by doing so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by doing so" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to indicate that an action or decision has been taken as a result of a previous action or decision. For example: I decided to stay home because I wanted to finish my project - by doing so, I was able to finish it in time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it lost nothing by doing so.

The Economist

By doing so, it distorted historical reality.

The Washington Post

Who will he please by doing so?

The New York Times

It did not win last time by doing so.

Independent

By doing so, I had earned some local notoriety.

The New Yorker

By doing so, societies save both economically and ecologically.

The Economist

And what do you sacrifice by doing so?

The New York Times - Arts

They discovered that by doing so they remained healthier.

The Economist

But by doing so we begin to erode the trademark.

Independent

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure by occasionally using synonyms like "thereby" or "in so doing" to avoid repetition.

Common error

Ensure the action being referred to by "so" is immediately clear to avoid ambiguity. If the action is complex or described over several sentences, rephrase to clarify the link.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by doing so" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the consequence or result of a previously mentioned action. Ludwig examples show its use in linking actions to outcomes across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by doing so" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to clearly connect an action with its subsequent result. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. To enhance your writing, ensure the antecedent action is clear, and consider using synonyms like "thereby" or "in so doing" for variety. While Ludwig examples demonstrate its broad applicability, remember to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity in your sentences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in doing that

Replaces "so" with "that", emphasizing the specific action being referred to.

thereby doing it

Uses "thereby" to indicate consequence, with a slight shift in formality.

in so doing

A more formal and slightly archaic way of saying "by doing so".

through that action

Emphasizes the action as the means of achieving a result.

by acting thus

Uses "thus" to refer to the manner of the action, adding a touch of formality.

as a consequence of that

Explicitly states the cause-and-effect relationship.

by that means

Focuses on the method used to achieve the result.

by this action

Highlights the specific action leading to the outcome.

in consequence

Shortened form emphasizing the resulting effect.

accordingly

Indicates that something is done in response to a previous action or statement.

FAQs

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

Use "by doing so" to connect an action with its consequence. For example, "I studied hard for the exam; "by doing so", I achieved a good grade."

What are some alternatives to using "by doing so"?

You can use alternatives like "thereby", "in so doing", or "as a result" to express a similar meaning. The choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "in so doing" more formal than "by doing so"?

Yes, "in so doing" is generally considered more formal and is often found in academic or legal writing. "By doing so" is more versatile and appropriate for a wider range of contexts.

How can I avoid ambiguity when using "by doing so"?

Make sure the action that "so" refers to is clear and easily identifiable in the preceding context. If necessary, rephrase the sentence to explicitly state the action.