The phrase to do so means to perform an action that has already been mentioned. It helps you avoid repeating the same words in a sentence. For example, instead of saying, Please complete the form if you want to apply. You must complete the form before Friday, you can say, Please complete the form if you want to apply. You must do so before Friday.
Learning other ways to say to do so can make your English clearer, smoother, and more natural. Different expressions work better in different situations. Some sound formal and fit business emails, while others are simple and friendly for everyday conversations. Choosing the right words also helps you avoid repetition in essays, reports, and professional messages. In this guide, you will discover useful synonyms for to do so and learn when to use each alternative with confidence.
What Does To Do So Mean?
To do so means to carry out, perform, or complete an action that has already been mentioned or is understood from the context.
The phrase contains the verb do and the word so, which refers to the action described earlier. It is often used to avoid repeating a complete phrase or sentence.
For example:
- You need to submit the application. Please do so by Monday.
- Employees must follow the rules. Failure to do so may lead to penalties.
The phrase is especially common in formal writing, academic texts, instructions, and professional communication.
Grammar form: Infinitive phrase.
Similar expressions: To do that, to carry it out, to complete the task, to take action, and to follow through.
Opposite expressions: To avoid doing so, to refrain from acting, to leave it undone, and to take no action.
The best replacement depends on the action being described. For example, to complete the task is more specific than to do so, while to do that is often more conversational.
When to Use To Do So
Spoken English
In spoken English, to do so can sound formal. People often use to do that, to do it, or to go ahead instead.
Example:
You can join the group if you wish to do so.
A more conversational version is:
You can join the group if you want to do that.
Business English
To do so is useful in business communication because it keeps sentences concise and professional.
Example:
Please review the proposal and confirm your approval. You may do so by replying to this email.
It avoids repeating the full instruction and keeps the message clear.
Emails and Messages
The phrase works well in professional emails, especially when giving instructions or explaining the next step.
Example:
Please update your contact details. You can do so through your account settings.
For a casual message, you can do that may feel more natural.
Social Media
In casual social media posts, to do so may sound overly formal. Simpler expressions often work better.
Example:
If you want to participate, click the link to do so.
A friendlier version is:
If you want to join, click the link to sign up.
Academic Writing
Academic writing often uses to do so to connect ideas without repeating a full action.
Example:
Researchers must control external factors to ensure accurate results. They can do so by following a consistent procedure.
The phrase is concise and helps maintain a formal tone.
Professional Meetings
During meetings, to do so can refer to an action mentioned earlier.
Example:
We need to review the budget before making a decision. To do so, we should examine last quarter’s expenses.
In spoken meetings, to do that may sound less formal and easier to follow.
Is To Do So Polite or Professional?
To do so is generally neutral to formal. It is not rude, but it can sound distant or official in casual conversations.
- Polite: You may do so whenever you are ready.
- Neutral: You can do that now.
- Strong: Complete the task immediately.
- Soft: Feel free to do so if you wish.
- Formal: You are required to do so by the stated deadline.
- Informal: Go ahead and do it.
Better for workplace: Please review the document and do so before the meeting.
A clearer version would be: Please review the document before the meeting.
Avoid in casual chats: You may do so if you desire.
A more natural alternative is: You can do that if you want.
Remember that to do so works best when the earlier action is clear. If readers have to guess what it refers to, name the action directly.
Pros & Cons of Using To Do So
ā Pros
- Avoids repeating long phrases.
- Makes formal writing more concise.
- Works well in professional emails.
- Helps connect related ideas.
- Fits academic writing and reports.
- Keeps instructions brief when the context is clear.
ā Cons
- Can sound formal in casual conversations.
- May confuse readers if the earlier action is unclear.
- Can make sentences feel stiff when overused.
- Does not always identify the action clearly.
- May be less natural in friendly messages.
- Can weaken writing when a specific verb would be clearer.
Quick Alternatives to To Do So
- To do that
- To do it
- To accomplish this
- To complete the task
- To carry it out
- To take action
- To follow through
- To proceed with this
- To perform the action
- To achieve this
- To make it happen
- To fulfill this requirement
- To implement the plan
- To complete this step
- To act accordingly
- To handle it
- To get it done
- To meet this requirement
- To put this into action
- To make this possible
To Do That
Phrase: To do that
Meaning: To perform the action mentioned earlier.
Explanation: This is one of the closest and most natural alternatives to to do so. It usually sounds more conversational while keeping the same meaning. It works well when speaking with friends, coworkers, or people you know.
Grammar Note: Infinitive phrase with a demonstrative pronoun.
Example Sentence: You need to create an account to access the service. To do that, visit our website.
Best Use: Everyday English, emails, instructions, workplace conversations, and messages.
Worst Use: Very formal legal writing where a more precise expression may be needed.
Tone: Neutral, friendly, natural.
Level: Beginner.
Similarity Score: 10/10.
Replaceability Tip: Use to do that when you want a simple replacement that sounds less formal without changing the meaning.
To Do It
Phrase: To do it
Meaning: To perform a particular action or task.
Explanation: This expression is common in everyday English. It can refer to an action, task, or activity that the speaker and listener already understand. However, it should have a clear reference.
