Mastering Variety: Alternatives to “To Do So” in English

The phrase “to do so” is a common and useful construction in English, serving as a concise way to avoid repetition. However, relying too heavily on this phrase can make your writing or speech sound monotonous.

Mastering alternative expressions not only enhances the clarity and flow of your communication but also demonstrates a more nuanced command of the English language. This article provides a comprehensive guide to various substitutes for “to do so,” exploring their specific contexts, nuances, and usage rules.

Whether you are an ESL learner or a native speaker aiming to refine your writing style, this guide will equip you with the tools to express yourself more effectively and elegantly.

This article is designed for English language learners, writers, and anyone wishing to improve their command of the English language. By exploring a variety of alternatives to “to do so,” readers will learn to communicate more effectively and avoid repetition in their writing and speech.

This comprehensive guide will provide the tools and knowledge needed to express ideas with greater precision and style.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Definition of “To Do So”
3. Structural Breakdown
4. Types and Categories of Alternatives
   • Infinitive Phrases
   • Gerund Phrases
   • Using Pronouns
   • Repeating the Verb
   • Using Auxiliary Verbs
   • Elliptical Constructions
   • Rephrasing the Sentence
   • Using Adverbs
5. Examples
   • Infinitive Phrase Examples
   • Gerund Phrase Examples
   • Pronoun Examples
   • Repeating Verb Examples
   • Auxiliary Verb Examples
6. Usage Rules
7. Common Mistakes
8. Practice Exercises
9. Advanced Topics
10. FAQ
11. Conclusion

Definition of “To Do So”

The phrase “to do so” is a pro-verbial phrase, meaning it functions as a substitute for a verb phrase that has already been mentioned. It’s a concise way to avoid repeating the same verb or action, making sentences shorter and more fluid.

The function of “to do so” is primarily to maintain cohesion and prevent redundancy in writing and speech. It acts as a placeholder, referring back to a previously stated action or activity.

This substitution allows for a more efficient and less repetitive communication style.

In essence, “to do so” is an elliptical construction, where part of the sentence is omitted because it is understood from the context. This kind of linguistic shortcut is common in English and contributes to the language’s flexibility and expressiveness.

Understanding how “to do so” works and its alternatives is crucial for mastering effective communication.

Structural Breakdown

The structure of “to do so” is quite simple: it consists of the infinitive marker “to” followed by the auxiliary verb “do” and the adverb “so.” The phrase as a whole replaces a verb phrase, which typically includes a main verb and any accompanying objects or modifiers. The auxiliary verb “do” takes the tense of the verb it replaces, while “so” acts as a general placeholder, indicating that the action is the same as the one previously mentioned.

For example, in the sentence “He wanted to go to the party, but he couldn’t do so,” the phrase “to do so” replaces “to go to the party.” The auxiliary verb “do” remains in the base form because it follows the infinitive marker “to.” Understanding this underlying structure helps in recognizing when and how to use “to do so” and its alternatives effectively.

Types and Categories of Alternatives

While “to do so” is a useful phrase, it’s important to vary your language to avoid sounding repetitive. Here are several categories of alternatives you can use, each with its own nuances and best-use cases:

Infinitive Phrases

Infinitive phrases, like “to help,” “to succeed,” or “to participate,” can directly replace “to do so” when the context is clear. This approach often provides a more specific and descriptive alternative, enhancing the clarity of your writing or speech.

Using infinitive phrases can add precision and detail to your communication, making it more engaging and informative.

Gerund Phrases

Gerund phrases, which begin with a verb ending in “-ing” (e.g., “swimming,” “reading,” “writing”), can also be used as alternatives to “to do so.” These phrases often function as nouns and can be particularly effective when referring to activities or processes. Using gerund phrases adds a dynamic and active quality to your language, making it more lively and engaging.

Using Pronouns

Often, you can use pronouns like “it,” “this,” or “that” to refer back to the action or situation described in the previous sentence. This approach is particularly effective when the action is clear and unambiguous.

Using pronouns creates a seamless connection between sentences and avoids unnecessary repetition, contributing to a smoother flow of communication.

Repeating the Verb

While avoiding repetition is generally desirable, sometimes repeating the verb (or a slightly modified form of it) is the clearest and most direct way to express your meaning. This is especially true when the context is complex or when you want to emphasize a particular action.

