did their thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "did their thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone performing their usual activities or actions, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "The musicians arrived at the venue and did their thing, captivating the audience with their performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

They did their thing, we did ours.

The New York Times - Sports

So designers just did their thing.

The New York Times

The cellos did their thing, and everyone survived.

The New Yorker

They did their thing and I did mine.

The New Yorker

The Muppets of Sesame Street did their thing.

The New York Times

As they did their thing, we talked about their performing styles, demographic appeal and remarkable hair.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Do their thing".

The New Yorker

They do their thing; I do mine.

The New York Times

They do their thing and blend in.

The New York Times - Sports

The birds are doing their thing".

The New York Times

I just let them do their thing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine the phrase with adjectives for specific purposes. For example, you could specify something like "The software engineers did their magic thing".

Common error

While "did their thing" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Vary your language to maintain a professional and engaging tone. Consider more formal alternatives like "performed their duties" or "executed their responsibilities" in professional contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "did their thing" functions as a verbal phrase, indicating the performance of a specific action or routine. It often implies that someone or something acted in a way that is typical or expected of them. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

13%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "did their thing" is a versatile phrase used to describe the performance of an action or role, usually in a typical or expected manner. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and informal settings. While common, it is best to vary word choice in formal writing for a polished tone. Consider alternatives such as "performed their task" or "executed their role" in more professional contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

did what they do

Focuses on the habitual nature of the action, similar to a routine.

performed their task

Emphasizes the completion of a specific assigned duty.

carried out their duties

Highlights fulfilling obligations or responsibilities.

executed their role

Focuses on the performance of a defined function or part.

did their part

Emphasizes contributing to a larger effort or goal.

applied their skills

Highlights the use of specific abilities or expertise.

showcased their talents

Focuses on demonstrating inherent abilities or gifts.

worked their magic

Suggests a skillful or impressive performance.

operated as expected

Emphasizes functioning according to norms or predictions.

functioned accordingly

Highlights acting in a way that aligns with the situation.

FAQs

What does "did their thing" mean?

The phrase "did their thing" generally means that someone or a group of people performed their usual actions or fulfilled their role in a situation. It often implies a sense of routine or expected behavior.

Is "did their thing" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "did their thing" is more suited for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "performed their task" or "carried out their duties" for a more professional tone.

What can I say instead of "did their thing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "did what they do", "executed their role", or "applied their skills".

How can I use "did their thing" in a sentence?

You can use "did their thing" to describe how someone acted in a specific situation. For example, "The stars did their thing, but there was light all night from the village" or "The cellos did their thing, and everyone survived."