings, the result is a doing-something.

The New York Times - Travel

Low-to-no budget movies filmed on hand-held cameras with a doing-it-for-the-love crew are the stuff of Hollywood legend.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

What are they? A. Doing what you say is a core value.

The New York Times

Well, this precious little Zune held videos of the a$$ doing things with other girls, things I thought about uploading to porn sites online, then chose not to.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a doing" when you want to emphasize the process or act of doing something, rather than the specific result or object of the action. It's especially useful when the action is ongoing or continuous.

Common error

Avoid using "a doing" in highly formal writing. Opt for more precise nouns like "action", "activity", or "task" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a doing" functions primarily as a noun phrase, representing an action or activity. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered grammatically correct, though somewhat informal. It is frequently used to generalize the concept of performing an action, as seen in examples where 'gender is always a doing'.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

38%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a doing" is grammatically correct, according to Ludwig AI, though slightly informal. It serves as a noun phrase emphasizing the performance of an action. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific sources, it's advisable to use more precise nouns in formal contexts. While ""a doing"" may not always be the most elegant phrasing, it is useful when the action itself is more important than the outcome. For alternative phrasing, consider options such as "an action" or "an activity". Understanding these nuances will enable more effective and appropriate use of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an action

Replaces the gerund form with a more standard noun.

an activity

Similar to "an action" but implies a more sustained or involved process.

a task

Suggests a specific, defined piece of work.

a deed

More formal and often implies a significant or impactful action.

an undertaking

Suggests a more complex or ambitious endeavor.

a performance

Implies a specific act or presentation, often public.

a pursuit

Suggests an ongoing effort or goal.

a venture

Implies a risky or uncertain undertaking.

an operation

Often used for a planned or organized action, especially in technical or medical contexts.

an exercise

Implies a practice or activity for improvement.

FAQs

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

You can use "a doing" to refer to an action or activity, often when the specific action isn't explicitly named. For instance, "Creating something is "a doing", consciously and unconsciously."

What can I say instead of "a doing"?

You can use alternatives like "an action", "an activity", or "a task" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "a doing" or "doing"?

"A doing" is a phrase that refers to the act of doing. "Doing", without the article, is a gerund or present participle, referring to the action itself.

Is "a doing" formal or informal?

"A doing" leans towards being informal. In formal contexts, it is usually better to specify the action with a more precise noun.