the point of doing

USAGE SUMMARY

"the point of doing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to explain why something is done. For example, "I've been working hard on this project, but what's the point of doing it if no one appreciates it?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Otherwise, what's the point of doing it?

The Guardian

What's the point of doing it otherwise?

The Guardian

What on earth is the point of doing that?

The Guardian

Because I sometimes think: what's the point of doing this?

The Guardian

But when was that ever the point of doing anything?

The Guardian - Tech

"This is the point of doing it, the pension isn't very big these days.

Independent

"If it's not a little countercultural, then what's the point of doing the book?" she said.

The New York Times

Some might argue that making provocative claims is more or less the point of doing philosophy.

The New York Times

That drove home the point of doing background checks before the hiring, not after.

The New York Times - Sports

But he says that is the point of doing the work he does".

The Guardian

Most authors are happy — thrilled, even, to the point of doing cartwheels — on finishing a book.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the point of doing" when you want to question or clarify the purpose of an action, especially when its value is uncertain. For example, "What's "the point of doing" all this work if it won't lead to any real change?"

Common error

Avoid using "the point of doing" when a direct statement of purpose is more appropriate. Instead of "The point of doing this is to achieve X", use "The purpose of this is to achieve X" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the point of doing" functions as a prepositional phrase that often introduces a question or statement about the purpose, value, or justification of an action. Ludwig AI suggests this phrase is correct and frequently used to explore the rationale behind a particular activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the point of doing" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to question or emphasize the purpose, value, or justification behind an action. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears frequently across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business communications. While alternatives like "the reason for doing" or "the purpose of doing" exist, "the point of doing" often implies a deeper inquiry into whether an activity is truly worthwhile. When writing, be mindful of whether you intend to invite reflection or simply state a purpose to avoid any confusion. Be mindful of the register you are writing for, and use the most suitable alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the reason for doing

Replaces "point" with "reason", emphasizing the rationale behind an action.

the purpose of doing

Substitutes "point" with "purpose", highlighting the intended outcome.

the rationale for doing

Uses "rationale" instead of "point", suggesting a more formal and reasoned justification.

the objective of doing

Replaces "point" with "objective", focusing on the goal to be achieved.

the aim of doing

Uses "aim" instead of "point", emphasizing the intention or desired result.

the value of doing

Substitutes "point" with "value", highlighting the worth or benefit derived from the action.

the benefit of doing

Replaces "point" with "benefit", focusing on the advantages gained.

what's the use of doing

Emphasizes the lack of benefit or reason in performing an action.

what's the sense of doing

Similar to "what's the use", questioning the logic or wisdom of an action.

the justification for doing

Uses "justification" instead of "point", implying a need to defend or explain the action.

FAQs

How can I use "the point of doing" in a sentence?

You can use "the point of doing" to question the purpose or value of an action. For example: "What's "the point of doing" all this if it won't make a difference?"

What are some alternatives to "the point of doing"?

Alternatives include "the reason for doing", "the purpose of doing", or "the objective of doing", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to include 'the' before "point of doing"?

While it's common to include 'the', it's not always strictly necessary. You could also ask "What is point of doing that?", although "What is "the point of doing" that?" is generally more grammatically correct and frequently used.

How does "the point of doing" differ from "the reason for doing"?

"The point of doing" often implies a questioning of value or justification, while "the reason for doing" simply states the cause or explanation. The former invites scrutiny, whereas the latter provides information.