through doing

USAGE SUMMARY

"through doing" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is most commonly used when referring to activity done in order to achieve a particular goal or result. For example, "I improved my coding skills through doing online tutorials."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The process of being takes precedence over the need to achieve through doing.

Huffington Post

"A degree in photography encourages learning through doing.

Independent

"I've changed as a person through doing it".

The Guardian

Indeed, through doing this codes of practice can change.

The Guardian

Unfortunately, dying is something we are figuring out only through doing.

The New Yorker

But through doing this work I have realised you have to be much more cautious.

The Guardian

To Con Edison's engineers, he added, "the way to understanding was through doing".

The New York Times

Chaotic and anarchic, continuing to muddle through, doing the best it can.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"This scheme enables young directors to learn through doing: to experiment, to make mistakes".

The Guardian

"That's a different chapter of my life, which, kind of through doing this, feels like it's closed," she said.

The New York Times

It can't be taught but must be acquired through doing, by entering into the intrinsic pattern of the activity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "through doing" when emphasizing the importance of practical application and direct experience in achieving a goal or gaining knowledge. For example, "He learned data science through doing personal projects."

Common error

Avoid using "through doing" when a passive construction is more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "Mistakes were learned through doing", consider "Mistakes were learned by doing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "through doing" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating the method or means by which an action is accomplished or a result is achieved. As shown in Ludwig, it emphasizes the experiential aspect of learning or achieving.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "through doing" serves as a powerful prepositional phrase to underscore the value of practical experience. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse fields like news, science, and general knowledge. Its effectiveness lies in emphasizing active participation as the key to achieving results, making it a versatile tool for writers. Whether you're detailing a scientific process or sharing life lessons, "through doing" highlights the transformative power of action. Remember to use "through doing" when emphasizing the method or the experience, not as a general 'by doing' substitute.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through active participation

This alternative emphasizes the active involvement and contribution to a process or task.

through direct involvement

Highlights immediate and personal engagement in an activity.

through hands-on experience

This emphasizes the experiential aspect of learning and achieving goals.

by actively engaging

This alternative underscores the active participation in a process.

via experiential learning

This emphasizes learning through direct experience and reflection.

by means of action

This alternative emphasizes the method or process of achieving something through active involvement.

through practical involvement

This phrase highlights the real-world participation in a process.

via practical application

This phrase highlights the use of real-world application as the method of achieving a result.

by undertaking activities

This suggests a formal approach to gaining knowledge or achieving results.

by implementing strategies

This focuses on the planned and deliberate actions taken to achieve a specific outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "through doing" in a sentence?

You can use "through doing" to emphasize that someone learned something or achieved a result by actively performing an action. For instance, "She improved her public speaking skills "through doing" numerous presentations".

What are some alternatives to "through doing"?

Alternatives to "through doing" include "by means of action", "via practical application", or "through hands-on experience", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is there a difference between saying "through doing" and "by doing"?

While similar, "through doing" emphasizes the process and experience gained during the activity, whereas "by doing" is more general. The nuance often depends on the context; both are grammatically correct.

Which is more formal, "through doing" or "by doing"?

"Through doing" and "by doing" have similar levels of formality. The choice between them often depends on the specific context and the desired emphasis. Usually, both are considered appropriate in most situations.