when doing so

USAGE SUMMARY

'when doing so' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an action that was mentioned previously in a sentence. Example: Please don't forget to turn off the lights when doing so.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

particularly when doing so serves no good end.

Harvard University

When doing so, methodologies for standardising model outputs and making results comparable were implemented.

Journal of Hydrology

Why disrupt Ukraine when doing so would mean Western sanctions?

The Washington Post

Auditors are more likely to follow PCAOB guidance when doing so leads to lower audit adjustments and higher client income.

Accounting, Organizations and Society

That is, engaging in controlled patterns should be advantageous only when doing so is a result of students' strategic planning.

Computers & Education

They are willing to demonise business when doing so furthers their aims.

The Economist

But these salespeople don't follow the process when doing so doesn't work to achieve these outcomes.

The New York Times

Even when there are times when doing so may be expensive or uneconomical?

The New York Times

The only exception is when doing so would pose a national security risk to America.

The Economist

When doing so, they must follow all Columbia University rules applicable to postdoctoral scholars.

Columbia University

When doing so, please remember to attribute the site and its creators.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when doing so" to avoid repetition and make your writing more concise. Ensure the action being referred to is clear from the context.

Common error

Avoid using "when doing so" if the action you're referring to is ambiguous. Make sure your reader can easily understand what "doing so" means.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when doing so" functions as an adverbial clause of time or condition. It modifies the main clause by specifying the timing or condition under which the action in the main clause occurs. Ludwig examples show this phrase's versatility in academic, news, and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when doing so" is a versatile phrase used to connect actions and conditions, thereby enhancing clarity and conciseness in writing. Ludwig highlights its prevalent use across various contexts, from academic to news and general writing. It's considered grammatically correct and functions as an adverbial clause, with the core purpose of avoiding repetition. Use this phrase thoughtfully, ensuring that the reference is clear to the reader, and consider the available alternatives to achieve the desired tone and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in doing so

Focuses on the action as a means to achieve a result.

upon doing that

Emphasizes the immediacy of the action's consequence.

as you do that

Directly addresses the listener/reader and the action they are taking.

while so doing

More formal and literary; implies simultaneous action.

should you do that

Presents the action as a hypothetical.

in that instance

Refers to a specific case of performing the action.

if you proceed

More direct and can be used in instructions or warnings.

at that time

Highlights the temporal aspect of the action.

on that occasion

Refers to a specific opportunity or event related to the action.

by acting accordingly

Focuses on acting in a manner that aligns with the previously mentioned action.

FAQs

How can I use "when doing so" in a sentence?

Use "when doing so" to refer back to an action you've already mentioned. For example, "Please turn off the lights. "When doing so", be sure to close the door."

What are some alternatives to "when doing so"?

Alternatives include "in doing so", upon doing that, or while so doing. The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "when doing so" formal or informal?

"When doing so" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal writing. However, more formal alternatives like "in doing so" may be preferred in highly formal contexts.

Can I start a sentence with "when doing so"?

Yes, starting a sentence with "when doing so" is grammatically correct and can be effective for creating a conditional statement. For example, ""When doing so", ensure all safety precautions are followed."