doing things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doing things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts to refer to the act of performing tasks or activities. Example: "I enjoy doing things that challenge my creativity and push my limits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He just enjoy doing things.

The New Yorker

Some had mascots doing things.

The New York Times

It's worth doing things properly".

Independent

In doing things.

The Guardian

Doing things for cash.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We are doing things".

The New York Times

They're doing things to you.

The Washington Post

Doing things that could get him killed.

Independent

We're doing things that are important!

The New York Times

But Europe is doing things backwards.

The Economist

A new way of doing things.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "doing things" when you want to broadly refer to actions or activities without specifying them. It's versatile and can fit many contexts.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "doing things" when more specific verbs or phrases would provide clearer and more impactful communication. Replace it with descriptive actions relevant to context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doing things" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe general activities or actions. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

23%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "doing things" is a versatile and commonly used gerund phrase that functions to describe actions or activities in a general sense. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's considered grammatically correct and appears frequently across various contexts, particularly in news, media, science, and wiki sources. While generally neutral in register, more specific verbs or phrases may be preferred in formal or academic settings for enhanced clarity. Remember to avoid overuse and replace with more descriptive terms when possible to improve the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

engaging in activities

Focuses on the active participation in various pursuits.

undertaking actions

Emphasizes the initiation and execution of specific tasks or projects.

performing tasks

Highlights the completion of necessary duties or assignments.

carrying out operations

Implies a more structured and methodical approach to achieving goals.

executing plans

Focuses on the implementation of predetermined strategies or arrangements.

pursuing endeavors

Suggests a dedicated and persistent effort towards achieving specific aims.

taking steps

Emphasizes the incremental progress towards a larger objective.

getting involved

Highlights active participation and engagement in a particular situation or cause.

taking initiative

Implies proactive behavior and the willingness to start new projects or assume responsibilities.

making moves

Suggests strategic actions taken to achieve a desired outcome, often in a competitive context.

FAQs

How can I replace "doing things" to sound more professional?

For a more professional tone, consider alternatives like "performing tasks", "executing plans", or "undertaking actions", depending on the specific context.

Is "doing things" too informal for academic writing?

While "doing things" is generally acceptable, academic writing often benefits from more precise language. Opt for phrases such as "conducting research", "implementing strategies", or "performing experiments" to enhance clarity and formality.

What's the difference between "doing things" and "making things"?

"Doing things" generally refers to performing actions or activities, while "making things" implies creating or constructing something tangible or intangible. The choice depends on whether the emphasis is on the action or the creation.

How to use "doing things" in a sentence?

You can use "doing things" to refer to any kind of activities. For example: "He enjoys "doing things" that challenge his creativity."