doing something well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doing something well" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of performing a task or activity with skill or proficiency. Example: "She has a talent for doing something well, whether it's cooking or painting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Anybody likes to be respected for doing something well".

The New York Times

"It's just nice to be recognised for doing something well".

The Guardian - Music

"He enjoys the buzz of doing something well," says Mr Galeotti.

The Economist

I take pride in my home city being on the world stage and doing something well.

The Guardian - Opinion

If you're doing something well, you tend to keep doing it.

The New York Times

"I wanted to try to help kids who needed a second or third chance at doing something well," Burton said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

So congratulations, you did something well.

The Guardian - Sport

And he wanted to do something, well, lordly.

The New York Times - Sports

"All I wanted was to do something well".

Independent

It was enough that they did something well.

The New York Times

"He acknowledges when you do something well and he is encouraging when you don't do something well".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "doing something well" to express pride or satisfaction in one's own accomplishments or the accomplishments of others. It is suitable for general praise and encouragement.

Common error

While "doing something well" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "excelling", "succeeding", or "performing effectively" to maintain reader engagement and add nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doing something well" primarily functions as a gerund phrase. It acts as a noun, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI's analysis shows it describes the act of performing an activity with skill or proficiency, as seen in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

8%

Reference

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "doing something well" is a grammatically correct and widely used gerund phrase that expresses skill and proficiency in performing an action. According to Ludwig, it commonly appears in news and media, as well as in more informal contexts like wikis. When using this phrase, consider synonyms like "performing effectively" or "excelling at something" to avoid repetition. It’s a versatile phrase suitable for general praise and encouragement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

performing effectively

Emphasizes the efficient and successful execution of a task.

accomplishing something with skill

Stresses the proficiency and expertise applied to achieve a result.

showing competence in something

Emphasizes the demonstration of ability and capability.

excelling at something

Focuses on exceeding expectations and achieving a high level of performance.

demonstrating expertise in something

Focuses on showcasing a high level of knowledge and skill.

being proficient in something

Focuses on the state of being skilled and capable in a particular area.

succeeding in an endeavor

Highlights the accomplishment of a goal or undertaking.

mastering a skill

Suggests a high degree of proficiency and control over a particular ability.

handling something adeptly

Highlights skillful and resourceful management of a situation or task.

doing a great job

A more informal way to express satisfaction with someone's performance.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "doing something well" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "performing effectively", "excelling at something", or "demonstrating expertise", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "doing something well" and "doing something good"?

"Doing something well" refers to the quality of the execution, emphasizing skill and proficiency. "Doing something good", on the other hand, implies moral or ethical value, focusing on the positive impact of the action.

When is it appropriate to use "doing something well" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "doing something well" when you want to acknowledge or praise someone's competence or skill in performing a task. It works well in both informal and semi-formal contexts, like giving feedback or expressing admiration.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using the phrase "doing something well"?

A common mistake is overuse, leading to repetitive writing. Also, ensure the context aligns with the meaning; "doing something well" emphasizes skill, so it might not fit if you intend to praise the ethical nature of an action rather than its quality.