doing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, often as a gerund or present participle to indicate an action or activity currently taking place. Example: "I am doing my homework right now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

TV & Radio

Sport

Opinion

Lifestyle

Tech

Business

Money

Books

Education

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are very aware of the impact it will have on those involved and we are doing all we can to provide our support to those injured and their families.

The Guardian

"With Rick gone, and with him the chance of ever doing it again, it feels right that these revisited and reworked tracks should be made available as part of our repertoire".

The Guardian - Music

There's got to be a way round it so maybe it is time for the FA to stand up and start punishing people for doing it".

The Guardian - Sport

They are seen as fetters on our freedom of action and finances, but doing little to moderate the behaviour of irresponsible states or to assist our wellbeing as a nation".

The Guardian

Amy dropped what she was doing, went black in the eyes for a second and wheeled around on him.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He's doing his job.

The New York Times

Nothing doing.

The New York Times

She's doing great.

The New York Times

"I've been doing this for 10 years," he said.

The New York Times

"Sometimes I don't even notice I'm doing it.

The New York Times - Magazine

I also used to have the TV on in the background over the course of the day for company, but I've stopped doing that now.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more specific verbs if "doing" feels too generic for the intended meaning. For example, instead of "doing research", try "conducting research" or "investigating".

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "doing" as it can make your writing sound vague and uninspired. Replace it with more descriptive verbs to add precision and impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "doing" is as a present participle or gerund. As a present participle, it forms continuous verb tenses (e.g., "I am doing"). As a gerund, it functions as a noun (e.g., "Doing is important"). According to Ludwig, "doing" follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Lifestyle

15%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Business

5%

Tech

3%

Books

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "doing" is a versatile and grammatically sound term used to describe actions in progress or to generally refer to an activity. It functions both as a present participle and a gerund, allowing for flexible integration into various sentence structures. As indicated by Ludwig, it follows standard grammar rules and is most commonly found in neutral contexts such as news media, but also in lifestyle and sport related media. To enhance clarity and impact in writing, it's advisable to replace the general term "doing" with more specific and descriptive verbs where possible. Be careful when using it in formal environments to avoid over-repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

carrying out

Suggests executing a plan or instruction, often in a systematic way.

working on

Indicates an ongoing effort or project, emphasizing the process rather than the completion.

performing

This alternative emphasizes the execution or accomplishment of a task or duty, adding a sense of professionalism.

in the process of

Highlights that an action is underway but may not be completed.

executing

Similar to 'performing' but implies a plan or instruction is being followed precisely.

undertaking

This term suggests a more formal or significant activity compared to "doing".

conducting

This term indicates managing or organizing an activity, often with a sense of leadership.

accomplishing

Highlights the successful completion of a task, often with a sense of effort.

enacting

This implies bringing something into effect, such as a law or role.

achieving

This focuses on the successful completion or attainment of something.

FAQs

How can I use "doing" effectively in a sentence?

"Doing" can be used as a present participle or gerund. Ensure the context provides a clear understanding of the action being described, such as "I am "doing my homework"" or "Doing exercise is good for your health".

What are some stronger alternatives to "doing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "performing", "executing", or "conducting" to make your writing more precise and impactful.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "doing"?

Yes, starting a sentence with "doing" is grammatically correct when used as a gerund. For example, "Doing good deeds can improve your sense of well-being".

How can I avoid overusing "doing" in my writing?

Try to identify specific actions and replace "doing" with more descriptive verbs. Instead of "doing a job", consider "completing a task" or "performing a duty" to add clarity and depth to your writing.