doing so well

USAGE SUMMARY

"doing so well" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone's performance or progress in a certain situation. Example: "Mark has been working hard in his new job and is doing so well that he was recently promoted to a higher position." (In this sentence, "doing so well" is used to describe Mark's success in his job.) Alternatively, it can also refer to a general state of success or improvement in someone's life. Example: "After years of struggling, Sarah has finally turned her life around and is doing so well now." (In this sentence, "doing so well" describes Sarah's overall state of success and improvement in her life.).

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's doing so well.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"But he's doing so well..

The New York Times - Magazine

Microsoft is doing so well.

Yale University

"We were doing so well," he said.

The New York Times

"Bridgeport is doing so well.

The New York Times

"We were doing so well.

The Guardian

I was doing so well.

The Guardian - Travel

She was doing so well.

The New York Times - Health

Congratulations on doing so well.

The New York Times

Jeffrey's doing so well he might franchise.

The New Yorker

That's why it is doing so well.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "doing so well" to emphasize a current state of positive performance or progress. It is suitable for describing people, projects, or even companies.

Common error

While versatile, "doing so well" can sound slightly informal in highly formal settings. Opt for alternatives like "achieving considerable success" or "performing admirably" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doing so well" functions as a descriptive expression, typically serving as a predicate adjective complement. It modifies a subject by indicating its current state of successful performance or positive progress. Ludwig AI confirms the expression is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

15%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "doing so well" is a versatile phrase used to express positive progress and successful performance, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is most commonly found in news and media, with a neutral register making it suitable for various contexts, though slightly more formal alternatives exist for professional environments. While grammatically sound and widely understood, writers should consider the specific tone desired when choosing between "doing so well" and its more formal counterparts. The phrase's consistent usage across numerous authoritative sources reinforces its reliability and communicative effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thriving

Implies vigorous growth and success; slightly more intense than "doing so well".

excelling

Suggests exceeding expectations and achieving superior results.

achieving considerable success

Formally expresses accomplishment and positive outcomes.

progressing nicely

Indicates steady and satisfactory development, often in a personal or professional context.

succeeding

A general term for achieving a desired outcome or goal.

performing admirably

Highlights the quality and praiseworthiness of the performance.

advancing rapidly

Highlights the speed and pace of positive development.

prospering

Indicates financial success and overall well-being.

flourishing

Similar to thriving, but often used in the context of personal growth or development.

making great strides

Emphasizes significant progress and advancement.

FAQs

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

You can use "doing so well" to describe someone's performance or progress, as in "She's "doing so well" in her new role that she's being considered for a promotion".

What are some alternatives to "doing so well"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "thriving", "excelling", or "succeeding".

Is "doing so well" appropriate for formal writing?

While acceptable, "doing so well" might be considered slightly informal for certain formal contexts. In such cases, consider using phrases like "achieving considerable success" or "performing admirably".

What's the difference between "doing well" and "doing so well"?

"Doing so well" emphasizes the degree or extent of success more strongly than simply "doing well". It implies a notable or remarkable level of achievement.