Repeating the verb can add emphasis and clarity, ensuring that your message is easily understood.

Using Auxiliary Verbs

Using auxiliary verbs like “do,” “can,” “will,” or “have” can often replace “to do so,” especially when combined with other elements like adverbs or pronouns. This approach is particularly useful when you want to maintain the same tense and mood as the original verb.

Using auxiliary verbs provides a concise and grammatically correct way to refer back to a previously mentioned action.

Elliptical Constructions

Elliptical constructions involve omitting words that are understood from the context. This can be a very efficient way to avoid repetition, especially in informal speech or writing.

These constructions rely on the listener or reader’s ability to infer the missing information, creating a more streamlined and concise communication style.

Rephrasing the Sentence

Sometimes, the best way to avoid using “to do so” is to completely rephrase the sentence. This allows you to express the same idea in a different way, often resulting in a more natural and engaging style.

Rephrasing the sentence provides an opportunity to add nuance and detail, enriching your communication and making it more compelling.

Using Adverbs

Adverbs such as “similarly,” “likewise,” or “accordingly” can often replace “to do so” by indicating that the action is being performed in a similar manner or for a similar reason. This approach is particularly useful when you want to highlight the relationship between two actions.

Using adverbs adds precision and sophistication to your language, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of English grammar.

Examples

To illustrate the various alternatives to “to do so,” let’s look at some examples organized by category. These examples will provide a clear understanding of how each alternative can be used in different contexts.

Infinitive Phrase Examples

The following table provides example sentences where “to do so” is replaced by infinitive phrases. Each example demonstrates how an infinitive phrase can be used to avoid repetition and add clarity to the sentence.

Original Sentence (with “to do so”)	Alternative Sentence (with Infinitive Phrase)
He wanted to win the race, but he wasn’t able to do so.	He wanted to win the race, but he wasn’t able to compete.
She asked him to help her, and he was happy to do so.	She asked him to help her, and he was happy to assist.
They expected us to finish the project on time, and we tried to do so.	They expected us to finish the project on time, and we tried to deliver.
I advised her to invest in the stock market, and she decided to do so.	I advised her to invest in the stock market, and she decided to proceed.
The company needs to reduce its costs, and it plans to do so.	The company needs to reduce its costs, and it plans to economize.
The teacher asked the students to read the chapter, and they all agreed to do so.	The teacher asked the students to read the chapter, and they all agreed to comply.
The doctor recommended that he stop smoking, and he intends to do so.	The doctor recommended that he stop smoking, and he intends to quit.
The manager wanted the team to improve their performance, and they worked hard to do so.	The manager wanted the team to improve their performance, and they worked hard to excel.
The government promised to reduce unemployment, and they are trying to do so.	The government promised to reduce unemployment, and they are trying to deliver.
The chef wanted to create a new dish, and he started to do so.	The chef wanted to create a new dish, and he started to experiment.
The athlete aimed to break the record, and he trained rigorously to do so.	The athlete aimed to break the record, and he trained rigorously to succeed.
The musician hoped to write a hit song, and he dedicated his time to do so.	The musician hoped to write a hit song, and he dedicated his time to compose.
The artist desired to paint a masterpiece, and she strived to do so.	The artist desired to paint a masterpiece, and she strived to create.
The writer wished to publish a novel, and he worked diligently to do so.	The writer wished to publish a novel, and he worked diligently to achieve.
The inventor sought to create a new technology, and he researched extensively to do so.	The inventor sought to create a new technology, and he researched extensively to innovate.
The entrepreneur aspired to build a successful business, and she planned carefully to do so.	The entrepreneur aspired to build a successful business, and she planned carefully to thrive.
The politician campaigned to win the election, and he worked tirelessly to do so.	The politician campaigned to win the election, and he worked tirelessly to prevail.
The scientist experimented to discover a new cure, and she persisted to do so.	The scientist experimented to discover a new cure, and she persisted to uncover.
The student studied to pass the exam, and he focused intently to do so.	The student studied to pass the exam, and he focused intently to achieve.
The volunteer offered to help the needy, and she dedicated her time to do so.	The volunteer offered to help the needy, and she dedicated her time to serve.

