doing a crossword

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doing a crossword" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the activity of solving a crossword puzzle, often as a leisure or recreational activity. Example: "I spent my afternoon doing a crossword while sipping coffee at my favorite café."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

It describes a Park Police officer doing a crossword puzzle.

The Washington Post

It's like doing a crossword puzzle -- I can't stop.

The New York Times - Arts

I don't consider this process much more creative than doing a crossword puzzle.

The New York Times

It was more like doing a crossword puzzle than reading a piece of literature.

The Guardian - Opinion

Their morning habits (drinking coffee, eating cereal, doing a crossword) turn into an ingeniously percussive routine.

The New York Times - Arts

He used to drink Labatt Ice beer while doing a crossword puzzle.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Craig Breslow did a crossword puzzle.

The New York Times

At the bar a couple did a crossword puzzle.

The New York Times - Food

Wally, who was wearing shorts and black socks with Birkenstocks, did a crossword puzzle.

The New Yorker

Watching "The Nine" is like trying to do a crossword with only the Across clues.

The New Yorker

At the back of the courtroom, a guard did a crossword puzzle.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "doing a crossword" to describe the act of working on or completing a crossword puzzle as a leisurely activity. This phrasing is suitable for both informal and neutral contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "doing a crossword" when referring to other types of puzzles such as Sudoku or jigsaw puzzles. Be specific with your language to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doing a crossword" functions as a verb phrase, describing the activity of engaging with and attempting to complete a crossword puzzle. Ludwig AI indicates this is a common expression used to describe this leisure activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "doing a crossword" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe working on or completing a crossword puzzle. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in various contexts, especially in News & Media. While alternatives like "solving a crossword puzzle" or "completing a crossword" exist, "doing a crossword" maintains a neutral register suitable for both informal and general use. Remember to differentiate this activity from other types of puzzles for clarity. This expression is a versatile way to depict a leisurely or mentally engaging activity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completing a crossword puzzle

Replaces the verb "doing" with "completing", focusing on the act of finishing the puzzle.

solving a crossword puzzle

Uses "solving" instead of "doing", emphasizing the problem-solving aspect of the activity.

working on a crossword

Replaces "doing" with "working on", suggesting the process of engaging with the puzzle.

engaging in crossword puzzles

More formal phrasing using "engaging in" to describe the activity.

tackling a crossword

Uses "tackling" to emphasize the challenging nature of the puzzle.

busy with a crossword puzzle

Describes someone occupied with the crossword.

occupied with crosswords

Similar to the previous phrase, emphasizing the state of being busy.

involved in a crossword

Suggests a deeper engagement with the puzzle activity.

preoccupied with crossword puzzles

Indicates that the crossword puzzle is the primary focus of attention.

immersed in a crossword

Highlights the engrossing nature of the crossword puzzle.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "doing a crossword"?

Alternatives include "solving a crossword puzzle", "completing a crossword", or "working on a crossword", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "doing a crossword puzzle"?

Yes, "doing a crossword puzzle" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the activity of solving a crossword.

What is the difference between "doing a crossword" and "solving a crossword"?

While both phrases are generally interchangeable, "doing a crossword" emphasizes the activity itself, whereas "solving a crossword" highlights the problem-solving aspect.

In what contexts is "doing a crossword" most appropriate?

"Doing a crossword" is suitable for general contexts, particularly when discussing leisure activities or hobbies. It's commonly found in news articles, blog posts, and casual conversations.