just by doing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just by doing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something can be achieved simply through the act of doing something, without needing additional effort or resources. Example: "You can improve your skills just by doing practice exercises regularly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I can change someone's character just by doing work on the eyes," he said.

The New Yorker

"Just by doing some trials we learned how they should be removed, so we removed them".

The New York Times

The first is that Germany will stay strong just by doing more of the same.

The Economist

"It's remarkably convenient that they can achieve all their goals just by doing their start-up".

The New Yorker

I think in a certain sense the answer is just by doing it.

MIT Technology Review

Pocock, like the great George Smith, can inspire just by doing.

The Guardian - Sport

Just by doing their jobs they dominate news coverage and become established in the public mind.

The New York Times

We could have avoided all of this just by doing basic practices of open science".

The Guardian

In total, I saved £100 last year just by doing it all online and using these sites.

The Guardian - Money

Just by doing small pieces of brain we'll learn a tremendous amount about how the brain works.

The Guardian - Tech

I don't think just by doing fun things and praising kids all the time that they develop that inner strength.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just by doing" to clearly convey that a particular action is all that's needed to achieve a specific result. This emphasizes simplicity and directness. For example: "You can improve your writing skills just by doing daily exercises."

Common error

Avoid adding unnecessary clauses or phrases that detract from the directness of "just by doing". Keep the sentence concise to maintain clarity. Instead of saying "You can achieve better results, if you were to focus, just by doing the essential tasks", say "You can achieve better results just by doing the essential tasks".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just by doing" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or clause, indicating the means or method by which something is accomplished. It emphasizes the direct and simple nature of the action required. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used in the English language.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

22%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "just by doing" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate that something can be achieved directly and simply through a particular action. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is valid in written English. It is frequently found in news and media, academic writing, and wiki articles, and its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts. To maintain clarity, avoid overcomplicating sentences using the phrase. Remember that while alternatives exist, "just by doing" effectively conveys simplicity and directness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simply by acting

Replaces "doing" with "acting", focusing on the action itself as the means.

merely by performing

Substitutes "just" with "merely" and "doing" with "performing", highlighting the ease and minimal effort involved.

solely through execution

Emphasizes that execution alone is sufficient, excluding other factors.

only by undertaking

Similar to "solely through execution", but uses "undertaking" to stress starting something.

by simply engaging in

Replaces "doing" with "engaging in", focusing on involvement in an activity.

through plain performance

Highlights the uncomplicated nature of the performance leading to the outcome.

with effortless action

Focuses on the ease with which the action is performed.

by only carrying out

Emphasizes the singular act of carrying something out.

through basic implementation

Stresses the fundamental nature of the implementation required.

just by undertaking

Substitutes "undertaking" to stress starting something in the process.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "just by doing" to sound more formal?

In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "merely by performing", "simply through execution", or "solely by undertaking" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. These alternatives can elevate the tone of your writing or speech.

What's the difference between "just by doing" and "only by doing"?

"Just by doing" implies that something is achieved easily or directly through a particular action. "Only by doing", on the other hand, suggests that the action is the exclusive means of achieving the result, emphasizing the lack of alternative methods. The slight change in wording changes the impact of the sentence.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "just by doing"?

While grammatically permissible, starting a sentence with "just by doing" can sometimes sound informal. It is generally better to place the phrase within the sentence to maintain a smoother flow and clarity. For example, instead of "Just by practicing, you'll improve", consider "You'll improve "just by practicing"".

What are some common contexts where "just by doing" is used?

"Just by doing" is commonly used in instructional or explanatory contexts to emphasize the simplicity of achieving a particular outcome. It's often found in news articles, academic papers, and how-to guides to highlight the most direct path to a desired result. See Ludwig's examples for more details.