in doing this

USAGE SUMMARY

"in doing this" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a specific action that preceded the sentence. For example, "We have taken steps to reduce our carbon footprint; in doing this, we can help make the world a better place."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unfortunately, not many succeed in doing this.

The New York Times - Food

Continue in doing this.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

There is, certainly, danger in doing this.

The New York Times - Magazine

He had two purposes in doing this.

The New York Times

In doing this, we infer.

The Washington Post

There are two main difficulties in doing this.

Journal of Computational Physics

There is no shame in doing this.

The New York Times - Books

"Let's have fun in doing this together".

The Guardian - Arts

"Nobody takes any glee in doing this".

The New York Times

"We don't believe in doing this thing.

The New York Times

Otherwise, there's no point in doing this.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in doing this" to clearly link a subsequent action or result to a previously mentioned action, ensuring smooth flow and logical connection in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "in doing this" if the "this" lacks a clear antecedent. Make sure the action you're referring to is explicitly stated in the preceding context to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in doing this" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It connects a subsequent action or outcome to a preceding action, indicating a cause-and-effect relationship or a means of achieving a particular result. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

32%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in doing this" is a versatile and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to connect a subsequent action to a preceding one. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid and common construction in English. Its function is to clarify the relationship between two events, indicating a cause-and-effect or a means-to-an-end relationship. Predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific writing, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. For alternative phrasing, consider "by doing so" or "through this action". Ensure clarity by always making sure the "this" has a clear antecedent. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "in doing this" to enhance the flow and coherence of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by doing so

Replaces "this" with "so", emphasizing a previously mentioned action.

through this action

Highlights the specific action being referenced.

in so acting

A more formal and concise alternative.

by acting in this manner

Emphasizes the method or way of performing the action.

while undertaking this

Focuses on the process of doing something.

during this process

Highlights the temporal aspect of the action.

as a result of this

Shifts the focus to the consequences of the action.

in the process

A more general way to refer to an action in progress.

when carrying this out

Emphasizes the execution of a task or plan.

upon doing this

Highlights the immediate effect or consequence of the action.

FAQs

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

Use "in doing this" to refer back to an action or process you've already mentioned. For example, "We aim to reduce waste; in doing this, we also lower our costs."

What are some alternatives to saying "in doing this"?

Consider using alternatives like "by doing so", "through this action", or "in so acting". Each option offers a slightly different nuance while maintaining a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between "in doing this" and "by doing this"?

While similar, "in doing this" often implies a more inherent or expected consequence, whereas "by doing this" might suggest a more direct or intentional method. Choose "by doing this" when you want to emphasize the means by which something is achieved.

When is it inappropriate to use "in doing this"?

Avoid using "in doing this" when the connection between the action and its consequence is unclear or weak. Ensure the relationship is logical and evident from the context.