doing this or that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doing this or that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to various actions or tasks in a casual or informal context. Example: "I spent the afternoon doing this or that, trying to keep myself busy while waiting for the meeting to start."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

It's not like I should be doing this or that.

The New York Times - Style

I still think sometimes, maybe, that he's off somewhere doing this or that.

The New York Times - Sports

One delegate, a well-known SNC member, started accusing the Americans of not helping them, not doing this or that.

The Guardian

My big hope is to have interviews for jobs I actually want to do, because I can't bear the thought of lying through my teeth again about how much I enjoy doing this or that.

Science Magazine

The president is not doing this or that.

Huffington Post

"I always wondered: was he doing this or that?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

I wonder why did I do this or that.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We "should" save trees, we "should" do this or that.

The Guardian

Maybe he won't do this or that.

The Guardian

"No money can be spent to do this or that.

The Economist

But I didn't think about markets or whether it would do this or that.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "doing this or that" when you want to refer to a range of unspecified actions or choices without being overly specific.

Common error

Avoid using "doing this or that" excessively in formal writing. Opt for more precise language to clearly convey your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doing this or that" functions as a placeholder for unspecified actions or activities. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It serves to indicate a range of possible actions without specifying any particular one.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "doing this or that" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote unspecified activities or choices. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While versatile, it's best suited for informal or neutral contexts like news or casual conversation. For formal writing, consider more specific alternatives such as "engaging in various activities" or "performing different tasks". Excessive use of vague language such as "doing this or that" should be avoided in favor of clearer communication. Several authoritative sources, including The New York Times and The Guardian, demonstrate its widespread application in various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

engaging in various activities

More formal and specific, implying active participation.

performing different tasks

Focuses on the completion of specific duties.

undertaking diverse actions

Emphasizes the variety and initiation of actions.

handling assorted responsibilities

Highlights the management and execution of duties.

tackling multiple assignments

Suggests addressing several distinct tasks.

juggling different commitments

Implies balancing various obligations simultaneously.

managing varied projects

Focuses on overseeing and coordinating different projects.

pursuing alternative options

Emphasizes the active selection and following of choices.

considering disparate approaches

Highlights the evaluation and contemplation of different methods.

exploring various avenues

Suggests the investigation and examination of different possibilities.

FAQs

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

You can use "doing this or that" to refer to unspecified activities or choices, as in, "I spent the day "doing this or that" around the house."

What are some alternatives to "doing this or that"?

Consider using alternatives such as "engaging in various activities", "performing different tasks", or "undertaking diverse actions" depending on the context.

Is "doing this or that" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "doing this or that" is generally more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, it's best to use more specific and precise language.

What's the difference between "doing this or that" and "undertaking specific tasks"?

"Doing this or that" implies a lack of specificity, while "undertaking specific tasks" indicates a focus on particular duties. The choice depends on the level of detail you want to convey.