doing so

USAGE SUMMARY

"doing so" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It can be used to refer to an action or process which has been mentioned previously, typically in order to emphasize that it has already been done or is already taking place. For example, "I applied for the job, doing so with great enthusiasm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Doing so isn't expensive.

The New York Times

I'm doing so now.

The New York Times - Arts

Doing so costs money.

The New York Times

He denies doing so.

Independent

"You're doing so good.

The New York Times

(Bradley denies doing so).

The New Yorker

(Rehnquist denied doing so).

The New Yorker

They are doing so.

The New York Times - Sports

"And we are doing so".

The New York Times

Doing so nearly bankrupted him.

The New Yorker

Many have been doing so.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "doing so" to avoid repetition and maintain conciseness when referring to a previously mentioned action or process.

Common error

Ensure the action to which "doing so" refers is clear and unambiguous to avoid confusing the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doing so" functions as a pro-verbial phrase, acting as a substitute for a previously mentioned verb or action. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts to avoid repetition and maintain brevity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

23%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

7%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "doing so" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that acts as a pro-verbial substitute. It is grammatically sound and widely accepted, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to avoid repetition and maintain conciseness in writing and speech, making it a valuable tool for effective communication. While its usage is generally straightforward, ensure that the action it refers to is clear to prevent ambiguity. Remember that alternatives like "acting accordingly" or "proceeding in that manner" may offer subtle shifts in meaning. Its presence in diverse sources like The New York Times, The Economist, and BBC reinforces its widespread acceptance and utility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acting accordingly

Emphasizes acting in a way that is appropriate to the situation, focusing on the appropriateness of the action.

proceeding in that manner

Highlights the method of action, suggesting a formal and deliberate approach.

taking that action

Focuses on the specific action being taken, removing the implied connection to a previous statement.

executing that task

Refers to a task-oriented action, implying a clear and defined objective.

carrying out the procedure

Suggests a formal and structured action, typically part of a process.

performing that deed

Implies a notable or significant action, often with moral or ethical implications.

implementing that measure

Refers to putting a plan or policy into effect, emphasizing the practical application.

acting in that fashion

Highlights the style or way of acting, focusing on the manner in which something is done.

taking those steps

Emphasizes a series of actions, implying a process or plan with multiple stages.

operating thusly

Indicates a specific way of functioning or working, often in a technical or mechanical context.

FAQs

What does "doing so" mean in a sentence?

"Doing so" is a phrase used to refer back to an action or activity that was previously mentioned. It's a way to avoid repeating the action and keeps the writing concise.

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

Use "doing so" after you've already mentioned an action. For example, "I need to finish this report; "doing so" will take several hours".

What are some alternatives to "doing so"?

Alternatives include "acting accordingly", "proceeding in that manner", or "taking that action", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Consider also just repeating the verb if clarity is paramount.

Is it ever incorrect to use "doing so"?

While grammatically correct, "doing so" can be unclear if the action it refers to is not immediately obvious. Always ensure the reference is clear to avoid confusion.