doing something significant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doing something significant" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to actions or achievements that have a meaningful impact or importance. Example: "The scientist dedicated her life to doing something significant for the advancement of renewable energy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

By now that's no surprise, he added: "Almost every single season he is doing something significant here in New York".

The New York Times

(It's a small thing, but the C.E.O. who emphasizes that cruel or predatory language won't be tolerated is doing something significant).

The New Yorker

The bankers were obviously doing something significant to amass such fortunes, and politicians felt that they had to hold back from interfering, until they understood what that something was.

The Guardian - Opinion

“Life became more about doing something significant, important, grand,” he says, warming to the memory.

Forbes

So if you define the field as being research on that gene, then it's not too difficult to get a number of professors around the country to say that in that field of research on that one gene this guy is the best, or the only one doing something significant.

Science Magazine

"It's great to see the government doing something significant to help the struggling middle class".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

We're ready to do something significant, I hope".

The New Yorker

"We felt it was important to do something significant for one last show".

The New York Times - Arts

Making the movie was an attempt to do something significant before he died.

The New York Times

When you step down you'll be 71, and plenty vital enough to do something significant.

The New York Times

"But as time goes by, I think he'll understand it more and think he did something significant".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to inspire or motivate, use "doing something significant" to highlight the potential for positive change and lasting impact. For instance, encourage team members by emphasizing how their contributions can lead to "doing something significant" for the company's future.

Common error

While "doing something significant" is versatile, avoid overusing it in very casual conversations where simpler terms like 'making a difference' might be more appropriate. Overuse can make your language sound stilted or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doing something significant" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a noun, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig highlights, it is used to describe actions that have a meaningful and important impact. It encapsulates the idea of contributing in a substantial way.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

18%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "doing something significant" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that describes actions with a meaningful and lasting impact. According to Ludwig, the phrase is versatile and appropriate for various contexts, although it's most frequently found in news, science, and professional settings. While simpler alternatives exist for informal use, this phrase effectively conveys the importance and potential positive outcomes of specific activities. Remember to consider the context and audience when using this phrase to ensure the most appropriate and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doing something momentous

Focuses on the historical importance of the action.

doing something remarkable

Emphasizes the unusual or exceptional nature of the action.

doing something substantial

Highlights the solid and considerable impact of the action.

doing something major

Indicates the large scale or importance of the action.

doing something huge

Stresses the immense size or effect of the action.

doing something notable

Focuses on the action being worthy of attention or recognition.

doing everything significant

Implies completing all important tasks.

doing something tangible

Highlights the concrete and measurable results of the action.

doing something vital

Emphasizes the crucial and necessary nature of the action.

doing something noteworthy

Similar to notable but emphasizes the worthiness of being noticed.

FAQs

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

You can use "doing something significant" to describe actions that have a meaningful and important impact. For example, "Volunteering at the local shelter is a way of "doing something significant" for the community."

What are some alternatives to "doing something significant"?

Alternatives include "making a meaningful contribution", "achieving something impactful", or "making a difference", depending on the specific context.

Is "doing something significant" formal or informal?

"Doing something significant" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally more common in professional, news, and academic settings. In very casual conversations, simpler alternatives might be preferred.

What's the difference between "doing something significant" and "doing something important"?

While similar, "doing something significant" often implies a lasting or profound impact, whereas "doing something important" can refer to actions that are necessary or crucial at a particular moment but may not have long-term consequences.