Doing: Definition, Synonyms, and Usage
Definition and Part of Speech
The term doing primarily functions as a verb, specifically the present participle of “do.” It denotes the act of performing actions or tasks. Additionally, it can appear in noun form (as “the doing”) to refer more abstractly to activities or actions undertaken.
Core Synonyms
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| performing | Implies a specific, often public activity | “She’s known for her excellent performances on stage.” | Formal/Creative |
| executing | Suggests carrying out a plan or command | “The team efficiently executed the project timeline.” | Business/Formal |
| undertaking | Indicates starting and managing a task | “He decided to undertake the renovation of his house.” | Academic/Informal |
| completing | Focused on finishing tasks | “She completed her degree in just three years.” | Formal/Academic |
| engaging in | Implies participation or involvement | “They are engaged in a variety of community services.” | Informal/Casual |
| conducting | Often used for overseeing processes | “The professor was conducting the seminar on digital ethics.” | Academic/Professional |
Usage Notes
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Performing: Best suited for contexts where actions have an element of presentation or show, such as arts and entertainment. It suggests a level of skill or preparation.
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Executing: Common in business settings when referring to implementing plans or tasks. It conveys efficiency and adherence to specified instructions.
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Undertaking: Ideal when discussing projects that involve planning and commitment over time. This synonym emphasizes responsibility and initiative.
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Completing: Used where the focus is on reaching the end point of a task or objective, making it prevalent in educational and goal-oriented discussions.
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Engaging in: Casual and versatile, appropriate for everyday conversation to indicate participation or involvement without implying formality or intensity.
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Conducting: Favored in academic or professional environments to describe managing or supervising activities, often research or meetings.
Common Pitfalls
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Mixing up executing with performing: While both involve carrying out tasks, executing is about following plans and procedures, whereas performing usually involves public presentation.
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Using completing where ongoing action might be more appropriate: For instance, “I am doing my homework” vs. “I completed my homework.”
Final Recap
In summary, doing has several nuanced synonyms that can enhance your vocabulary depending on the context:
- Performing: Use for artistic or public actions.
- Executing: Ideal for business-oriented tasks and plans.
- Undertaking: Best when starting a long-term project.
- Completing: Focuses on finishing tasks.
- Engaging in: Versatile for informal settings of participation.
- Conducting: Suitable for managing processes, especially academically or professionally.
To enhance your command over these synonyms, try incorporating them into different types of writing and conversation. Practice crafting sentences to explore their varied nuances, and experiment with using them across diverse registers and styles.