doing exactly that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doing exactly that" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize that someone is performing an action in a precise or exact manner. Example: "After months of training, she finally ran the marathon, doing exactly that - running the entire 26 miles without stopping."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is doing exactly that again.

The New York Times

"I think she's–" "I'm doing exactly that!

The Guardian

I commit our government to doing exactly that".

The New York Times

So why do they seem to be doing exactly that?

The New York Times

One of those doing exactly that is Johnson-Thompson.

The Guardian - Sport

The government is doing exactly that, she says.

The Guardian

I just spent the last two months doing exactly that – and the answer might surprise you.

The Guardian

Jared is passionate about doing exactly that".

TechCrunch

And that's why our constitutional convention process is going to start with doing exactly that".

BBC

But during the boom, the analysts were doing exactly that openly and notoriously.

Forbes

We have a company called Gotuit.com that's doing exactly that, building user-generated, indexed video content.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "doing exactly that" to clearly emphasize that an action is being performed in a precise manner, leaving no room for ambiguity. It enhances clarity and reinforces the direct connection between the action and its intention.

Common error

Avoid using "doing exactly that" when the specific action being referred to is unclear or not explicitly stated in the preceding context. Ensure that the 'that' has a clear and unambiguous referent to maintain clarity and prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doing exactly that" functions as a pro-verb phrase, substituting a specific action or activity previously mentioned. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, emphasizing its role in providing clarity and preventing redundancy by referring back to the action in question.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "doing exactly that" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression. Ludwig AI confirms that it functions as a pro-verb phrase, replacing a previously mentioned action to avoid redundancy and enhance clarity. As demonstrated by the many examples provided, it is used to emphasize that something is performed precisely as indicated. It commonly appears in news articles and academic contexts, indicating a neutral register. While it can appear in informal settings, more formal alternatives exist to provide further precision. The goal of using "doing exactly that" is to reinforce the connection between the intended action and its actual execution, leaving no doubt about the manner in which something is carried out.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doing precisely that

Replaces "exactly" with "precisely", emphasizing accuracy.

doing just that

Substitutes "exactly" with "just", implying a direct and uncomplicated action.

performing that action

Replaces the entire phrase with a more formal and direct statement.

carrying out that task

Focuses on the execution of a specific task.

executing it perfectly

Emphasizes the flawless execution of something.

following through with that

Highlights the completion and continuation of a previously mentioned action.

acting accordingly

Implies that actions are in direct response to a specific situation or instruction.

doing as directed

Focuses on obedience and adherence to instructions.

replicating that behavior

Emphasizes the duplication of a specific behavior or action.

mirroring that action

Suggests a direct and often intentional imitation of an action.

FAQs

How can I use "doing exactly that" in a sentence?

You can use "doing exactly that" to emphasize the precise execution of a previously mentioned action. For example: "The manual instructs to tighten the screws, "doing exactly that" ensures the device functions correctly".

What are some alternatives to "doing exactly that"?

Alternatives include "doing just that", "doing precisely that", or "performing that action", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "doing exactly that"?

Yes, "doing exactly that" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both spoken and written English to refer back to a specific action or instruction.

What's the difference between "doing exactly that" and "doing something similar"?

"Doing exactly that" implies a precise and identical repetition of an action, while "doing something similar" suggests an action that shares characteristics but is not necessarily identical.