by doing that

USAGE SUMMARY

"by doing that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are describing an action that was taken and you want to explain why it was done. For example: "We increased productivity by doing that."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"By doing that, the message is muddled".

The New York Times

So you get business advantages by doing that inversion.

Cornell University

"But by doing that, different things get emphasised.

Independent

"He thought by doing that, his leg would get better.

The New York Times - Sports

"By doing that, it makes you almost impossible to attack.

The New York Times

By doing that, Obama could seize control of the debate.

The New York Times

By doing that, he has not made us less safe.

The New York Times

And by doing that, he is not relevant.

The Guardian - Music

"By doing that, it makes them feel more different.

The New York Times - Health

I learned a lot by doing that sort of work".

The New Yorker

And by doing that, we found a couple of hundred planets.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by doing that" to clearly link an action with its consequence, ensuring the connection is easily understood by the reader. This is particularly effective when summarizing or explaining a process.

Common error

Avoid repeating "by doing that" too frequently within a paragraph. Vary your sentence structure and use synonyms such as "in so doing" or "through that action" /s/through+that+action to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

By doing that functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by indicating the means or method by which an action is performed or a result is achieved. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to connect an action with its consequence, clarifying the cause-and-effect relationship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

26%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by doing that" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to connect an action with its result, as validated by Ludwig AI. Its neutral register allows for use across various contexts, from formal academic writing to news reporting. While highly common, particularly in News & Media and Academia, avoid overuse by employing alternatives such as "in so doing" or "through that action". Remember to use it strategically to enhance clarity and coherence in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in doing so

A shorter, more direct way of saying "by doing that", often used in formal writing.

in so doing

Replaces "by doing that" with a more formal, concise phrase emphasizing the action's immediate consequence.

by that means

Replaces "doing that" with a more concise and formal phrase that underscores the method used.

through that action

Highlights the specific action as the means of achieving a result, offering a clearer focus.

as a result of doing so

Emphasizes the consequence of the action, suitable for formal contexts.

by acting in that manner

Substitutes "doing" with "acting" and specifies the mode of action, adding a layer of formality.

through that method

Emphasizes the specific method employed to achieve a certain outcome, offering a more analytical tone.

using that approach

Highlights the use of a particular approach or strategy, adding a strategic dimension.

in that way

Offers a broader reference to the manner of action, suitable for less specific contexts.

by taking that step

Focuses on a particular step taken, rather than a general action, providing a more specific emphasis.

FAQs

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

Use "by doing that" to show the result of a specific action. For example, "The company increased its profits by expanding into new markets. By doing that, they reached a wider customer base".

What are some alternatives to "by doing that"?

You can use alternatives like "in so doing", "through that action", or "as a result of doing so depending on the context.

Is "by doing that" formal or informal?

"By doing that" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, alternatives like "in so doing" might be preferred.

What's the difference between "by doing that" and "by doing this"?

"By doing that" refers to a previously mentioned action, while "by doing this" refers to an action that is about to be described or demonstrated. The choice depends on whether you're referencing a past or future action.