Quick Answer:
“By doing this” explains an action or method used to achieve a result. Depending on the situation, you can make it clearer, more formal, or more professional with phrases such as through this approach, by taking this step, using this method, in this way, by following this process.
The phrase by doing this is a simple way to explain how an action produces a result. You might use it in everyday conversation, instructions, explanations, emails, presentations, or professional discussions. Its meaning is usually clear, but repeating it too often can make your English sound less precise or varied.
Learning alternatives to by doing this can help you choose language that matches your audience and purpose. A casual conversation may call for “in this way,” while a business report may sound stronger with “through this approach” or “by following this process.” This kind of flexibility is an important part of fluent English.
Understanding different other ways to say by doing this also helps you communicate cause, method, approval, and results more naturally. It can even support situations where you want to express excitement in English without relying on repetitive wording. The examples below will help you make confident choices in both spoken and written English.
“Fluent English is not only about knowing more words; it is about choosing the right words for the situation.”
Formal alternatives to “by doing this”
Formal English often benefits from precise wording that clearly describes a method or process.
Through this approach
Useful when describing a deliberate strategy or method.
By following this procedure
Best when explaining an established process, especially in formal instructions.
By implementing this method
Suitable for reports, academic writing, and structured professional communication.
Pro Tips Box: In formal writing, choose an alternative that identifies the method more precisely instead of replacing the phrase mechanically.
Casual alternatives
Casual conversations allow shorter and more natural expressions.
In this way
A simple alternative that works in many everyday situations.
Like this
Very conversational and useful when demonstrating an action.
By doing so
Natural when the action has already been mentioned.
Pro Tips Box: Use “in this way” or “by doing so” when speaking naturally, but avoid overly formal wording in relaxed conversations.
Professional alternatives
Professional communication often requires wording that emphasizes strategy, action, or results.
Through this approach
Useful for presentations, reports, and workplace discussions.
By taking this step
Works well when describing a specific action toward a goal.
By applying this method
Appropriate when discussing a technique, system, or solution.
Pro Tips Box: In professional English, make the alternative specific enough to show what kind of action or method you mean.
Informal expressions
These options are particularly natural in friendly conversations and everyday explanations.
Doing this
A shorter construction when the context is already obvious.
Using this method
Clear and conversational while still sounding reasonably polished.
This way
Very concise and natural in spoken English.
Pro Tips Box: Informal expressions in English should sound effortless. Choose short wording when your listener already understands the context.
“The best alternative is the one that fits your audience, not simply the one that sounds more sophisticated.”
Common Mistakes When Using “By Doing This”
1. Using it when the action is unclear
Mistake: “You can improve the results by doing this.”
Better: “You can improve the results by reviewing the data carefully.”
The reader should understand what “this” refers to.
2. Repeating the phrase too often
Mistake: “By doing this, you save time. By doing this, you reduce costs.”
Better: “This approach saves time while also reducing costs.”
Varied wording makes your writing smoother.
3. Using informal wording in formal reports
Mistake: “You can fix the issue by doing this.”
Better: “The issue can be resolved by following this procedure.”
The second version is more appropriate for formal communication.
4. Confusing “by doing this” with “after doing this”
Mistake: “By doing this, the meeting ended.”
Better: “After doing this, the meeting ended.”
“By” generally describes the method or means, while “after” describes sequence.
5. Using “by doing this” without explaining the result
Mistake: “By doing this, you can make changes.”
Better: “By following this process, you can make the necessary changes efficiently.”
The improved sentence gives the reader more useful information.
What Does “By Doing This” Mean?
“By doing this” means using a particular action or method to produce a result. The word “by” introduces the means through which something happens.
Grammatically, by + -ing verb commonly expresses the method used to achieve something.
Example: “You can improve your pronunciation by practicing every day.”
When “this” is added, it normally points back to an action, idea, or method already mentioned.
When to Use “By Doing This”
You can use by doing this in several common situations:
- Explaining a method: “You can solve the problem by doing this.”
