doing something so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doing something so" is not standard in written English and may be unclear without context.
It can be used in informal contexts where "so" refers to a specific action or manner of doing something, but it is generally better to clarify the meaning. Example: "I appreciate you doing something so thoughtful for me."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

How could anyone even think of doing something so bourgeois?

The New Yorker

One you once so loved doing something so cheap.

The Guardian - Opinion

I like trying to enact that sound of a mind doing something so interior.

The New Yorker

"When you're doing something so perfect, why mess with it?" he said.

The New York Times - Food

He's talking about doing something so creative that you establish a distinct market, niche and identity.

The New York Times

Implied in their feats is the message that doing something so challenging for so long proves enduring excellence.

The New York Times

She said in an interview that she knew her son was "not capable of doing something so ugly".

The New York Times

It was lovely doing something so "normal" with my big, unconventional family.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"The government is doing something so they don't have to anything".

The Guardian

Suddenly, she is doing something so much bigger than telling us she's the flyest.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Therefore, curving the wall or doing something so-called wilful is wrong and so there is a tendency back to bland".

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For formal writing, consider replacing "doing something so" with clearer alternatives like "doing something in that way" or "doing something similar to that" to enhance precision.

Common error

Avoid using "doing something so" without a clear antecedent. Ensure the reader understands what "so" refers to, or the sentence may lack clarity. Vague references can confuse readers and weaken your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doing something so" functions as a verbal phrase acting as a general descriptor of an action, modified by the adverb "so" to indicate a particular manner or degree. As Ludwig AI also reported, in informal contexts "so" refers to a specific action or manner of doing something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

6%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "doing something so" is a commonly used verbal phrase that generally functions as a descriptor of an action. Ludwig's AI analysis underscores the phrase's acceptable but potentially vague nature. Its meaning hinges on the context and the clear reference of "so". While prevalent in informal contexts and news media, it lacks the precision required for formal or scientific writing. For enhanced clarity, consider alternatives such as "doing something in that way".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doing something that way

Focuses on the manner in which something is done.

acting in such a manner

Emphasizes the specific way someone behaves or acts.

taking such action

Highlights a specific action being taken.

engaging in such activity

Similar to "taking such action" but emphasizes active participation.

performing the action in that way

Focuses on the performance aspect and the specific method used.

carrying out the task thus

Highlights the execution of a task in a particular manner.

handling it in that fashion

Focuses on the method or style of handling a situation or task.

proceeding in this manner

Emphasizes the process and the way things are being done.

behaving in such a fashion

Focuses on the conduct or behavior exhibited.

undertaking the endeavor similarly

Emphasizes the effort being made and the way it is approached.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "doing something so" for better clarity?

Consider alternatives like "doing something in that way", "doing something similar to that", or specifying the action directly. For instance, instead of "doing something so risky", say "taking such a significant risk".

Is "doing something so" appropriate for formal writing?

While commonly used, "doing something so" can lack precision in formal contexts. Opt for more explicit phrasing to ensure clarity and maintain a professional tone. Try "doing something in that way".

What does "so" refer to in the phrase "doing something so"?

The word "so" refers back to a specific action, characteristic, or manner that has been previously mentioned or is understood from the context. Ensuring this reference is clear is crucial for effective communication.

When is it best to use "doing something so" over other alternatives?

Use "doing something so" in informal settings where the context is clear and the reference to "so" is easily understood. In formal writing, prefer more precise alternatives to avoid ambiguity. Example: "I appreciate you "doing something so thoughtful" for me".