what they do

USAGE SUMMARY

'what they do' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it as an introductory phrase to a sentence, such as: "What they do goes far beyond following the rules."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's what they do.

The New York Times

Not what they do.

The New York Times

That's what they do.

The New York Times

So that's what they do.

The New Yorker

They love what they do.

The New York Times - Magazine

That's just what they do".

Independent

People control what they do.

The New Yorker

"What they do is lighter.

The New York Times

This is what they do.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

They did what they did".

The New York Times

Tells what they did.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what they do" to clearly and concisely describe the typical actions or behaviors of a group or entity.

Common error

Avoid using "what they do" when referring to a single, specific action. Instead, use it to describe general practices or habitual behaviors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what they do" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it introduces a description of actions or typical behaviors. Examples from Ludwig show it defining roles, responsibilities, or characteristic activities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what they do" is a versatile phrase functioning as a noun phrase to describe the typical actions or responsibilities of a group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase exhibits a neutral register, making it appropriate for various contexts from news reporting to academic discourse. Common contexts include News & Media, Academia and Science. When writing, remember that "what they do" refers to general practices, not single actions, and alternatives like "their actions" or "their responsibilities" can provide nuanced variations. The provided examples and analyses offer a clear understanding of its usage, ensuring effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

their actions

Focuses on specific actions taken.

their activities

Emphasizes a range of pursuits or engagements.

their responsibilities

Highlights obligations and duties.

their habits

Refers to recurring behaviors.

their routine

Focuses on a regular course of procedure.

their job

Emphasizes the tasks related to one's occupation.

their function

Highlights the purpose or role they fulfill.

what is their role

Queries about their part in something.

how they operate

Focuses on their method of functioning.

their modus operandi

Highlights a particular way or method of doing something.

FAQs

How can I use "what they do" in a sentence?

You can use "what they do" to describe the typical actions or responsibilities of a group. For instance, "What they do is crucial for the success of the project".

What are some alternatives to "what they do"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "their actions", "their responsibilities", or "their routine" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "what they do" formal or informal?

"What they do" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

How does "what they do" differ from "what they are doing"?

"What they do" refers to habitual actions or typical behaviors, while "what they are doing" refers to actions happening at a specific moment.