lots of doing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lots of doing" is not standard in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used informally to express that there are many activities or tasks to be completed, but it is better to use more conventional phrases. Example: "There are lots of doing this weekend, so we should plan accordingly."

Science & Research

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

During my postdoc I have filled my days with lots of doing: I read literature, I perform experiments, I interpret data, and I construct, using data, logic, and my imagination, models of how structures of DNA and protein coordinate their movement in the cell.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I don't do a lot of talking, I do a lot of doing".

Independent

"There's not a whole lot of doing".

The New York Times

"It will take a lot of doing, but he could be the best of the lot.

BBC

It took a lot of doing, and a lot of pain, but Jeremy did kill Kol.

Huffington Post

Did a lot of things, didn't do them well.

Forbes

"A lot of people do do that.

The New Yorker

"Lots of people did what I did.

The New York Times

We'd get invited to lots of dos.

The Guardian

You have lots of people doing lots of things for you.

The New York Times

Have lots of fun doing this!

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity and formality, consider replacing "lots of doing" with more specific alternatives like "many activities" or "a variety of tasks".

Common error

Avoid using "lots of doing" in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and professional language to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lots of doing" functions as a nominal phrase, indicating a quantity of actions or activities. It's often used to describe a state of busyness or active engagement, similar to saying there are many things to do. Ludwig indicates that while understandable, this phrasing is not the most standard in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lots of doing" is an informal phrase that describes having many activities or tasks. Ludwig suggests it's grammatically acceptable but advises using more specific and formal alternatives like "many activities" or "a variety of tasks" in professional writing. Its primary contexts include News & Media, Science, and Wiki, indicating its relative informality. Ludwig AI further highlights that while understandable, the phrase may sound awkward in formal contexts, making it best suited for casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doing a lot

Reverses the structure of the query without changing the meaning.

a great deal of activity

Emphasizes the amount of activity rather than the act of doing itself.

a multitude of tasks

Focuses on the variety and number of tasks involved.

plenty of action

Highlights the energetic and dynamic nature of the activities.

a busy schedule

Refers to a planned and structured set of activities.

numerous undertakings

Implies a series of projects or ventures being pursued.

active involvement

Stresses the engagement and participation in various activities.

many commitments

Highlights the obligations and responsibilities involved.

a full plate

Idiomatic expression indicating a large number of responsibilities.

various endeavors

Refers to a range of attempts or efforts being made.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "lots of doing"?

You can use alternatives like "many activities", "a variety of tasks", or "numerous undertakings" depending on the context.

Is "lots of doing" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "lots of doing" is considered informal and may not be suitable for formal writing. It's grammatically acceptable in casual conversation but can be improved with more precise alternatives.

How to use "lots of doing" in a sentence?

Example: "During my postdoc I have filled my days with "lots of doing": I read literature, I perform experiments, I interpret data..." Note that while this example is valid, consider if a more formal phrasing would be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "lots of doing" and "doing a lot"?

Both phrases convey a similar meaning. However, "doing a lot" is slightly more common and generally considered more natural-sounding than "lots of doing".