doing a trick

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doing a trick" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to performing a skill, especially in magic, sports, or playful activities. Example: "The magician was doing a trick that left the audience in awe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

They're like magicians doing a trick".

The New York Times

Dancers are never simply striking a pose or doing a trick.

The Economist

You are supposed to make them look at your right hand while you are doing a trick with your left.

The New York Times - Books

"She was doing a trick she was well versed in, the conditions were good, and everything seemed normal," Judge said.

The New York Times - Sports

The second you reveal that you're doing a trick, people are going to look for what the trick is".

The New York Times

It was Iouri Podladtchikov of Switzerland — I-Pod to his friends — who won the gold medal by doing a trick and a run that White and the others could not match.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Sylvia does a trick.

The New York Times

You want Uggie to do a trick?

Independent

I'll do a trick on this ramp and you have to do the same trick.

The New York Times

He hoped to do a trick making caviar and Champagne materialize, a good Millionaires' Magician effect.

The New York Times

And I'll take her ropes and do a trick with them.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing actions in sports or entertainment, use "doing a trick" to convey a sense of skill and entertainment. For instance, "The snowboarder was doing a trick that wowed the crowd."

Common error

Avoid using "doing a trick" when a more specific verb would be appropriate. For example, instead of saying "He was doing a trick with the cards", specify the action: "He was shuffling the cards".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doing a trick" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun in a sentence. It describes the action of performing a skill, stunt, or illusion, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

34%

Vice

9%

Less common in

HuffPost

3%

BBC

3%

The New Yorker

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "doing a trick" is a common and grammatically correct gerund phrase used to describe the act of performing a skillful or deceptive action. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous real-world examples from reputable sources, including news outlets and wikis. While generally neutral to informal in register, it's crucial to use more specific language in formal contexts. Remember, while you can substitute "performing a stunt" or "executing a maneuver", consider the context to ensure the most appropriate choice. Be mindful of overusing the phrase when more descriptive verbs would improve clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

performing a stunt

Replaces "trick" with "stunt", emphasizing the physical skill or risk involved.

executing a maneuver

Substitutes a more formal term for "trick", suitable for technical or descriptive contexts.

pulling off a feat

Emphasizes the successful completion of a difficult or impressive action.

carrying out an illusion

Specifically refers to magic tricks, highlighting the deceptive aspect.

demonstrating a skill

Focuses on the skill required to perform the action, rather than the trick itself.

accomplishing a feat of skill

Replaces the word 'trick' with a more complex description

performing an act

Emphasizes the performance aspect, suitable for stage or entertainment contexts.

completing a challenge

Highlights the difficulty and accomplishment of the action.

showcasing a routine

Refers to a planned sequence of actions, often used in sports or entertainment.

undertaking a performance

A more formal way of expressing the act of performing, suitable for professional contexts.

FAQs

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

"Doing a trick" is used to describe the action of performing a skillful or deceptive act. For instance, "The magician was "doing a trick" with disappearing coins".

What can I say instead of "doing a trick"?

You can use alternatives like "performing a stunt", "executing a maneuver", or "pulling off a feat" depending on the context.

Is "doing a trick" formal or informal?

"Doing a trick" is generally considered informal and suitable for casual conversations or less formal writing. In professional or academic contexts, consider more precise language.

What's the difference between "doing a trick" and "performing an act"?

"Doing a trick" typically refers to a single, specific action, whereas "performing an act" suggests a more elaborate or lengthy performance.