Gerund Phrase Examples

The following table provides example sentences where “to do so” is replaced by gerund phrases. Using gerund phrases can add a dynamic and active quality to your language.

Original Sentence (with “to do so”)	Alternative Sentence (with Gerund Phrase)
She enjoys playing the piano, and she tries to do so every day.	She enjoys playing the piano, and she tries practicing every day.
He is good at solving problems, and he likes to do so.	He is good at solving problems, and he likes troubleshooting.
They are interested in learning new languages, and they plan to do so.	They are interested in learning new languages, and they plan on studying.
I appreciate your help, and I will reciprocate by doing so.	I appreciate your help, and I will reciprocate by assisting you.
The company is committed to reducing its carbon footprint, and it is taking steps to do so.	The company is committed to reducing its carbon footprint, and it is taking steps toward lessening.
The athlete is dedicated to improving his performance, and he trains hard to do so.	The athlete is dedicated to improving his performance, and he trains hard for succeeding.
The scientist is focused on finding a cure for the disease, and she continues to do so.	The scientist is focused on finding a cure for the disease, and she continues searching.
The writer is determined to finish his novel, and he works diligently to do so.	The writer is determined to finish his novel, and he works diligently at writing.
The musician is passionate about creating new music, and he spends hours to do so.	The musician is passionate about creating new music, and he spends hours composing.
The artist is committed to expressing her creativity, and she dedicates her time to do so.	The artist is committed to expressing her creativity, and she dedicates her time to painting.
The chef is known for creating delicious meals, and he loves to do so.	The chef is known for creating delicious meals, and he loves cooking.
The teacher is dedicated to helping her students learn, and she strives to do so.	The teacher is dedicated to helping her students learn, and she strives at educating.
The engineer is focused on designing innovative solutions, and he enjoys to do so.	The engineer is focused on designing innovative solutions, and he enjoys creating.
The lawyer is committed to defending her clients, and she works tirelessly to do so.	The lawyer is committed to defending her clients, and she works tirelessly advocating.
The nurse is dedicated to caring for her patients, and she spends hours to do so.	The nurse is dedicated to caring for her patients, and she spends hours nurturing.
The programmer is passionate about developing new software, and he enjoys to do so.	The programmer is passionate about developing new software, and he enjoys coding.
The researcher is focused on conducting experiments, and she spends time to do so.	The researcher is focused on conducting experiments, and she spends time experimenting.
The manager is dedicated to improving team performance, and he works hard to do so.	The manager is dedicated to improving team performance, and he works hard leading.
The consultant is committed to providing expert advice, and she strives to do so.	The consultant is committed to providing expert advice, and she strives advising.
The analyst is focused on analyzing data, and he spends hours to do so.	The analyst is focused on analyzing data, and he spends hours examining.

Pronoun Examples

The following table demonstrates how pronouns like “it,” “this,” or “that” can effectively replace “to do so,” providing a concise and clear alternative.

Original Sentence (with “to do so”)	Alternative Sentence (with Pronoun)
He promised to fix the car, and he eventually did so.	He promised to fix the car, and he eventually did it.
She wanted to travel the world, and she finally managed to do so.	She wanted to travel the world, and she finally managed that.
They planned to build a new house, and they are now starting to do so.	They planned to build a new house, and they are now starting to do this.
I asked him to help me, and he agreed to do so.	I asked him to help me, and he agreed to it.
The company decided to invest in new technology, and they proceeded to do so.	The company decided to invest in new technology, and they proceeded with it.
The teacher told the students to complete their homework, and they all tried to do so.	The teacher told the students to complete their homework, and they all tried to do it.
The doctor advised the patient to lose weight, and he is working hard to do so.	The doctor advised the patient to lose weight, and he is working hard at that.
The manager asked the team to improve their sales figures, and they are striving to do so.	The manager asked the team to improve their sales figures, and they are striving for this.
The government announced plans to reduce taxes, and they expect to do so soon.	The government announced plans to reduce taxes, and they expect to do it soon.
The artist wanted to create a masterpiece, and she dedicated her life to do so.	The artist wanted to create a masterpiece, and she dedicated her life to that.
The musician wished to compose a symphony, and he dedicated his time to do so.	The musician wished to compose a symphony, and he dedicated his time to it.
The writer aspired to publish a novel, and he worked tirelessly to do so.	The writer aspired to publish a novel, and he worked tirelessly toward that.
The inventor sought to create a new technology, and he researched extensively to do so.	The inventor sought to create a new technology, and he researched extensively for it.
The entrepreneur aimed to build a successful business, and she planned carefully to do so.	The entrepreneur aimed to build a successful business, and she planned carefully for this.
The politician campaigned to win the election, and he worked relentlessly to do so.	The politician campaigned to win the election, and he worked relentlessly for it.
The scientist experimented to discover a new cure, and she persevered to do so.	The scientist experimented to discover a new cure, and she persevered with it.
The student studied to pass the exam, and he focused intently to do so.	The student studied to pass the exam, and he focused intently on this.
The volunteer offered to help the needy, and she dedicated her time to do so.	The volunteer offered to help the needy, and she dedicated her time to it.
The company decided to expand its operations, and they proceeded to do so.	The company decided to expand its operations, and they proceeded with it.
The community resolved to clean up the park, and they worked together to do so.	The community resolved to clean up the park, and they worked together on it.

