do something other than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do something other than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express an action that is different from another specified action. Example: "I would prefer to do something other than watch TV all day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Obama still has to do something other than speak.

The New Yorker

But I wanted to do something other than working nonstop.

The New York Times - Arts

But, these days, they occasionally do something other than drive.

The Economist

It's trying to do something other than that".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Surely they must do something other than play music?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A commenter suggested he "do something" other than just sit there, Shkreli declined.

Independent

An outdoor siren with a strobe light could, presumably, do something other than annoy my neighbors.

The New York Times

Second, the bill would use a regulatory apparatus to do something other than its stated purpose.

The New York Times

Of course, you and your party aren't, but... · DO do something other than a pub crawl.

The Guardian - Travel

He thought he should do something other than drive, but what that might be eluded him.

The New Yorker

The time for them to do something other than fighting is over.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "do something other than", ensure the alternative action is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "do something other than" when the alternative is unclear or unspecified. Always provide a clear contrast to the action being replaced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do something other than" functions as a connector indicating an alternative action or choice. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression. It introduces a contrast to a previously mentioned or implied activity, prompting a consideration of different options.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "do something other than" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression across various contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves to introduce an alternative action or choice, often expressing a preference or suggesting a different approach. While its register is generally neutral, it is most commonly found in news and media sources. When using this phrase, ensure the alternative action is clearly specified to avoid any ambiguity. Furthermore, it's important to note that Ludwig indicates the phrase is perfectly valid and widely recognized.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do something besides

Replaces "other than" with "besides", offering a slightly more informal tone.

opt for something other than

Highlights the act of choosing an alternative option.

engage in something different from

Uses a more formal verb ("engage") and structure to convey a similar meaning.

choose a different activity than

Focuses on the selection of an activity that is not the primary or expected one.

act in a way that differs from

Emphasizes the difference in the manner of acting.

pursue an alternative to

Indicates an active effort to find and follow a different path or option.

try a different approach from

Suggests a change in method or strategy.

take an alternative course of action to

Presents a more deliberate and planned approach to choosing a different action.

seek an alternative to

Emphasizes the search for a different option.

find an alternative to

Highlights the discovery of a different option.

FAQs

How can I use "do something other than" in a sentence?

You can use "do something other than" to indicate an alternative action. For example, "I want to "do something other than" work today, like going to the beach."

What are some alternatives to "do something other than"?

Alternatives include "do something besides", "engage in something different from", or "opt for something other than", depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "do something other than" or "do something besides"?

"Do something other than" is generally considered slightly more formal than "do something besides".

What's the difference between "do something other than" and "do something different from"?

While similar, "do something other than" often implies a specific alternative action, whereas "do something different from" focuses on the variance in the action itself.