- Describing a result: “By doing this, we can reduce costs.”
- Giving instructions: “By doing this first, you can avoid errors.”
- Explaining cause and effect: “By doing this, the process becomes easier.”
- Everyday conversation: “You can make it faster by doing this.”
- Professional discussions: “By doing this, the team can improve efficiency.”
Spoken vs. Written
Spoken: “You can make it easier by doing this.”
Written: “The process can be simplified by following this approach.”
Formal vs. Informal
Formal: “Through this approach, the organization can improve efficiency.”
Informal: “You can make it easier this way.”
Is It Professional or Polite to Say “By Doing This”?
“By doing this” is polite and grammatically correct, but it is not always the strongest choice for professional writing. The phrase can sound vague when “this” does not clearly identify the action.
Polite? ✔️ Yes
Professional? ❌ No, in most cases
Business-style example
Instead of:
“By doing this, we can improve customer satisfaction.”
A more precise professional version is:
“By implementing this approach, we can improve customer satisfaction.”
Pros and Cons of Using “By Doing This”
Pros
- Simple and natural: Easy for most English speakers to understand.
- Friendly tone: Works comfortably in everyday explanations.
- Common usage: Frequently heard in spoken English.
- Easy to understand: Does not require advanced vocabulary.
Cons
- Too informal for work: May sound vague in formal business writing.
- Overused: Repetition can make writing monotonous.
- Limited emotional range: It mainly describes method or action.
- Not suitable for formal writing: More precise alternatives are often better.
“Precision makes simple English stronger. Replace vague wording when the exact method matters.”
Other Ways to Say “By Doing This” With Examples
These alternatives will help you sound more fluent, confident, and natural in different situations.
Use them according to tone, context, and audience to express excitement, admiration, approval, or simply explain an action more clearly.
1. Phrase: Through this approach
- Meaning: Using a particular strategy to achieve a result.
- Explanation: It emphasizes the overall method rather than one specific action.
- Example Sentence: “Through this approach, we can improve the customer experience.”
- Best Use: Business communication
- Worst Use: Casual chatting
- Tone: Professional, strategic, polished
- Context Variability: casual: limited; professional: excellent; spoken: good
2. Phrase: In this way
- Meaning: Using the method just described.
- Explanation: It is one of the most flexible alternatives for everyday English.
- Example Sentence: “In this way, everyone can understand the process.”
- Best Use: General explanations
- Worst Use: Highly technical writing
- Tone: Natural, neutral, clear
- Context Variability: casual: excellent; professional: good; spoken: excellent
3. Phrase: By doing so
- Meaning: By performing the action previously mentioned.
- Explanation: It avoids repeating the same action.
- Example Sentence: “The company reduced waste by doing so.”
- Best Use: Connected writing
- Worst Use: Unclear references
- Tone: Concise, polished, neutral
- Context Variability: casual: good; professional: excellent; spoken: good
4. Phrase: By taking this step
- Meaning: By completing a specific action.
- Explanation: It highlights progress toward a particular goal.
- Example Sentence: “By taking this step, we can prevent future delays.”
- Best Use: Workplace advice
- Worst Use: Casual jokes
- Tone: Practical, professional, encouraging
- Context Variability: casual: good; professional: excellent; spoken: excellent
5. Phrase: By following this process
- Meaning: By using a defined series of actions.
- Explanation: It works especially well when discussing procedures.
- Example Sentence: “By following this process, employees can submit requests correctly.”
- Best Use: Formal instructions
- Worst Use: Friendly chats
- Tone: Formal, precise, instructional
- Context Variability: casual: limited; professional: excellent; spoken: good
6. Phrase: Through this method
- Meaning: By using a particular technique.
- Explanation: It clearly identifies the method behind an outcome.
- Example Sentence: “Through this method, researchers can collect more accurate data.”
- Best Use: Academic writing
- Worst Use: Casual conversation
- Tone: Academic, formal, precise
- Context Variability: casual: limited; professional: excellent; spoken: moderate
7. Phrase: Using this approach
- Meaning: Applying the strategy that has been described.
