doing a lot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'doing a lot' is correct and usable in written English.
It typically refers to someone or something making a significant effort to accomplish a task. For example, "I'm grateful for the hard work she's been doing a lot of to organize this charity event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They weren't doing a lot.

The New York Times

"I've been doing a lot".

The New York Times - Sports

Not doing a lot.

The Washington Post

We are doing a lot of praying".

The New York Times

Their governments are doing a lot more.

The Economist

"I'll be doing a lot of thinking".

The New York Times - Sports

"It means doing a lot of homework.

Independent

"Mom is doing a lot of that".

The New York Times - Sports

We're doing a lot for them.

The New York Times

We're doing a lot of austerity!

The New York Times

Ochigava isn't doing a lot.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a more formal tone, consider replacing "doing a lot" with phrases like "exerting considerable effort" or "undertaking substantial work" to maintain clarity while increasing sophistication.

Common error

While "doing a lot" is perfectly acceptable in many contexts, avoid using it excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and descriptive language to enhance clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doing a lot" functions as a verb phrase, often acting as the predicate of a clause. It describes the action of performing numerous activities or making a significant effort. Ludwig confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "doing a lot" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe significant activity or effort. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for a wide range of contexts. While its neutrality makes it suitable for general use, remember that more formal alternatives might enhance clarity and sophistication in professional or academic writing. Its prevalence in news media and academic sources underscores its broad acceptance and applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exerting considerable effort

Emphasizes the effort being expended.

making significant progress

Highlights the advancement achieved.

engaging in extensive activity

Focuses on the breadth of involvement.

undertaking substantial work

Stresses the amount of work being done.

investing significant time

Specifically refers to time commitment.

committing significant resources

Highlights the dedication of resources.

devoting considerable attention

Focuses on the level of attention given.

putting forth great energy

Emphasizes the energy expenditure.

handling a heavy workload

Highlights the management of tasks.

contributing substantially

Focuses on the impact of the contribution.

FAQs

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

You can use "doing a lot" to describe someone or something that is very active or making a significant effort. For example, "She's been doing a lot to help the community."

What are some alternatives to "doing a lot"?

Alternatives include "exerting considerable effort", "making significant progress", or "engaging in extensive activity" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "doing a lot" formal or informal?

"Doing a lot" is generally considered to be neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferable in certain professional settings.

What's the difference between "doing a lot" and "doing much"?

While both phrases indicate significant activity, "doing a lot" is more common and versatile. "Doing much" is less frequently used in contemporary English, though it is still grammatically correct.