is it doing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is it doing" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when inquiring about the current action or state of something. Example: "Is it doing what we expected?" Alternative expressions include "is it functioning," "is it performing," and "is it working."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But is it doing its job properly – is Nice fit for purpose?

The Guardian - Opinion

Where did it come from, what is it doing, what's its story?

Huffington Post

What is it doing?

The New York Times

What is it doing there?

The New Yorker

So how is it doing?

The Economist

How is it doing?

The Guardian - Books

What is it doing to our hearts?

The New York Times - Books

And what is it doing there?

The New Yorker

Why is it doing well?

The Guardian

What is it doing over here?

The New York Times - Arts

What, you think, is it doing here?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is it doing", ensure the pronoun "it" clearly refers to a specific subject already mentioned in the context to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The new software was installed. Is it doing what we expected?"

Common error

Avoid using "is it doing" when you need a more specific verb to describe the action. For example, instead of "The company is expanding. Is it doing well?" be more precise: "The company is expanding. Is it profitable?"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is it doing" functions as an interrogative expression used to inquire about the current action, performance, or state of something. It seeks to understand what a subject is currently performing or achieving. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is it doing" is a versatile and frequently used interrogative expression for inquiring about an action, state, or performance. Ludwig AI indicates that it’s grammatically sound and widely accepted. It is most commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, making it appropriate for both informal and professional settings. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure that the subject "it" is clearly defined in your context. For more formal or specific inquiries, alternatives like "how is it functioning?" or "what is it accomplishing?" may be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what's it performing

This alternative focuses on the act of performing a task or function.

how is it functioning

This alternative emphasizes the operational aspect of something.

what's it accomplishing

This focuses on the achievements or results of an action.

how's it progressing

This emphasizes the advancement or development of something.

what's it managing

This highlights the handling or controlling aspect of a task.

what's its status

This is a more general inquiry about the current state.

how's it handling things

This focuses on the manner in which something is dealing with a situation.

what is its role

This alternative inquires about the function or purpose of something.

how effective is it

This measures the degree to which something is successful in producing a desired result.

what results is it yielding

This alternative emphasizes the outcomes or products of an action.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is it doing" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, alternatives to "is it doing" include "how is it functioning?", "what is it accomplishing?", or "how effective is it?" For example, instead of asking "is it doing its job?", you could ask "how effectively is it performing its function?"

What's a simpler way to ask "is it doing"?

For simpler alternatives, consider using phrases like "is it working?" or "is it helping?" For instance, instead of "is it doing any good?", you can ask "is it helping at all?"

Is "is it doing" always grammatically correct?

Yes, "is it doing" is grammatically correct. However, ensure that the pronoun "it" has a clear referent in the context. For example, make sure you've previously mentioned what "it" refers to before asking "is it doing what we expect?"

What can I say instead of "is it doing" to emphasize progress?

To emphasize progress, use phrases like "how is it progressing?" or "is it advancing?" For example, instead of "is it doing well?", consider asking "how is it progressing toward its goals?"