doing only that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doing only that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that a person is focused solely on a specific action or task without engaging in anything else. Example: "I will be doing only that for the next few hours to ensure it gets done properly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

After a while I am busy doing only that: breathe in, breathe out.

The New York Times

In school, David Marquez said, he did not know exactly what his father was doing, only that he was different from the other fathers.

The New York Times

However, Mersey also stated that he was "not able to blame Captain Smith…he was doing only that which other skilled men would have done in the same position".

Encyclopedia Britannica

He himself doesn't seem to know why he's doing what he's doing, only that he can't sleep, doesn't need to eat and hears gabbling voices in his head that urge him on toward some obscure fate.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

So being given a character that does only that is really interesting".

The Guardian

But if you do only that, they're not ready for life.

The New York Times - Books

He won't tell me what he did, only that he was fixated on violence.

The Guardian - Music

The bathroom, for instance, was cleaned in the afternoon by someone hired to do only that.

The New York Times - Travel

Carballo did not know what his brother did, only that he returned with his pockets filled with coins.

The New York Times - Sports

But we just don't know, no one does, only that straight-talker May says "Brexit means Brexit".

The Guardian

They declined to say more about what the company would do, only that they intended to "change the world".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to emphasize a deliberate choice to limit activity to a single item, consider using "doing only that".

Common error

Avoid using "doing only that" excessively in complex sentences, as it can make the sentence sound repetitive or awkward. Consider restructuring the sentence for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doing only that" functions as a verbal phrase that emphasizes a singular action or focus. It is used to highlight the exclusivity of an activity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "doing only that" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to emphasize a singular focus on an action or task. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is usable in written English across different contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various forms of communication. While versatile, be mindful of overuse in complex sentences. Consider alternatives like "solely focusing on that" for nuanced expressions. This analysis, supported by examples from reputable sources, provides a comprehensive guide to using this phrase effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solely focusing on that

Emphasizes exclusivity and focus using "solely" instead of "only".

exclusively concentrating on that

Highlights concentration using "exclusively" instead of "only".

just doing that

Uses "just" to convey simplicity and limitation.

merely doing that

Emphasizes the simplicity of the action with "merely".

simply doing that

Highlights the uncomplicated nature of the action using "simply".

only engaging in that

Replaces "doing" with "engaging in" to provide a slightly more formal tone.

dedicating oneself solely to that

Emphasizes commitment and focus using more formal language.

confining oneself to only that

Highlights restriction or limitation using "confining".

restricting activities to just that

Focuses on limiting activities using the word "restricting".

limiting oneself to only that

Uses "limiting" to express a constrained or restricted action.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "doing only that" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "exclusively concentrating on that", or "confining oneself to "only that"" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "doing only that"?

Yes, the phrase "doing only that" is grammatically correct and commonly used to emphasize a singular focus on an action or task.

What's the difference between "doing only that" and "just doing that"?

"Doing only that" emphasizes exclusivity, whereas "just doing that" conveys simplicity and limitation. The choice depends on whether you want to stress focus or ease.

When should I use "doing only that" in my writing?

Use "doing only that" when you want to clearly and directly convey that someone is solely focused on a particular action, without engaging in anything else.