does so with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "does so with" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate the manner or method in which an action is performed. Example: "She completed the project and does so with great attention to detail." Alternative expressions include "does this with," "achieves this with," and "executes this with."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ms. Ramnarayan does so with remarkable fluency.

The New York Times - Arts

It does so with terrific exuberance.

The New York Times - Arts

It does so with no-comment cool.

The New Yorker

But it does so with unapologetic ambivalence.

The New Yorker

He does so with wit.

The Guardian

He does so with relish.

The Guardian - Books

It does so with movies.

The New York Times - Arts

It does so with playful glee.

The Guardian

He does so with delicious results.

The Guardian - Travel

He does so with courage and clarity.

The Guardian

He does so with a grim determination.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the verb being referenced is clearly identifiable in the preceding clause to prevent reader confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "does so with" when multiple verbs have appeared in the previous sentence. This can create ambiguity regarding which specific action the phrase is meant to replace.

Linguistic Context

The phrase ""does so with"" functions as an anaphoric verb phrase (or pro-verb phrase). Its role is to stand in for a verb or predicate that has just been mentioned, allowing the writer to append a prepositional phrase without repeating the entire verbal structure. According to Ludwig, this is a standard grammatical device used to maintain sentence flow and cohesion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase ""does so with"" is a versatile and sophisticated tool for any writer looking to enhance the rhythm of their prose. By acting as a placeholder for a previously used verb, it prevents the tedious repetition of words while allowing for the seamless addition of descriptive qualities. Ludwig's extensive database of 60 examples from prestigious sources confirms that this phrase is a hallmark of clear, professional and authoritative writing. Whether used in a scientific report to describe a chemical reaction or in a film review to analyze a director's style, it provides a bridge that is both grammatically robust and stylistically elegant. Writers should feel confident using it to achieve a more polished and fluid narrative voice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

does this with

Uses the demonstrative pronoun 'this' for a more direct and slightly less formal reference to the preceding verb.

executes this with

Replaces the generic verb 'does' with a more formal and purposeful term, highlighting the implementation of an action.

performs this with

Suggests a formal or public display of the action, often used in artistic or technical contexts.

achieves this with

Emphasizes the successful result or completion of the action rather than just the act itself.

carries it out with

Uses a phrasal verb to suggest the execution of a plan or established procedure.

manages it with

Implies a level of effort or skill required to complete the action.

handles this with

Suggests a level of care or management in the way the action is performed.

acts with

Simplifies the phrase by removing the anaphoric 'so', focusing directly on the manner of acting.

approaches it with

Shifts the focus to the subject's mindset or method when engaging in the action.

proceeds with

Focuses on the continuation of a process rather than the simple repetition of a verb.

FAQs

How do I use "does so with" in a sentence?

You use it to refer back to a previously mentioned action while adding a new detail. For example: "The engine starts quickly and "does so with" a distinct hum."

What can I say instead of "does so with"?

Depending on the formality you need, you can use "does this with", "executes this with" or "achieves this with".

Is "does so with" considered formal English?

Yes, it is a standard feature of formal and neutral writing. It is frequently found in high-quality journalism and academic papers to improve stylistic variety.

What is the difference between "does so with" and "does this with"?

While both are correct, "does so with" is slightly more formal and traditional, whereas "does this with" is common in modern, direct prose.