we all do it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we all do it" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to express a common behavior or action that many people engage in. Example: "When it comes to procrastination, we all do it at some point." Alternative expressions include "everyone does it" and "it's a common thing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Informal

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

TIGHT END: Yeah, we all do it.

The New Yorker

"We all do it time to time.

The New York Times - Sports

But we all do it.

The Guardian - Opinion

We all do it, but why?

The Guardian

Rugby league, AFL, we all do it.

The Guardian - Sport

But when we all do it, it looks like this".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

"We'd all do it we were asked.

The Guardian - Music

We would all do it.

The Guardian - Music

We should all do it sometimes.

The Guardian - Opinion

We could all do it.

Vice

We'd all done it, and we all had slide burn as a result.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Place this phrase at the end of a list of behaviors to provide a punchy, relatable summary.

Common error

Writers often use this phrase when 'it' refers to a complex or multi-part concept mentioned several sentences prior. This forces the reader to guess which specific action is universal. Always ensure the action being normalized is the immediate topic of discussion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we all do it" functions as a declarative clause consisting of a subject pronoun ('we'), a quantifying determiner ('all'), a transitive verb ('do'), and a direct object pronoun ('it'). In Ludwig AI, this structure is frequently observed as a transition or a concluding remark that establishes a common ground between the writer and the audience.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki & How-to Guides

15%

Science & Medicine

10%

Less common in

Legal Documents

2%

Technical Manuals

2%

Formal Poetry

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we all do it" is a highly effective linguistic tool for creating empathy and a sense of shared reality. Ludwig AI confirms its status as a correct and very common phrase across various domains, from the sports pages of The New York Times to psychological studies in PubMed. Its simplicity is its strength, allowing writers to acknowledge human fallibility or common habits without sounding judgmental. When using it, ensure that the 'it' refers to a clearly stated action to maintain the clarity that quality sources like The Guardian exemplify.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

everyone does it

Uses a generic subject instead of the inclusive first-person plural

it happens to everyone

Shifts the focus from the action to the occurrence itself

we are all guilty of it

Adds a slight connotation of admission or minor wrongdoing

it is a common occurrence

Significantly more formal and objective

most people do the same

Less absolute than 'all' but remains highly inclusive

it is human nature

Attributes the behavior to innate biological or psychological tendencies

it's a universal habit

Specifically categorizes the 'it' as a repetitive behavior

nobody is exempt

Emphasizes the lack of exceptions in a more absolute tone

we are all in the same boat

Uses an idiomatic expression to highlight shared circumstances

it is standard practice

Connotes that the behavior is expected or formalized in a professional context

FAQs

How to use "we all do it" in a sentence?

You can use it to normalize a behavior, for example: "Procrastination is frustrating, but "we all do it" from time to time."

What can I say instead of "we all do it"?

Depending on the tone, you could use "everyone does it" for a more general statement or "it's human nature" to sound more philosophical.

Is "we all do it" too informal for business writing?

It is generally considered neutral. However, in a very formal report, you might prefer "it is a widespread practice" to maintain a professional distance.

What is the difference between "we all do it" and "everyone does it"?

"we all do it" is more inclusive and empathetic because it includes the speaker, whereas "everyone does it" can sometimes sound more like a detached observation.