do an interview

USAGE SUMMARY

"do an interview" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to conducting a formal interview with someone in pursuit of information - such as facts or quotes for a story - or when discussing the process of a job applicant interviewing for a job position. For example: "The journalist was determined to do an interview with the mayor in order to get an exclusive story."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'd do an interview.

The New York Times - Sports

She didn't even do an interview.

The New Yorker

About to do an interview".

The Guardian

Maybe you could do an interview with one of them.

Independent

Can I do an interview via Skype or phone?

Stanford University

Rogelio and I partnered to do an interview of codesign.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Costa: Have you decided to do an interview?

The Washington Post

And, no, he doesn't have time to do an interview.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

How can I do an interview in this situation?

The Guardian - Film

"It wasn't our idea to do an interview.

The New York Times

I was never called to do an interview.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider using synonyms like "conduct an interview" or "perform an interview" for a more professional tone.

Common error

While "do an interview" is acceptable, overuse of "do" can make your writing sound less precise. Vary your phrasing with stronger verbs like "conduct", "perform", or "hold" to add nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do an interview" functions as a verb phrase, with "do" acting as a light verb that takes "an interview" as its direct object. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English. This structure allows for expressing the action of performing or conducting an interview.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "do an interview" is a common and acceptable phrase for describing the act of conducting an interview. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability, highlighting its prevalence across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral, adopting more formal alternatives like "conduct an interview" can enhance professionalism. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the who, when, and where of the interview. Remember, varying your phrasing with stronger verbs will lead to stronger writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conduct an interview

Uses a more formal verb while retaining the core meaning.

perform an interview

Replaces "do" with a synonym that emphasizes the action of conducting the interview.

hold an interview

Implies organizing or facilitating the interview session.

carry out an interview

Similar to "conduct", but perhaps slightly less formal.

undertake an interview

Suggests a more involved or serious approach to the interview process.

arrange an interview

Focuses on the scheduling and preparation aspects of the interview.

give an interview

Shifts the perspective to the interviewee providing the information.

participate in an interview

Emphasizes involvement in the interview process, suitable for either interviewer or interviewee.

sit for an interview

More commonly used from the interviewee perspective, indicating their willingness to be interviewed.

grant an interview

Signifies permission or agreement to be interviewed, often used when the interviewee is of high status.

FAQs

What does it mean to "do an interview"?

To "do an interview" means to conduct a formal conversation with someone, typically to gather information, opinions, or personal stories for a specific purpose, such as journalism, research, or job recruitment.

What are some alternatives to "do an interview"?

Alternatives include "conduct an interview", "perform an interview", "hold an interview", or simply "interview someone", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "do an interview" formal or informal?

While grammatically correct, "do an interview" leans towards the informal side. In more formal settings, consider using phrases like "conduct an interview" for a more professional tone.

How can I prepare to "do an interview" effectively?

Preparation involves researching the interviewee and topic, preparing relevant questions, planning the interview structure, and ensuring you have the necessary recording equipment. Remember to listen actively and adapt your questions as needed.