how we do things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how we do things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the methods, practices, or approaches that a group or organization follows in their operations or activities. Example: "In our company, we prioritize collaboration and innovation in how we do things to ensure the best outcomes for our clients."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's how we do things.

The New York Times

"That's not how we do things.

The New York Times

That's how we do things there!

The Guardian

Of course, that's not how we do things.

The New York Times

That's part of the cost of how we do things".

The New York Times

That's how we do things here". I was stunned.

Cornell University

That's how we do things in this country.

The Guardian

So we needed to alter how we do things".

The New York Times

But this is how we do things now.

The New York Times

"That's just how close we are, how we do things," Mills said.

The New York Times - Sports

Nobody greeted you at the door and told you, This is how we do things.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase to contrast "how we do things" with alternative approaches, to highlight the unique aspects of your organization or team.

Common error

Avoid using "how we do things" without providing context or examples. Vague references can leave your audience confused and unsure of what specific practices you're referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how we do things" functions as a relative clause, often acting as a noun phrase. It describes established practices, methods, or cultural norms within a specific group or organization. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

17%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "how we do things" is a grammatically correct and frequently used relative clause that functions as a noun phrase. As Ludwig AI confirmed, this expression effectively communicates established practices or cultural norms within a group or organization. Predominantly found in neutral contexts such as news and media, it also appears in academia and formal business settings. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to provide specific examples or context. Alternatives include "our standard practice" or "the way we operate", offering nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. Steer clear of overgeneralization to prevent ambiguity. By following these guidelines, you can effectively integrate "how we do things" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the way things are done

A more casual way to refer to what is normally done in a particular environment.

the way we operate

Highlights the practical execution and functionality of a process.

our working methods

Focuses on the specific techniques used in the work process.

our standard practice

Emphasizes the consistency and routine nature of the activity.

our established methods

Underscores the fact that certain techniques or methodologies are utilized.

our usual procedure

Focuses on established processes, more specific than the general way of operating.

the company culture

Broadens the scope to include values and beliefs influencing actions, emphasizing the cultural aspect.

our modus operandi

A more formal and slightly pretentious way of describing a method of working.

the established protocol

Highlights the structured and formal nature of a procedure.

the organizational norms

Emphasizes rules and customs inside the company.

FAQs

How can I use "how we do things" in a sentence?

You can use "how we do things" to describe the established methods, practices, or approaches within an organization or group. For example, "Our success is attributed to our innovative approach to "how we do things"".

What's a more formal alternative to "how we do things"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "our standard practice", "our established methods", or "our modus operandi", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "that's not how we do things around here"?

Yes, the phrase "that's not "how we do things" around here" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that a particular action or behavior deviates from established norms or procedures within a specific environment.

When should I use "how we do things" versus "how things are done"?

"How we do things" specifically refers to the practices and methods of a particular group or organization. "How things are done" is a more general phrase that refers to common or accepted practices, and it's not tied to a specific group.