Repeating Verb Examples

The following table provides examples where repeating the verb, or a slightly modified form of it, offers the clearest and most direct alternative to “to do so.” This approach adds emphasis and clarity.

Original Sentence (with “to do so”)	Alternative Sentence (Repeating the Verb)
He asked me to help him, and I agreed to do so.	He asked me to help him, and I agreed to help.
She wanted to learn Spanish, and she is now starting to do so.	She wanted to learn Spanish, and she is now starting to learn.
They planned to visit Europe, and they are hoping to do so next year.	They planned to visit Europe, and they are hoping to visit next year.
I advised him to invest in the stock market, and he decided to do so.	I advised him to invest in the stock market, and he decided to invest.
The company needs to reduce its expenses, and it is trying to do so.	The company needs to reduce its expenses, and it is trying to reduce them.
The teacher told the students to read the book, and they all promised to do so.	The teacher told the students to read the book, and they all promised to read it.
The doctor recommended that he stop smoking, and he is determined to do so.	The doctor recommended that he stop smoking, and he is determined to stop.
The manager wanted the team to improve their performance, and they are working hard to do so.	The manager wanted the team to improve their performance, and they are working hard to improve.
The government promised to lower taxes, and they are planning to do so.	The government promised to lower taxes, and they are planning to lower them.
The chef decided to create a new dish, and he started to do so.	The chef decided to create a new dish, and he started to create it.
The athlete aimed to break the world record, and he trained rigorously to do so.	The athlete aimed to break the world record, and he trained rigorously to break it.
The musician hoped to compose a hit song, and he dedicated his time to do so.	The musician hoped to compose a hit song, and he dedicated his time to compose one.
The artist desired to paint a masterpiece, and she strived to do so.	The artist desired to paint a masterpiece, and she strived to paint one.
The writer wished to publish a novel, and he worked diligently to do so.	The writer wished to publish a novel, and he worked diligently to publish it.
The inventor sought to create a new technology, and he researched extensively to do so.	The inventor sought to create a new technology, and he researched extensively to create it.
The entrepreneur aspired to build a successful business, and she planned carefully to do so.	The entrepreneur aspired to build a successful business, and she planned carefully to build one.
The politician campaigned to win the election, and he worked tirelessly to do so.	The politician campaigned to win the election, and he worked tirelessly to win it.
The scientist experimented to discover a new cure, and she persisted to do so.	The scientist experimented to discover a new cure, and she persisted to discover one.
The student studied to pass the exam, and he focused intently to do so.	The student studied to pass the exam, and he focused intently to pass it.
The volunteer offered to help the needy, and she dedicated her time to do so.	The volunteer offered to help the needy, and she dedicated her time to help them.

Auxiliary Verb Examples

The following table illustrates how auxiliary verbs like “do,” “can,” “will,” or “have” can replace “to do so,” often in combination with other elements like adverbs or pronouns.

