doing pretty well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doing pretty well" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to convey the idea that someone or something is performing or progressing in a satisfactory manner. For example, "My new business venture is doing pretty well so far."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We're doing pretty well.

The New York Times

So, they're doing pretty well.

Yale University

"I was doing pretty well.

The New York Times - Sports

"And he's doing pretty well".

The New York Times - Sports

"We're still doing pretty well.

The New York Times

My cancer is doing pretty well.

The New York Times - Health

Abu Dhabi is supposedly doing pretty well.

The New Yorker

And they were doing pretty well, politically.

The New York Times

It has been doing pretty well already.

The New York Times

"They're still doing pretty well," Pironkova said.

The New York Times - Sports

Other than that, he's doing pretty well.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "doing pretty well" to describe progress or performance that is better than average but not exceptional. It's a versatile phrase suitable for various contexts, from personal well-being to business performance.

Common error

While "doing pretty well" is acceptable in many contexts, consider more precise and sophisticated language for formal reports or academic papers. Alternatives like "progressing favorably" or "achieving satisfactory results" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doing pretty well" functions as a predicative expression, typically following a subject and a form of the verb 'to be' (is, are, was, were). According to Ludwig AI, it indicates a satisfactory level of performance, progress, or condition. It's commonly used to describe how someone or something is faring.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

21%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Unknown

0.1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "doing pretty well" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a satisfactory level of performance or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While most frequently found in News & Media and academic contexts, it's adaptable to various situations. The phrase strikes a balance between positivity and understatement, making it appropriate for both casual and professional settings. However, for formal academic or scientific writing, more precise language may be preferred. Alternatives like "doing quite well" or "faring well" can provide nuanced variations. The expert rating reflects its strong grammatical standing and consistent application across authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doing quite well

Replaces "pretty" with "quite", indicating a slightly higher degree of success or satisfaction.

doing reasonably well

Substitutes "pretty" with "reasonably", suggesting a moderate level of success or progress.

faring well

Replaces "doing pretty well" with a more concise phrase, implying good progress or success.

progressing nicely

Focuses on the aspect of advancement, indicating smooth and satisfactory development.

getting along well

Emphasizes the ease and comfort of the progress or situation.

holding up well

Highlights the ability to maintain a good condition despite challenges.

managing well

Focuses on the ability to handle situations or tasks effectively.

performing admirably

Indicates a high level of performance, often exceeding expectations.

thriving

Implies a state of prosperity and flourishing, going beyond mere success.

prospering

Suggests financial success and overall well-being.

FAQs

How can I use "doing pretty well" in a sentence?

You can use "doing pretty well" to describe a state of satisfactory progress or performance. For example, "My business is doing pretty well this quarter", or "She's doing pretty well in her new school".

What are some alternatives to "doing pretty well"?

Alternatives include "doing quite well", "faring well", or "progressing nicely", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "doing pretty well" too informal for business communication?

While generally acceptable, "doing pretty well" might be considered informal for some business contexts. Consider using more formal phrases like "achieving satisfactory results" or "demonstrating positive performance" in formal reports or presentations.

What does it mean when someone says their cancer is "doing pretty well"?

In the context of health, saying "My cancer is doing pretty well" typically implies that the cancer is not progressing or is responding positively to treatment. It indicates a relatively stable or improving condition.