doing my math

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doing my math" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of completing mathematical problems or assignments, often in an informal context. Example: "I can't talk right now; I'm doing my math for homework."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"I've been doing my math.

The Guardian - Books

By the end of high school, I had taken to doing my math homework up against a concealed wall during lunch because I was tired of socializing.

The New York Times - Magazine

If I'm doing my math right, that means you could save up to $40 per week on Sidecar rides.

TechCrunch

And I said, 'What are you doing?' And he said, 'I'm doing my math homework,'" Marx said.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

But I still have to do my math homework".

The New York Times

"I did my math homework on the plane to Arizona, just to get it over with," she told me.

The New Yorker

So if I do my math, I think it's only a couple of years away before we see someone very special".

The New York Times - Sports

My Mac calculator even does my math for me (when no one's looking).

TechCrunch

"I kept thinking, Oh, I need to get home soon, I have to do my math homework.

Vice

I did my math homework while playing Harry Potter audiobooks, fell asleep to the sound of my mother reading aloud, and listened to countless mystery novels on tape during family road trips.

Huffington Post

"When Carlos Slim started climbing on the Forbes list, I began doing my own math," Eduardo García, a publisher in Mexico City, told me.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, use "doing my math" to convey a sense of personal involvement and effort in mathematical calculations or problem-solving. This is particularly effective in informal contexts or when discussing homework.

Common error

Avoid using "doing my math" in highly formal or professional documents. In such contexts, opt for more precise and professional language such as "performing calculations" or "analyzing numerical data".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doing my math" functions as a present participle phrase, indicating an ongoing action. Ludwig shows that it commonly denotes performing mathematical calculations or completing math-related tasks, often in a personal or informal context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "doing my math" is a common and acceptable way to describe performing mathematical calculations or completing math-related tasks. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various informal contexts, such as homework or personal projects. While suitable for casual conversation and general writing, it is advisable to use more formal alternatives like "performing calculations" or "analyzing numerical data" in professional or academic settings. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media sources, with slightly less presence in more formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

working on my calculations

Focuses on the process of calculating rather than the subject.

doing the arithmetic

Emphasizes basic mathematical operations.

calculating my figures

Focuses on calculating specific figures or data.

completing my mathematics tasks

More formal and emphasizes the completion of specific assignments.

working through my math problems

Suggests a step-by-step approach to solving math problems.

figuring out the numbers

Highlights the act of understanding or solving numerical problems.

crunching the numbers myself

Emphasizes individual effort in processing numerical data.

solving my equations

Highlights equation-solving activities.

handling the math tasks

Highlights managing math-related responsibilities.

assessing the situation mathematically

Shifts focus to a broader assessment involving mathematical principles.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "doing my math" in a professional context?

In professional settings, consider using phrases like "performing calculations", "analyzing numerical data", or "completing mathematical tasks" for a more formal tone.

What's a more formal way to say "doing my math"?

You could say "conducting mathematical analyses" or "undertaking numerical computations" for a more elevated style. In the specific case of checking figures, you may use "verifying the figures".

Is "doing my math" suitable for academic writing?

While acceptable, it's better to use phrases like "completing mathematical assignments" or "working on mathematical problems" for clarity and academic rigor.

When is it appropriate to use "doing my math"?

It's most appropriate in informal settings, casual conversations, or when discussing homework or personal tasks. You can also use it when talking about evaluating figures, especially when "figuring out the numbers" by yourself.