- Explanation: It is natural in workplace and educational settings.
- Example Sentence: “Using this approach, the team can address the problem more efficiently.”
- Best Use: Professional discussions
- Worst Use: Very casual talk
- Tone: Professional, clear, practical
- Context Variability: casual: good; professional: excellent; spoken: excellent
8. Phrase: By applying this method
- Meaning: By putting a particular technique into practice.
- Explanation: It emphasizes practical application.
- Example Sentence: “By applying this method, students can improve their writing.”
- Best Use: Educational contexts
- Worst Use: Casual requests
- Tone: Educational, formal, focused
- Context Variability: casual: moderate; professional: excellent; spoken: good
9. Phrase: By implementing this strategy
- Meaning: By putting a planned strategy into action.
- Explanation: It is especially suitable for business and management contexts.
- Example Sentence: “By implementing this strategy, the company can increase efficiency.”
- Best Use: Business writing
- Worst Use: Informal conversation
- Tone: Strategic, professional, formal
- Context Variability: casual: poor; professional: excellent; spoken: good
10. Phrase: With this approach
- Meaning: Using the method under discussion.
- Explanation: It provides a concise way to introduce a particular strategy.
- Example Sentence: “With this approach, employees can resolve common issues faster.”
- Best Use: Workplace meetings
- Worst Use: Highly personal conversation
- Tone: Professional, concise, neutral
- Context Variability: casual: good; professional: excellent; spoken: excellent
11. Phrase: By using this technique
- Meaning: By applying a particular technique.
- Explanation: It is useful when the action involves a learned skill or procedure.
- Example Sentence: “By using this technique, you can make the presentation more engaging.”
- Best Use: Skill instruction
- Worst Use: Formal policy
- Tone: Practical, clear, instructional
- Context Variability: casual: excellent; professional: excellent; spoken: excellent
12. Phrase: By taking this approach
- Meaning: By choosing a particular way of handling something.
- Explanation: It focuses on a decision or strategy.
- Example Sentence: “By taking this approach, we can address both concerns.”
- Best Use: Business discussions
- Worst Use: Simple instructions
- Tone: Professional, thoughtful, strategic
- Context Variability: casual: good; professional: excellent; spoken: excellent
13. Phrase: In doing so
- Meaning: While performing the action just mentioned.
- Explanation: It connects an action with its resulting effect.
- Example Sentence: “The team simplified the process, in doing so reducing unnecessary delays.”
- Best Use: Formal writing
- Worst Use: Beginner conversation
- Tone: Formal, concise, polished
- Context Variability: casual: limited; professional: excellent; spoken: moderate
14. Phrase: As a result of this action
- Meaning: Because of the action that was taken.
- Explanation: It focuses more strongly on the consequence than the method.
- Example Sentence: “As a result of this action, customer complaints decreased.”
- Best Use: Reports
- Worst Use: Casual conversation
- Tone: Formal, analytical, precise
- Context Variability: casual: poor; professional: excellent; spoken: moderate
15. Phrase: By means of this
- Meaning: Using this method or mechanism.
- Explanation: It is a formal expression that emphasizes means.
- Example Sentence: “By means of this system, the organization can monitor performance.”
- Best Use: Formal documents
- Worst Use: Friendly conversation
- Tone: Formal, technical, precise
- Context Variability: casual: poor; professional: excellent; spoken: limited
16. Phrase: Through this process
- Meaning: As part of or by using a particular process.
- Explanation: It is useful when describing systematic actions.
- Example Sentence: “Through this process, applicants can receive faster responses.”
- Best Use: Process explanations
- Worst Use: Casual remarks
- Tone: Professional, structured, clear
- Context Variability: casual: moderate; professional: excellent; spoken: good
17. Phrase: By adopting this approach
- Meaning: By choosing and beginning to use a particular method.
- Explanation: It suggests a deliberate change in strategy.
