while doing so

USAGE SUMMARY

'while doing so' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you have just finished describing a particular set of actions and you want to move on to another set of actions. For example, "I packed the groceries into bags and brought them to the car, while doing so, I remembered that I still had to pay for them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How to remain sane while doing so?

The New York Times - Arts

Yet while doing so, it promoted Jaeger.

The Washington Post

One group was asked to gesture while doing so.

The Economist

They also know how to enjoy themselves while doing so.

The New York Times

And they save a ton of money while doing so!

Stanford University

Segregation resistance or stability is the ability to remain homogeneous while doing so.

Construction and Building Materials

Both experience the same sensations and emotions while doing so.

The Guardian - Sport

(The level of outrage while doing so? Not tallied).

The New York Times

How to invest and reduce one's risk while doing so.

The New York Times - Books

And we can help each other while doing so.

MIT Technology Review

This paper discusses how a large, surface coal mine implemented an ergonomics program and the lessons learned while doing so.

International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "while doing so" to clearly connect a subsequent action to a previously mentioned activity, ensuring a smooth flow of information for the reader.

Common error

Avoid placing a comma directly before "while doing so" if it immediately follows a verb. The phrase itself acts as a connector, and an additional comma can disrupt the sentence's rhythm. E.g. Incorrect: "I ate dinner, while doing so I watched TV". Correct: "I ate dinner while doing so I watched TV".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "while doing so" functions as an adverbial conjunction, linking two clauses where the action described in the second clause occurs during or immediately after the action in the first clause. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "while doing so" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves as an adverbial conjunction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively connects two related actions, denoting simultaneity or a close sequence of events. Predominantly found in news, wiki, and scientific contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse writing styles. Remember to avoid placing a comma before "while doing so" when it directly follows a verb to ensure smooth sentence flow.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in so doing

A more formal way of saying "while doing so", often used in legal or academic contexts.

in the process

Focuses on the actions taken during a specific task, rather than a sequence of events.

simultaneously

Highlights the concurrence of two actions at the same time.

at the same time

Emphasizes the temporal overlap of the actions.

meanwhile

Introduces an action that occurs during the same timeframe as another.

as you do this

Offers a suggestion or instruction that should be followed along with the main task.

during this action

Emphasizes the period when the action takes place.

as this happens

Indicates a cause-and-effect relationship between an action and its consequences.

whilst in the middle of that

Indicates that something happened during the course of another event.

in the act

Suggests an action is happening spontaneously.

FAQs

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

Use "while doing so" to link two related actions, where the second action occurs during or immediately after the first. For instance, "He studied diligently for the exam, and "while doing so", he discovered new insights."

What alternatives can I use instead of "while doing so"?

Consider using phrases like "in the process", "simultaneously", or "at the same time" as alternatives to "while doing so", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. For example, consider "He renovated his house, "in the process" uncovering hidden architectural details."

Is "whilst doing so" an acceptable alternative to "while doing so"?

"Whilst doing so" is a grammatically correct alternative to "while doing so", but it is more formal and less commonly used in contemporary English. Choose the option that best fits the overall tone and register of your writing.

Can "while doing so" start a sentence?

Yes, "while doing so" can start a sentence, but it's more common to place it within or at the end of a clause to maintain a smoother flow. Starting a sentence with "while doing so" can occasionally sound awkward or abrupt depending on the context.