things did well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "things did well" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to convey that certain things performed successfully, but the phrasing is awkward and unclear. Example: "Despite the challenges, things did well during the project."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The best things did well".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is simple things done well".

The Guardian - Sport

Focus is critical for getting things done well and accurately.

Huffington Post

The little things done well over the course of a career can increase their longevity".

Huffington Post

All smarts and no action impresses nobody but getting things done well and reliably is truly impressive.

WikiHow

In the tiny differences between the two versions, the refinements of phrasing, the crucial addition of that "little death," there is something very like the "tissue-thin difference" Updike so admired in Williams's career: the difference in this case not between a thing done well and a thing done ill, but between a thing done well and a thing done even better.

The New York Times - Sports

We had a lot of things we did well, a lot of things we didn't do well".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's important we focus on things we did well.

Independent

Instead, it would concentrate on the things trains did well.

BBC

Additionally, every afternoon, all children completed a "3 Things I Did Well Today" worksheet in their counselor groups.

BMC Public Health

They then wrote down three different (and specific) things they did well, and ended the day on a positive note.

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer using grammatically standard alternatives like "things went well" for clarity. This ensures your writing is easily understood and avoids potential misinterpretations.

Common error

Do not use the phrase "things did well" in formal writing. Opt for alternatives that are more grammatically sound, such as "things went well" or "the project succeeded", to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things did well" primarily functions as a clause intended to describe a positive outcome or successful execution of events. However, Ludwig AI highlights that it is not considered standard written English, and its use can be perceived as awkward.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

7%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "things did well" aims to express a positive outcome, but is considered grammatically questionable by Ludwig AI. While it may appear in various contexts, especially in news and media, it is generally advisable to use more standard alternatives like "things went well" or "the project succeeded", particularly in formal or professional settings. Using clearer and more precise language enhances communication and avoids potential misunderstandings. Preferring grammatically correct alternatives ensures that your writing is perceived as professional and easily understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

things went well

This is the most direct and grammatically sound alternative, indicating a positive outcome.

things turned out well

This alternative suggests a positive result after a period of development or uncertainty.

things progressed smoothly

Implies an absence of problems or difficulties during the execution of tasks.

matters developed favorably

This formal alternative indicates a positive progression in a situation.

affairs concluded successfully

This is a formal way of expressing that tasks or projects ended positively.

events unfolded positively

This suggests that events transpired in a favorable manner.

circumstances evolved advantageously

This is a more sophisticated way to say that circumstances changed for the better.

everything worked out

This is an informal way of saying that all issues were resolved and the outcome was positive.

the outcomes were positive

Focuses directly on the results, indicating they were good.

the results were favorable

Highlights that the outcomes met expectations positively.

FAQs

What is a more grammatically correct alternative to "things did well"?

A better alternative is "things went well", which is standard English and clearly conveys that events proceeded favorably.

In what contexts might I encounter the phrase "things did well"?

You might find "things did well" in informal conversation or less formal writing. However, for professional or academic contexts, it's better to use a more polished phrase.

Is "things did well" considered grammatically incorrect?

While not universally condemned, "things did well" is often viewed as awkward phrasing. Standard alternatives such as "things went well" are generally preferred.

How can I ensure my writing is clear when describing positive outcomes?

Using precise language helps. Instead of "things did well", consider "the project succeeded" or "the results were positive" to enhance clarity and professionalism.