- Example Sentence: “By adopting this approach, the team can improve collaboration.”
- Best Use: Strategic planning
- Worst Use: Simple instructions
- Tone: Strategic, formal, professional
- Context Variability: casual: limited; professional: excellent; spoken: good
18. Phrase: By making this change
- Meaning: By introducing the specified change.
- Explanation: It works well when discussing improvements or adjustments.
- Example Sentence: “By making this change, we can simplify the user experience.”
- Best Use: Improvement plans
- Worst Use: Unrelated actions
- Tone: Practical, direct, professional
- Context Variability: casual: excellent; professional: excellent; spoken: excellent
19. Phrase: By taking action
- Meaning: By actively doing something to address an issue.
- Explanation: It focuses on action rather than a specific technique.
- Example Sentence: “By taking action early, we can prevent the problem from growing.”
- Best Use: Problem solving
- Worst Use: Technical procedures
- Tone: Direct, proactive, confident
- Context Variability: casual: excellent; professional: excellent; spoken: excellent
20. Phrase: Using this method
- Meaning: Applying the method being discussed.
- Explanation: It is straightforward and suitable for many contexts.
- Example Sentence: “Using this method, you can organize the information more efficiently.”
- Best Use: General instruction
- Worst Use: Legal documents
- Tone: Clear, neutral, practical
- Context Variability: casual: excellent; professional: excellent; spoken: excellent
21. Phrase: By incorporating this
- Meaning: By adding this element to an existing process.
- Explanation: It is useful when discussing improvements or additions.
- Example Sentence: “By incorporating this feature, the application becomes easier to use.”
- Best Use: Product discussions
- Worst Use: Basic conversation
- Tone: Professional, modern, precise
- Context Variability: casual: good; professional: excellent; spoken: good
22. Phrase: By making use of this
- Meaning: By using the specified resource or method.
- Explanation: It emphasizes practical use.
- Example Sentence: “By making use of this resource, students can practice independently.”
- Best Use: Educational writing
- Worst Use: Casual chat
- Tone: Formal, informative, clear
- Context Variability: casual: moderate; professional: excellent; spoken: good
23. Phrase: Through the use of this
- Meaning: By using a particular tool, method, or resource.
- Explanation: It is useful when explaining how something is achieved.
- Example Sentence: “Through the use of this technology, the process becomes more efficient.”
- Best Use: Technical writing
- Worst Use: Everyday conversation
- Tone: Technical, formal, precise
- Context Variability: casual: poor; professional: excellent; spoken: moderate
24. Phrase: By choosing this option
- Meaning: By selecting a particular choice.
- Explanation: It is appropriate when several alternatives are available.
- Example Sentence: “By choosing this option, customers can complete the process more quickly.”
- Best Use: Customer guidance
- Worst Use: General storytelling
- Tone: Helpful, clear, professional
- Context Variability: casual: excellent; professional: excellent; spoken: excellent
25. Phrase: By making this decision
- Meaning: By choosing a particular course of action.
- Explanation: It emphasizes the decision and its consequences.
- Example Sentence: “By making this decision, the company demonstrated its commitment to quality.”
- Best Use: Business writing
- Worst Use: Simple instructions
- Tone: Formal, reflective, professional
- Context Variability: casual: good; professional: excellent; spoken: good
26. Phrase: This way
- Meaning: Using the method being demonstrated or discussed.
- Explanation: It is one of the shortest natural alternatives.
- Example Sentence: “This way, you can finish the task much faster.”
- Best Use: Everyday speech
- Worst Use: Formal reports
- Tone: Casual, natural, friendly
- Context Variability: casual: excellent; professional: moderate; spoken: excellent
27. Phrase: Like this
- Meaning: Using the specific action or method being demonstrated.
- Explanation: It is highly conversational and often accompanies a demonstration.
- Example Sentence: “Hold the handle like this to keep it steady.”
