doing something special

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doing something special" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe an action that is intended to be of higher quality or of some added significance than a typical action or situation. For example: "This summer, I'm doing something special and taking an extended backpacking trip through Europe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Here today we are doing something special.

The New York Times

"We're doing something special here.

The New Yorker

"I look forward to doing something special".

The New York Times - Sports

"We recognized that we were doing something special".

The New York Times

But the PCs here are doing something special.

The New York Times

"They must be doing something special," he said.

The New York Times - Travel

"As everyone's seen, we're doing something special out here," Brown said.

The New York Times - Sports

"What is celebrity?" "It's, like, somebody people celebrate, because they're doing something special with their lives".

The New Yorker

"I feel confident we're doing something special, and it's no help thinking about the expectations".

The New York Times

"As I told you, we were not thinking about doing something special.

The New York Times

"This month has been about a group of 30 to 40 people together doing something special.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an event or occasion, use "doing something special" to elevate the sense of anticipation and excitement. For example: "We're not just celebrating a birthday; we're doing something special."

Common error

Avoid using "doing something special" to describe routine or everyday activities. Reserve it for situations that genuinely stand out or require significant effort. For example, instead of saying "I'm doing something special by making dinner tonight", consider saying "I'm making a special dinner tonight" if the meal is elaborate or for a specific occasion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doing something special" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a larger sentence to describe an action or activity. As Ludwig AI points out, it indicates an intention to perform an action that is of higher quality or significance than a typical action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

38%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "doing something special" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe actions that are unique, significant, or out of the ordinary. Ludwig AI confirms it as a grammatically sound and frequently used expression. It is commonly found in news and media, as well as formal business contexts. When using this phrase, make sure it aligns with a context that genuinely deserves the label of being "special", avoiding overuse in mundane situations. Alternatives like ""undertaking a unique endeavor"" or ""engaging in a noteworthy activity"" can provide nuanced variations, depending on the intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

carrying out a significant action

Underscores the importance and impact of the action.

engaging in a noteworthy activity

Highlights the involvement in an activity worth mentioning.

executing an exceptional task

Highlights the superior quality of the performed task.

achieving something outstanding

Emphasizes the superior quality and impact of the achievement.

undertaking a unique endeavor

Emphasizes the commitment to a distinctive task.

accomplishing an extraordinary goal

Focuses on reaching a particularly impressive objective.

performing a remarkable feat

Focuses on the achievement of something extraordinary.

creating a unique experience

Focuses on generating a memorable and distinct event.

making a special effort

Highlights the additional work and dedication involved.

going above and beyond

Suggests exceeding expectations and normal efforts.

FAQs

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

You can use "doing something special" to describe an action that is out of the ordinary or intended to be particularly memorable. For instance, "This year, we are "doing something special" for our anniversary by taking a trip to Italy."

What are some alternatives to "doing something special"?

Alternatives include phrases like "undertaking a unique endeavor", "engaging in a noteworthy activity", or "performing a remarkable feat", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "doing something special" and "doing something specific"?

"Doing something special" implies an action that is unique, memorable, or of particular significance. "Doing something specific", on the other hand, simply means performing a particular, well-defined action, without necessarily implying any special qualities.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "doing something special"?

It is appropriate to use "doing something special" when the action you are describing is intended to be more than ordinary or routine, and when it carries a sense of importance or uniqueness. For example, planning a surprise party or volunteering for a cause would qualify.