behaving in that way

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "behaving in that way" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's manner of conduct or actions in a specific context. Example: "I don't understand why he is behaving in that way during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

There has been a worldwide outcry at the fact that Britain was behaving in that way.

The Guardian

She now teaches English and was recently engaged Looking back, I can't imagine behaving in that way now.

The Guardian

Asked about Gove, he said: "Most people would take a very dim view if such a senior cabinet minister was seen to be behaving in that way".

The Guardian

GA: And that's a method you like to use - very often you plunge us into a situation and it is only very gradually that we discover why these characters are behaving in that way towards each other.

The Guardian - Film

"The prosecution suggests that in behaving in that way, Mrs Brooks was involved in a conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office and she knew [that]," said Edis.

The Guardian

When his imagination tried the theory on the Reverend Doctor, it worked out — he couldn't see the Reverend Doctor behaving in that way to Aunt Rebecca's breasts!

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

I wish more adult audiences behaved in that way.

The Guardian

A dog that behaved in that way today would, presumably, be taken to the Lothian pound.

The Guardian - Opinion

No one would be surprised if a colleague of Signor Berlusconi's behaved in that way.

Independent

He told me, with an earnest look, "Iran would never behave in that way toward people".

The New Yorker

"I would not want to see any of our Olympic team members behave in that way".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "behaving in that way" when you want to describe a specific manner of conduct, often in response to a situation or as a pattern of behavior. It implies a conscious choice in how someone acts.

Common error

While grammatically correct, consistently using "behaving in that way" can make your writing sound repetitive. In formal contexts, consider using synonyms like "acting in that manner" or "conducting oneself in that fashion" to add variety and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "behaving in that way" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to describe the manner in which someone is acting. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a correct and usable phrase. Examples from Ludwig show its use in describing conduct in various situations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "behaving in that way" is a grammatically sound and usable expression for describing someone's actions or conduct. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively specifies the manner of behavior and adds contextual detail. Although it's considered a neutral phrase suitable for various contexts, including news and media, using more formal alternatives might enhance sophistication in certain writing styles. While "behaving in that way" is not incorrect, overuse can lead to repetitiveness, which writers should avoid by incorporating synonyms. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, with less common occurrences in scientific and wiki-based content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acting in that manner

Replaces "behaving" with "acting" and "way" with "manner", maintaining the same meaning but with slightly more formal wording.

acting like that

Simplifies the phrase to a more direct and informal expression.

conducting oneself in that fashion

Uses more formal synonyms for "behaving" and "way", resulting in a more sophisticated tone.

responding in that fashion

Focuses specifically on the response aspect of behavior and uses a more formal synonym for "way".

reacting in that way

Highlights the reaction aspect of the behavior.

proceeding in that way

Emphasizes the continuous or progressive nature of the behavior.

handling things in that way

Focuses on the method or approach used in dealing with a situation.

going about it in that way

Emphasizes the approach or method used.

carrying on like that

Uses a more informal and potentially negative tone to describe the behavior.

performing in that way

Suggests a more deliberate or theatrical behavior.

FAQs

What does "behaving in that way" mean?

The phrase "behaving in that way" refers to conducting oneself in a particular manner or fashion. It implies a specific mode of action or response in a given situation.

What are some alternatives to "behaving in that way"?

You can use alternatives like "acting in that manner", "conducting oneself in that fashion", or simply "acting like that" depending on the desired level of formality.

How can I use "behaving in that way" in a sentence?

You can use "behaving in that way" to describe someone's actions, for example: "I don't understand why he is behaving in that way during the meeting". It helps to specify the manner of behavior you're referring to.

Is "behaving in that way" formal or informal?

The phrase "behaving in that way" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives exist if a sophisticated tone is desired.