and what it does

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "and what it does" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when explaining the function or purpose of a subject or object previously mentioned. Example: "This software is designed to improve productivity, and what it does is streamline communication among team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We also asked Trustpilot about the veracity of reviews on its site and what it does to prevent fake posts.

The Guardian - Money

And what it does is extremely clever.

The New York Times

"There's something sacred about this place and what it does.

The Guardian

"Does it mean I agree with Hamas and what it does?

Independent

For iconoclasts who know what it is and what it does, no convincing is required.

The New York Times

The awareness of what TD Ameritrade is and what it does varied among the cast members.

The New York Times

First, they describe what the component inside is and what it does.

The Economist

And what it does is track you wherever you go online.

The Guardian - Tech

Explain why this commission was set up and what it does.

The New York Times

The "gap" is the difference between what a company knows and what it does.

The New York Times

And the novel asks interesting questions about ageing and what it does to you.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "and what it does", ensure the preceding clause clearly identifies the subject to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of "The program is complex, and what it does is…", specify: "The program is complex; and what this complexity achieves is…".

Common error

Avoid using "and what it does" when the subject isn't immediately clear. This can confuse readers. Instead of saying "It's innovative, and what it does is…", clarify: "The innovation streamlines the process, and what this streamlining achieves is…".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "and what it does" functions as a connector and elaborator, linking a preceding statement to an explanation of the subject's action, function, or effect. This is supported by Ludwig's examples where the phrase introduces clarifications, consequences, or purposes of mentioned entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "and what it does" is a versatile connector used to elaborate on the function, purpose, or effect of a subject. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in English, particularly in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While its register is generally neutral, being mindful of specific alternatives can enhance clarity. To maximize its impact, ensure the antecedent is clear. As Ludwig's AI confirms, this phrase is a valuable tool for enhancing comprehension and providing detailed explanations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

and its function

Focuses specifically on the operational aspect or role.

and its purpose

Highlights the intended goal or reason for existence.

and its effect

Emphasizes the outcome or result of an action or thing.

and how it functions

Expands on the manner in which something operates.

and its operation

Refers to the practical working or process of something.

and what it achieves

Highlights the accomplishments or results obtained.

and the way it works

Focuses on the method or process by which something operates.

and its mechanism

Emphasizes the system of parts and processes within something.

and how it performs

Focuses on the execution or carrying out of a task or function.

and its practical application

Highlights the real-world use and implementation.

FAQs

How can I use "and what it does" in a sentence?

Use "and what it does" to elaborate on the function, purpose, or effect of something you've already mentioned. For example, "This software automates tasks, "and what it does" is reduce manual effort."

What are some alternatives to "and what it does"?

Alternatives include phrases like "and its function", "and its purpose", or "and its effect", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it better to use "and what it does" or a more specific phrase?

While ""and what it does"" is versatile, using a more specific phrase like "and its primary function is" or "and the result is" can often provide greater clarity and precision.

Can "and what it does" be used in formal writing?

Yes, ""and what it does"" can be used in formal writing, but ensure the tone and context are appropriate. More formal alternatives might sometimes be preferable depending on the specific requirements of the piece.