Original Sentence (with “to do so”)	Alternative Sentence (with Auxiliary Verb)
He said he would help, and he did so.	He said he would help, and he did.
She claimed she could sing, and she actually could do so.	She claimed she could sing, and she actually could.
They promised they would arrive on time, and they will do so.	They promised they would arrive on time, and they will.
I thought he had finished the project, but he hadn’t done so.	I thought he had finished the project, but he hadn’t.
The company stated they would increase salaries, and they have done so.	The company stated they would increase salaries, and they have.
The teacher expected the students to participate, and they all did so enthusiastically.	The teacher expected the students to participate, and they all did enthusiastically.
The doctor advised the patient to exercise regularly, and he should do so.	The doctor advised the patient to exercise regularly, and he should.
The manager wanted the team to collaborate effectively, and they must do so.	The manager wanted the team to collaborate effectively, and they must.
The government announced it would reduce pollution, and it intends to do so.	The government announced it would reduce pollution, and it intends to.
The artist hoped to create a lasting impression, and she certainly did so.	The artist hoped to create a lasting impression, and she certainly did.
The musician dreamed of composing a symphony, and he eventually did so.	The musician dreamed of composing a symphony, and he eventually did.
The writer aspired to publish a novel, and she finally managed to do so.	The writer aspired to publish a novel, and she finally did.
The inventor planned to create a new gadget, and he successfully did so.	The inventor planned to create a new gadget, and he successfully did.
The entrepreneur aimed to build a successful company, and she ultimately did so.	The entrepreneur aimed to build a successful company, and she ultimately did.
The politician campaigned to win the election, and he undeniably did so.	The politician campaigned to win the election, and he undeniably did.
The scientist experimented to discover a new cure, and she surprisingly did so.	The scientist experimented to discover a new cure, and she surprisingly did.
The student studied to pass the exam, and he confidently did so.	The student studied to pass the exam, and he confidently did.
The volunteer offered to help the needy, and she willingly did so.	The volunteer offered to help the needy, and she willingly did.
The company decided to launch a new product, and they promptly did so.	The company decided to launch a new product, and they promptly did.
The community resolved to improve the neighborhood, and they diligently did so.	The community resolved to improve the neighborhood, and they diligently did.

Usage Rules

Using alternatives to “to do so” effectively requires understanding certain usage rules. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:

• Clarity: Ensure that the alternative you choose is clear and unambiguous in the context. The reader or listener should be able to easily understand what action you are referring to.
• Conciseness: While variety is important, avoid using overly complex or convoluted alternatives. The goal is to communicate effectively, not to show off your vocabulary.
• Formality: Consider the level of formality of your writing or speech. Some alternatives may be more appropriate for formal settings, while others are better suited for informal contexts.
• Grammatical correctness: Always ensure that the alternative you choose is grammatically correct and fits seamlessly into the sentence structure.
• Audience: Consider your audience when selecting alternatives. If you are writing for a non-native English speaker, simpler alternatives may be more effective.

Common Mistakes

When using alternatives to “to do so,” it’s easy to make common mistakes. Being aware of these errors can help you avoid them and improve the accuracy of your writing and speech.

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
He wanted to succeed, and he tried to doing so.	He wanted to succeed, and he tried to do so. / He wanted to succeed, and he tried to.	“Doing so” is grammatically incorrect after “to.” The correct form is “to do so” or simply “to.”
She said she would come, and she will so.	She said she would come, and she will.	“Will so” is not a valid construction. The correct form is “will.”
They planned to travel, and they are planning to it.	They planned to travel, and they are planning to do it. / They planned to travel, and they are planning to.	Using “it” directly after “to” is incorrect. The correct form is “to do it” or simply “to.”
I asked him to help, and he agreed helping.	I asked him to help, and he agreed to help. / I asked him and he agreed.	“Agreed helping” is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is “agreed to help.”
The company wanted to expand, and they expansion.	The company wanted to expand, and they expanded.	Using the noun “expansion” instead of the verb “expanded” is incorrect in this context.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of alternatives to “to do so” with these practice exercises. Each exercise includes a sentence with “to do so,” which you should replace with a suitable alternative.

Exercise 1:

Question	Your Answer
He promised to arrive on time, and he always tries to do so.
She wanted to learn French, and she is starting to do so now.
They planned to visit Italy, and they hope to do so next year.
I advised him to save money, and he decided to do so.
The company needs to increase profits, and it is trying to do so.
The teacher asked the students to complete the assignment, and they all agreed to do so.
The doctor recommended that she exercise regularly, and she is determined to do so.