doing something different

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doing something different" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to engaging in an activity or approach that is not typical or usual. Example: "After years of following the same routine, I decided it was time for doing something different and exploring new hobbies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It's about doing something different.

The New York Times - Travel

Ibrahim is doing something different.

The New Yorker

Doing something different.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Fox is doing something different".

The New York Times

I am doing something different.

The New York Times

"Mr. Robot" is doing something different.

The New Yorker

"So that's not doing something different".

The New York Times - Sports

John Bolton is doing something different.

The Guardian

Everybody thinks about doing something different".

The New York Times

"He was always doing something different".

The New York Times

"I'm doing something different," he told me.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "doing something different" to emphasize a deliberate choice to deviate from routine or expected actions. This can add impact when highlighting innovation or change.

Common error

While versatile, "doing something different" can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "trying a novel approach" or "adopting an alternative strategy" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doing something different" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. It describes the action of engaging in an activity or approach that deviates from the norm or previous behavior. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Wiki

17%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "doing something different" is a versatile and commonly used gerund phrase that describes engaging in an activity or approach that deviates from the norm. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. It is frequently found in news and media, wiki articles, and scientific publications. The phrase suggests a desire for innovation, change, or a departure from routine. While generally neutral in register, it can be enhanced by using alternatives like "trying a different approach" or "opting for a change" to avoid repetition and maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trying a different approach

Focuses on the method or strategy being employed.

taking a different tack

Implies a change in course or strategy.

opting for a change

Emphasizes the decision to alter the current situation.

embracing novelty

Highlights the acceptance and adoption of something new.

pursuing an alternative

Suggests actively seeking a different option.

deviating from the norm

Indicates a departure from standard practices.

experimenting with new ideas

Highlights the act of testing out innovative concepts.

breaking the mold

Suggests challenging conventions and creating something unique.

thinking outside the box

Implies innovative and unconventional thinking.

exploring uncharted territory

Emphasizes venturing into unknown or unexplored areas.

FAQs

How can I use "doing something different" in a sentence?

You can use "doing something different" to describe a change in routine, a new approach, or an innovative idea. For example, "After years of the same routine, I decided I wanted to start "doing something different" with my weekends".

What's the difference between "doing something different" and "doing something new"?

"Doing something different" implies a change from what is typical or expected, while "doing something new" simply means engaging in an activity for the first time. "Doing something different" emphasizes the contrast with the past, while "doing something new" focuses on the novelty of the experience.

Which is a better phrase to use, "doing something different" or "trying something new"?

Both phrases are correct, but their connotations differ slightly. "Doing something different" /s/doing+something+different highlights a change in behavior, while "trying something new" /s/trying+something+new emphasizes experimentation. The better choice depends on the intended emphasis.

What are some alternatives to "doing something different"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "trying a different approach" /s/trying+a+different+approach, "taking a different tack" /s/taking+a+different+tack, or "opting for a change" /s/opting+for+a+change to express the same idea.