doing that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doing that" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to an action that has been previously mentioned or is understood in context. Example: "I appreciate your effort, but I don't think doing that will help." Alternative expressions include "performing that" and "executing that."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's doing that too.

The New York Times

"We're doing that already".

The New York Times

We're doing that".

The New York Times

We're not doing that again.

The New York Times

You're always doing that calculus.

The New Yorker

Why is he doing that?

The New York Times - Sports

How are they doing that?

The New York Times

Google Now is doing that".

The New York Times - Tech

We weren't doing that before.

The New York Times

Why are they doing that?

The New York Times

She's been doing that forever".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "doing that", ensure the context clearly indicates what "that" refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader. For example, instead of just saying "I'm doing that", provide context: "I'm fixing the car, and yes, I'm "doing that" now."

Common error

Avoid using "doing that" repeatedly in close proximity without clearly specifying what it refers to each time. This can lead to confusion and weaken your writing. Vary your phrasing or provide specific details to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doing that" functions as a verbal phrase used to refer to an action or activity that has already been mentioned or is understood within the context. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Formal & Business

12%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "doing that" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer back to a previously mentioned action or activity. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is widely used in various contexts, from news articles to everyday conversations. While versatile, it's important to ensure that the context clearly defines what "that" refers to, preventing ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "engaging in that" or "performing that action" to add variety to your writing. "Doing that" serves as a useful shorthand, enabling efficient communication by referencing shared understanding. Its frequency and acceptance across diverse sources highlight its reliability in English usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

engaging in that

Replaces "doing" with a more formal verb, emphasizing participation or involvement.

performing that action

Substitutes "doing" with "performing" and adds "action" for clarity, highlighting the execution of a specific act.

carrying that out

Replaces "doing" with a phrasal verb, suggesting the completion or execution of something.

executing that

Replaces "doing" with a more technical term, implying a planned or deliberate implementation.

undertaking that

Offers a more formal alternative to "doing", suitable for professional or academic contexts.

accomplishing that

Emphasizes the successful completion of an action, rather than just the act of doing it.

achieving that

Focuses on the result or outcome of the action, suggesting success or attainment.

completing that

Highlights the finished state of the action, emphasizing that it has been brought to an end.

taking care of that

Implies responsibility and attention to detail in carrying out the action.

handling that

Suggests a practical and efficient approach to managing or dealing with the action.

FAQs

How can I use "doing that" in a sentence?

Use "doing that" to refer back to a previously mentioned action or activity. For example, "You said you needed help cleaning the house, and I'm already "doing that"."

What are some alternatives to "doing that"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "engaging in that", "performing that action", or "carrying that out" to add variety to your writing.

Is it okay to start a sentence with "doing that"?

While grammatically possible, starting a sentence with "doing that" can sometimes sound awkward. It's generally better to include a subject or a more descriptive phrase before it for better clarity and flow.

What's the difference between "doing that" and "doing it"?

"Doing that" typically refers to a specific action previously mentioned or understood, while "doing it" can be more general. For example, "You asked me to wash the dishes, I am "doing that" now" (specific task), versus "I finally finished my project, I am "doing it"!" (general accomplishment).