do an exam

USAGE SUMMARY

"do an exam" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to some type of testing of knowledge or skills. For example, "All students are required to do an exam at the end of the course."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

I said, 'Let's do an exam.' And she was fine.

The New Yorker

"I tried to do an exam a week at the University of Indianapolis test center," where the exams could be proctored, she said.

The New York Times

Today, the 'senior four' students were supposed do an exam but we had to postpone it because the teacher concerned didn't come to work.

The Guardian

If someone is unable to do an exam in the traditional format, we'll have a discussion with them about adjustments to the method of assessment.

The Guardian

Rebellato starts with pre-fight big talk: "I don't suggest that you need to do an exam to go to the theatre, I do feel that theatre critics shouldn't be more ignorant than the ordinary theatregoer".

The Guardian

"If it were up to me, actually, I would abolish exams," he says cheerfully. "I say to my students [he teaches a first-year class at Manchester university]: 'You don't even need to do an exam really.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

"It's like doing an exam at school," he says.

Independent

Last week I did an exam and got some honours in some rather elevated grade.

The Guardian

In the end you are going to be sitting down and doing an exam.

The Guardian

I did an exam in the morning and then had to drive three hours to Lincolnshire to play Boston United.

Independent

It's like learning the art of doing an exam – you have to learn how to do an audition.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to the act of performing or administering a medical test, use "conduct an examination" or "perform a test" for greater precision. "Do an exam" is suitable in less formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "exam" interchangeably with broader terms like "assessment" or "evaluation" when referring to a specific, formal test. For instance, instead of saying "do an evaluation", specify the type of evaluation, such as "do a performance evaluation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do an exam" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the action of taking or performing a test or examination. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, highlighting its role in describing the act of testing knowledge or skills.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

28%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "do an exam" is a grammatically correct and commonly used way to describe the action of taking or administering a test, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While widely acceptable, it's important to consider the context. In more formal settings, alternatives like "take an exam" or "conduct an examination" may be more appropriate. The phrase is frequently found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts. When describing specific medical procedures, using more precise terms like "perform a test" is advisable. Remember to choose the phrasing that best suits your audience and the level of formality required by the situation. Overall, while "do an exam" is a versatile and understood phrase, awareness of alternative expressions allows for more nuanced and professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take an exam

Focuses on the action of the test-taker.

sit for an exam

Emphasizes the formal setting and process of taking the examination.

complete an exam

Highlights the action of finishing the test.

undergo an exam

Suggests a more formal or possibly stressful experience.

perform an examination

Uses a more formal term for exam, emphasizing precision.

attempt an exam

Implies that there is possibility of failure or difficulty.

participate in an exam

Focuses on the action of being a part of the exam process.

handle an exam

Focuses on a person's ability to manage a complex assessment.

tackle an exam

Suggests approaching the exam with effort.

face an exam

Highlights the confrontation with a challenging test.

FAQs

Is "do an exam" formal enough for academic writing?

While "do an exam" is widely understood, more formal alternatives like "take an exam" or "sit for an exam" are often preferred in academic contexts.

What's the difference between "do an exam" and "conduct an examination"?

"Do an exam" is generally more informal. "Conduct an examination" implies a more thorough and formal process, often used in medical or official contexts.

Can I use "do an exam" when referring to medical tests?

It's better to use more specific and formal terms like "perform a test" or "conduct a screening" when discussing medical procedures to ensure clarity and professionalism.

What are some other ways to say "do an exam" in a professional setting?

In professional environments, consider using phrases like "administer an assessment", "carry out an evaluation", or "undertake a review" depending on the specific context.