do the same thing

USAGE SUMMARY

"do the same thing" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are asking someone to repeat the same action that was just completed. For example, "Please do the same thing with the other piece of paper."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I like to do the same thing.

The New York Times - Sports

The Red Sox do the same thing.

The New York Times

L.S.U. must do the same thing.

The New York Times

"I didn't do the same thing.

The New York Times

I do the same thing every year.

The New York Times

Other populist movements do the same thing.

The New Yorker

We need to do the same thing.

The New York Times

Do I do the same thing?

The New York Times

Mr Gore can do the same thing.

The Economist

I would do the same thing again".

Independent

We do the same thing with investing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "do the same thing" to encourage consistency or repetition of a successful action or strategy.

Common error

Avoid using "do the same thing" without a clear antecedent. If the previous action is not immediately apparent, rephrase to specify the action being repeated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do the same thing" functions as a directive or instruction, prompting the repetition of a previously mentioned action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "do the same thing" is a common and grammatically correct way to instruct the repetition of an action. Ludwig AI identifies it as suitable for a range of contexts, though more formal situations might warrant alternatives like "replicate the action" or "duplicate the process". Its frequency is high, particularly in news and media sources, and clarity is key to its effective use. By avoiding ambiguous references and choosing contextually appropriate synonyms, writers can ensure their message is both clear and stylistically refined.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do likewise

Offers a concise way to say "do the same thing" in a formal context.

repeat the procedure

Highlights the act of performing a specific set of actions again.

replicate the action

Focuses on the act of copying or reproducing a specific action.

take the same course of action

Focuses on choosing the same path or method.

duplicate the process

Emphasizes repeating a series of steps or a procedure.

follow suit

Implies imitating someone else's action or behavior.

act accordingly

Suggests behaving in a manner that is consistent with a previous action or instruction.

emulate the performance

Highlights imitating a high standard or level of achievement.

mirror the behavior

Emphasizes copying or reflecting someone's actions.

reenact the event

Implies recreating a past occurrence or situation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "do the same thing" for variety?

You can use alternatives like "repeat the procedure", "follow suit", or "duplicate the process" to add variety to your writing.

When is it appropriate to use "do the same thing"?

It's appropriate when you want someone to repeat an action that has already been described or demonstrated. Ensure the context makes the action clear.

What's the difference between "do the same thing" and "do likewise"?

"Do likewise" is a more formal and concise way of saying "do the same thing". It's often used in legal or official contexts.

Is "do the same thing" too informal for professional writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the formality of your document. For very formal contexts, alternatives like "replicate the action" or "take the same course of action" might be more suitable.