- Best Use: Demonstrations
- Worst Use: Formal reports
- Tone: Informal, direct, conversational
- Context Variability: casual: excellent; professional: limited; spoken: excellent
28. Phrase: By proceeding this way
- Meaning: By continuing according to the method described.
- Explanation: It emphasizes the chosen course of action.
- Example Sentence: “By proceeding this way, we can avoid unnecessary complications.”
- Best Use: Professional discussions
- Worst Use: Friendly chat
- Tone: Formal, deliberate, professional
- Context Variability: casual: moderate; professional: excellent; spoken: good
29. Phrase: By carrying this out
- Meaning: By completing the action or plan mentioned.
- Explanation: It is useful when referring to a planned task or activity.
- Example Sentence: “By carrying this out carefully, we can minimize the risk of errors.”
- Best Use: Task discussions
- Worst Use: Casual greetings
- Tone: Professional, practical, direct
- Context Variability: casual: good; professional: excellent; spoken: excellent
30. Phrase: Through these actions
- Meaning: As a result of the actions being taken.
- Explanation: It works well when several actions contribute to an outcome.
- Example Sentence: “Through these actions, the organization improved its overall performance.”
- Best Use: Formal summaries
- Worst Use: Casual conversation
- Tone: Formal, analytical, confident
- Context Variability: casual: limited; professional: excellent; spoken: good
See Also
- See also: Other Ways to Say “For Example” for more natural alternatives when introducing supporting ideas.
- See also: Professional English Guide for practical vocabulary and phrases used in workplace communication.
“Professional English becomes easier when you learn phrases in context instead of memorizing isolated synonyms.”
Mini Quiz: Test Your Understanding
1. Which option sounds most professional in a business report?
A. Like this
B. This way
C. Through this approach
D. Doing this
Answer: C. Through this approach
2. Which phrase is most natural when demonstrating something to a friend?
A. By means of this
B. Like this
C. Through this process
D. By implementing this strategy
Answer: B. Like this
3. Which sentence correctly uses “by + -ing”?
A. “You can improve by practice daily.”
B. “You can improve by practicing daily.”
C. “You can improve by practiced daily.”
D. “You can improve by to practice daily.”
Answer: B. You can improve by practicing daily.
4. Which alternative best emphasizes a deliberate business strategy?
A. Like this
B. This way
C. By implementing this strategy
D. Doing this
Answer: C. By implementing this strategy
Comparison Table: Top Alternatives
| Phrase | Tone | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Through this approach | Professional | Business communication |
| In this way | Neutral | General explanations |
| By doing so | Polished | Formal writing |
| By taking this step | Professional | Workplace advice |
| By following this process | Formal | Instructions |
| Using this approach | Professional | Work discussions |
| By applying this method | Academic | Education |
| By implementing this strategy | Formal | Business strategy |
| This way | Casual | Everyday speech |
| Like this | Informal | Demonstrations |
FAQs
What are the best alternatives to “by doing this”?
Some of the strongest alternatives include through this approach, in this way, by doing so, by taking this step, and using this method. The best choice depends on your context.
What is a professional way to say “by doing this”?
For professional communication, try through this approach, by implementing this strategy, by following this process, or by taking this step.
Is “by doing this” grammatically correct?
Yes. “By doing this” is grammatically correct and commonly expresses the method used to achieve a result.
What is a formal way to say “by doing this”?
Formal alternatives include through this process, by means of this, by implementing this method, and through this approach.
Can I use “by doing so” instead of “by doing this”?
Yes, when the action has already been clearly mentioned. “By doing so” is often more concise and polished in professional or formal writing.
Conclusion
Learning different other ways to say by doing this gives you greater control over tone, clarity, and precision. Simple options such as “in this way” work well in everyday English, while “through this approach” and “by implementing this strategy” are stronger choices for professional communication.
Practice replacing repetitive wording in your emails, conversations, and writing. Pay attention to your audience and purpose, and choose phrases that sound natural for the situation. With regular practice, these professional reaction phrases and informal expressions in English will become easier to use confidently.
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