does well by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "does well by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is treating another person or situation favorably or in a beneficial manner. Example: "She really does well by her clients, always going the extra mile to ensure their satisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Food

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Mostly, though, Bao does well by seafood.

The New York Times - Food

Yet the Astra does well by features, safety and craftsmanship.

The New York Times

Mr. Connell does well by his actresses, too.

The New York Times

Mr. Sorenson does well by the forest floor.

The New York Times - Food

In this instance, Jowitt does well by elucidating the facts without commentary.

The New York Times - Books

The City Opera does well by not trying to do too much.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

NERD DO WELL, by Simon Pegg.

The New York Times

He'd do well by doing good.

The New York Times

"He's doing well by doing good".

The New York Times

Companies do well by becoming Nigerian.

The Economist

It is doing well by any standard.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "does well by", ensure the sentence clearly identifies both the actor and the recipient of the positive action.

Common error

Avoid using "does well by" when the recipient of the action is unclear. The sentence should explicitly state who or what benefits from the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does well by" functions as a verb phrase indicating a positive or beneficial action performed by one entity towards another. As Ludwig indicates, it implies a favorable treatment or a successful interaction. This can be seen in examples where individuals, organizations, or even products "do well by" something or someone else.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Arts

19%

Food

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

17%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "does well by" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to describe actions that positively impact others. According to Ludwig, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English. Occurring frequently in News & Media, Arts, and Food contexts, it conveys approval or commendation for actions leading to beneficial outcomes. When using "does well by", ensure clarity regarding the recipient of the positive action. Consider alternatives like "treats favorably" or "benefits from" to fine-tune the nuance. Remember that while the phrase is versatile, clarity and context are key to its effective use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

treats favorably

Focuses on the act of treating someone or something in a positive manner.

benefits from

Highlights the advantageous outcome or result.

serves effectively

Emphasizes the effectiveness of the action or service.

is advantageous to

Indicates that something is beneficial or favorable.

acts kindly toward

Focuses on the kind or benevolent nature of the action.

supports admirably

Highlights the admirable nature of the support provided.

handles competently

Emphasizes the competence in managing or dealing with something.

executes skillfully

Focuses on the skillful execution of a task or action.

manages successfully

Highlights the successful management of a situation or task.

aids substantially

Emphasizes the substantial assistance or aid provided.

FAQs

How can I use "does well by" in a sentence?

Use "does well by" to describe how someone or something benefits another. For instance, "The company "does well by" its employees by offering comprehensive health benefits".

What are some alternatives to "does well by"?

You can use alternatives like "treats favorably", "benefits from", or "serves effectively" depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey. Each alternative slightly shifts the emphasis of the sentence.

Is "does well by" formal or informal?

"Does well by" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall context of the writing.

What is the difference between "does well by" and "benefits"?

"Does well by" describes the actions taken to produce a positive outcome, whereas "benefits" simply states the positive outcome. For example, "The new policy "does well by" the environment by reducing emissions," versus "The environment benefits from the new policy".