other than doing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "other than doing" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to indicate an alternative action or choice to the one mentioned before. Example: "I enjoy spending my free time reading, other than doing outdoor activities." This sentence indicates that the person prefers reading over outdoor activities.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

"We've never discussed Lil' Penny other than doing our jobs working for Nike," Hardaway said.

The New York Times

But there is no alternative, other than doing nothing and letting a patient die".

The New York Times - Science

Obama didn't really defend them on any grounds other than doing his part to placate the Republicans.

The New Yorker

… Too often women in the workplace lack mentors to help navigate the parts of the workplace that has to do with everything other than doing a good job.

The New York Times

But, if we try to make an adventure story with a male lead, we have no choice other than doing Indiana Jones.

The Guardian - Film

"I don't know under what circumstances other than doing an interview I would have to describe what I do like that," he answers, not testily, but not helpfully.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

There is no moral, other than do not ever mess with Anansi.

The Guardian - Books

"We have no agenda, other than do the best we can do to get a laugh," Mr. Burnett said.

The New York Times

"He didn't do anything really to influence the game other than do well on some defensive issues for us, but then the moment comes.

Independent

When reacting to an adult who is pretending to be distressed, for example, identical twins behave more like each other than do fraternal twins.

The New York Times

No master plan or manifesto, other than: Do it yer'sen.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "other than doing", ensure the context clearly contrasts the excluded action with another possibility or situation. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "other than doing" when you actually intend to convey 'in addition to doing'. The phrase is for exclusion, not inclusion. If you need to add an action use "in addition to" or "besides".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "other than doing" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating an exception or alternative to an action. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

20%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "other than doing" is a versatile prepositional phrase that effectively excludes an action or activity from consideration. It’s grammatically correct, as affirmed by Ludwig AI, and enjoys widespread use across various domains, particularly in news, media, and scientific contexts. While it's similar to phrases like "besides doing" and "instead of doing", it’s crucial to use it accurately, ensuring you're truly excluding rather than adding or replacing an action. By understanding its function and register, you can confidently incorporate "other than doing" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

besides doing

Indicates an addition to something, while the original phrase indicates an exclusion.

apart from doing

Emphasizes separation or exception from a particular activity.

aside from doing

Similar to 'apart from', emphasizing a slight separation.

excluding the doing of

More formal and emphasizes the act of excluding an action.

with the exception of doing

Highlights a specific exception to a general case.

instead of doing

Focuses on replacing one action with another.

rather than doing

Presents an alternative preferred action.

not involving doing

Focuses on the absence of a particular action.

without doing

Highlights the omission of an action.

outside of doing

Emphasizes being external to a specific activity.

FAQs

How can I use "other than doing" in a sentence?

Use "other than doing" to indicate an alternative action or choice, excluding the one mentioned. For example, "I have no hobbies "other than reading"."

What phrases are similar to "other than doing"?

Similar phrases include "besides doing", "apart from doing", and "instead of doing". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "other than doing" grammatically correct?

Yes, "other than doing" is grammatically correct. It's a common construction used to indicate an exception or alternative to a particular activity.

What's the difference between "other than doing" and "instead of doing"?

"Other than doing" excludes an activity, while "instead of doing" replaces one activity with another. For example, "I do nothing "other than sleeping"" means sleeping is the only activity. "I exercise "instead of sleeping"" means I choose to exercise rather than sleep.