doing their thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doing their thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone engaging in their usual activities or behaviors, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "The musicians were on stage, doing their thing, and the crowd was loving every moment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The birds are doing their thing".

The New York Times

All those endorphins doing their thing".

The New York Times

#BreakingNews #Bermondsey #bomb #ww2 #roadclosures @LondonFire @metpoliceuk doing their thing.

Independent

But some of its players are still doing their thing.

The Guardian - Music

People were going about their business, doing their thing.

The Guardian - Books

"It looks like forensics is doing their thing," Dakotah said when Castro returned.

The New Yorker

The two left-armers, doing their thing, Starc and Johnson, it worked at Lord's.

Independent

So how does Williams feel when he hears denialists doing their thing?

The Guardian

If you're lucky, you might catch some artists doing their thing at night.

The Guardian - Travel

There are so many directors, young and old, around – all doing their thing and struggling".

The Guardian

You can see Gravity and Other Myths doing their thing here.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "going about their business" or "performing their duties" when a more formal or precise tone is required.

Common error

While "doing their thing" is widely understood, avoid using it in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "executing their responsibilities" or "performing their tasks" to maintain a suitable level of formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doing their thing" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as a complement or adjunct in a sentence. It describes an action or activity that someone is engaged in. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

10%

Science

44%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "doing their thing" is a versatile and common expression used to describe someone engaging in their characteristic activities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, and science. While generally informal, it can be adapted to different situations by using more formal synonyms like "going about their business" or "performing their duties". When using "doing their thing", consider the context and audience to ensure the tone is appropriate. Remember to avoid overuse in highly formal writing, and choose synonyms like "executing their responsibilities" or "performing their tasks".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

going about their business

Refers to conducting routine activities or affairs.

carrying out their task

Emphasizes the completion of a specific duty or assignment.

doing what they do best

Emphasizes the expertise and proficiency in the activity being performed.

performing their duties

Highlights the execution of responsibilities associated with a role or position.

executing their plan

Focuses on the implementation of a pre-determined course of action.

working on their project

Highlights active involvement in a specific task or endeavor.

pursuing their interests

Highlights the active engagement in personal passions or hobbies.

plying their trade

Emphasizes the practice of a particular profession or craft.

getting down to business

Means starting something in an enthusiastic manner.

in the process of doing it

Focuses on the ongoing nature of performing an action, suggesting effort and progress.

FAQs

How can I replace "doing their thing" in a sentence?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "going about their business", "performing their duties", or "pursuing their interests".

Is "doing their thing" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "doing their thing" is generally considered informal. For formal writing, it's best to use more precise and professional alternatives like "executing their responsibilities" or "performing their tasks".

What does "doing their thing" mean?

It means engaging in activities that are characteristic, typical, or that they are good at. It emphasizes that they are acting in accordance with their nature or purpose.

When is it best to use "doing their thing"?

It's best used when you want to describe a group or individual engaging in an activity without needing to specify the details of that activity. It is appropriate for casual or informal conversations.