does this or that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "does this or that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking whether a specific action or choice is applicable or valid in a given context. Example: "Can you clarify if this or that option is better for our project?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

His son Robert, who worked with him, once noted: "My father will sit down and give you theories to explain why he does this or that.

The New York Times - Books

As a trend, scootermania properly belongs in the category of irrational mob behavior, like soccer rioting or Capri pants: one person starts shouting something, an alpha male does this or that and before you know it, everybody is on scooters.

The New York Times - Style

If a character named Jane does this or that, you are only a kind of reporter.

The New York Times

Today, we're saying blockchain does this or that, but tomorrow blockchains will be rather invisible; we will talk more about what they enable.

TechCrunch

Who does this or that?

Huffington Post

The question mustn't be, "What does this or that rule say about a delay?" or "What will this cost in flight vouchers and other outlays?" but rather whether an airline should subject its passengers to so great an inconvenience in the first place.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

I wonder why did I do this or that.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We "should" save trees, we "should" do this or that.

The Guardian

"No money can be spent to do this or that.

The Economist

But I didn't think about markets or whether it would do this or that.

The New Yorker

I still think sometimes, maybe, that he's off somewhere doing this or that.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates that a choice between two distinct options is being presented.

Common error

Avoid using "does this or that" excessively in formal writing where more precise language is expected. Opt for specific verbs or detailed descriptions to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does this or that" functions as a connector indicating a choice or alternative between two actions or options. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct, and the examples show it presenting a decision point without needing specific details.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "does this or that" serves as a useful phrase for presenting a choice between two options or actions, functioning as a conjunction. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and generally acceptable. While it appears more frequently in news, media, and informal contexts, formal settings may require more specific alternatives. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in presenting the choice and avoid overuse in formal writing. Remember to consider the context and choose alternatives like "does one thing or another" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

does one thing or another

Emphasizes the alternative nature of two actions, differing in formality.

does such and such

More generic and can refer to an unspecified action, less direct than the original phrase.

performs this action or that one

More formal and highlights the performance of specific actions.

undertakes this task or that

Implies a formal undertaking of a task, more structured than the original.

chooses this option or that

Focuses specifically on the act of choosing between two options.

acts in this way or that

Refers to a manner of acting, which broadens the context slightly.

engages in this activity or that

Suggests a deliberate engagement in an activity, adding a layer of intention.

executes this plan or that

Implies a planned execution, which is more structured than a simple action.

carries out this step or that

Refers to a specific step in a process, adding a procedural aspect.

implements this measure or that

Suggests a formal implementation of a measure, suitable for policy or planning contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "does this or that" in a sentence?

The phrase "does this or that" is used to present an alternative between two options or actions, often when the specifics are less important than the choice itself. For example: "The question isn't whether she "does this or that", but why she makes the choices she does."

What are some alternatives to "does this or that"?

Alternatives include "does one thing or another", "perform this action or that one", or "chooses this option or that", depending on the level of formality and the specific context.

Is "does this or that" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "does this or that" is generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise and descriptive language to convey your meaning.

What's the difference between "does this or that" and "does such and such"?

"Does this or that" presents a clear choice between two specific options. "Does such and such" is more vague and refers to an unspecified action, making it less direct and less informative.