from doing so

USAGE SUMMARY

"from doing so" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something has been prevented, avoided, or restricted. For example: "The teacher forbid the students from doing so."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Package stores are barred from doing so.

The New York Times

We must discourage them from doing so.

The Guardian

"We would be prevented from doing so; we are prevented from doing so".

The Guardian

Investment firms should be similarly prohibited from doing so.

The New York Times

And he might even make money from doing so.

The Economist

At present, scientists are a long way from doing so.

The New York Times - Science

But too often they are held back from doing so.

Independent

She may even be prohibited from doing so.

The New York Times

What factors might deter them from doing so?

The New York Times

The son said he would refrain from doing so.

The New York Times

The order would bar him from doing so again.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "from doing so" to maintain concise phrasing when the action is clear from context. For example, instead of "They were prohibited from attending the meeting, and they were prohibited from doing so again," use "They were prohibited from attending the meeting, and from doing so again."

Common error

Avoid using "from doing so" in overly complex sentences where it can create ambiguity. If the sentence structure is convoluted, restate the action to ensure clarity. For example, instead of "Because of the new regulations, which were implemented to protect consumer rights and prevent deceptive practices, companies are now barred from engaging in misleading advertising, and thus prevented "from doing so", it is better to write "Because of the new regulations, companies are now barred from engaging in misleading advertising and from implementing deceptive practices".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "from doing so" functions as a prepositional phrase acting as an adverbial modifier. It typically follows a verb or clause indicating prevention, prohibition, or deterrence. As Ludwig AI explains, it refers back to a previously mentioned action, avoiding repetition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

24%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "from doing so" is a grammatically sound and very common prepositional phrase used to avoid repetition by referring back to a previously mentioned action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to indicate that someone or something is prevented, prohibited, or deterred from performing that action. It is most frequently encountered in news and media, as well as in scientific writing, with a neutral level of formality. When using "from doing so", ensure that the action being referenced is clear to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity. While the phrase is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in overly complex sentences, and consider alternatives to enhance readability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

from taking such action

Highlights the act of undertaking a specific course of action.

from acting accordingly

Emphasizes acting in a manner that aligns with a specific situation or instruction.

from engaging in this activity

Specifically refers to participating in a particular activity.

from behaving in that manner

Focuses on conduct or behavior, providing a more specific description of the action being avoided.

from proceeding thus

More formal and indicates a continuation of an action or process in a specified way.

from replicating the action

Emphasizes copying or reproducing a particular action.

from going down that path

Suggests avoiding a specific course or direction, often implying negative consequences.

from following suit

Implies imitating or doing the same thing that someone else has done.

from continuing in that vein

Refers to persisting with a particular style, method, or approach.

from perpetrating that act

Carries a negative connotation, suggesting the action is undesirable or harmful.

FAQs

How can I use "from doing so" in a sentence?

Use "from doing so" to refer back to a previously mentioned action, indicating prevention or restriction. For example, "The rules prohibit smoking in the building, and anyone caught will be barred "from doing so" again."

What are some alternatives to "from doing so"?

Alternatives include "from doing that", "from taking such action", or rephrasing the sentence to avoid the need for a reference. The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to restate the action instead of using "from doing so"?

Sometimes, restating the action can improve clarity, especially in complex sentences. However, "from doing so" is acceptable when the reference is clear and concise.

What does "from doing so" actually mean?

"From doing so" means to be prevented or deterred from performing a previously mentioned action. It's a concise way to avoid repetition and maintain fluency.