Grammar Note: Infinitive phrase.
Example Sentence: If you want to improve your writing, you need to practice every day to do it well.
Best Use: Casual speech, friendly messages, basic instructions, and informal workplace communication.
Worst Use: Formal documents where the exact task needs to be identified.
Tone: Casual, neutral.
Level: Beginner.
Similarity Score: 9/10.
Replaceability Tip: Choose this when the action is obvious and you want a simple, everyday expression.
To Accomplish This
Phrase: To accomplish this
Meaning: To successfully complete a goal or task.
Explanation: This phrase emphasizes achieving a result. It sounds more purposeful than to do so and works well when discussing plans, goals, and professional objectives.
Grammar Note: Infinitive phrase.
Example Sentence: We need better communication to accomplish this goal.
Best Use: Business reports, academic writing, project planning, and professional presentations.
Worst Use: Simple daily tasks where the phrase may sound too serious.
Tone: Professional, purposeful, formal.
Level: Intermediate.
Similarity Score: 8/10.
Replaceability Tip: Use it when the action involves reaching a goal rather than simply performing a task.
To Complete the Task
Phrase: To complete the task
Meaning: To finish a specific piece of work.
Explanation: This alternative is clear and direct. It is useful when the action involves work that has a defined endpoint. Unlike to do so, it tells the reader exactly what must be completed.
Grammar Note: Infinitive phrase.
Example Sentence: You must follow all the instructions to complete the task correctly.
Best Use: Workplace instructions, schoolwork, reports, training, and project management.
Worst Use: Situations where the action is not really a task or does not need to be completed.
Tone: Neutral, professional, clear.
Level: Beginner.
Similarity Score: 8/10.
Replaceability Tip: Choose this when clarity matters more than avoiding repetition.
To Carry It Out
Phrase: To carry it out
Meaning: To perform or execute a planned action.
Explanation: This phrase often refers to a plan, test, instruction, investigation, or procedure. It sounds professional and focuses on putting an idea into practice.
Grammar Note: Phrasal verb in an infinitive phrase.
Example Sentence: The team approved the new strategy and hired additional staff to carry it out.
Best Use: Business, research, project management, formal writing, and technical instructions.
Worst Use: Casual situations where the action is simple and do it would be enough.
Tone: Professional, formal, precise.
Level: Intermediate.
Similarity Score: 9/10.
Replaceability Tip: Use it when the action involves implementing a plan or carrying out a procedure.
To Take Action
Phrase: To take action
Meaning: To do something in response to a situation or problem.
Explanation: This phrase emphasizes acting rather than waiting. It is useful in professional, academic, and public communication, especially when a decision requires practical steps.
Grammar Note: Verb phrase.
Example Sentence: We must identify the problem before we can take action.
Best Use: Business, leadership, problem-solving, formal writing, and workplace discussions.
Worst Use: When you simply need to repeat a small action without suggesting urgency or a response to a problem.
Tone: Strong, professional, purposeful.
Level: Beginner.
Similarity Score: 7/10.
Replaceability Tip: Choose this when to do so refers to responding to a problem or making a change.
To Follow Through
Phrase: To follow through
Meaning: To finish what you have promised or started.
Explanation: This phrase suggests commitment and responsibility. It is useful when someone needs to complete an action after making a promise, decision, or plan.
Grammar Note: Phrasal verb.
Example Sentence: If we promise customers a solution, we must follow through.
Best Use: Business, teamwork, leadership, personal goals, and professional conversations.
Worst Use: Simple actions that do not involve commitment or a prior intention.
Tone: Professional, determined, responsible.
Level: Intermediate.
Similarity Score: 7/10.
Replaceability Tip: Use it when the main idea is completing a commitment, not just performing an action.
To Proceed With This
Phrase: To proceed with this
Meaning: To continue with a plan, process, or decision.
Explanation: This phrase is close to to do so when the action involves moving forward with something already discussed. It is common in formal business communication.
Grammar Note: Infinitive phrase with a prepositional phrase.
Example Sentence: We have received the required approval and are ready to proceed with this.
Best Use: Business emails, meetings, project updates, and formal instructions.
Worst Use: Informal chats or situations where the object of the action is unclear.
Tone: Formal, professional, neutral.
Level: Intermediate.
Similarity Score: 8/10.
Replaceability Tip: Use it when the earlier action means continuing with a plan or process. For extra clarity, name the plan directly.
To Perform the Action
Phrase: To perform the action
Meaning: To carry out a specific activity or operation.
Explanation: This phrase is precise and often appears in technical, instructional, or formal contexts. It can be useful when explaining a process step by step.
Grammar Note: Infinitive phrase.
Example Sentence: Enter your password to perform the action securely.
Best Use: Technical writing, training manuals, formal instructions, and workplace procedures.
Worst Use: Casual conversation where it may sound unnecessarily technical.
Tone: Formal, technical, neutral.
Level: Intermediate.
Similarity Score: 8/10.
Replaceability Tip: Choose this when the action needs a clear, technical description.
To Achieve This
Phrase: To achieve this
Meaning: To reach a desired result or goal.
Explanation: This phrase focuses on the outcome rather than the action itself. It is useful when explaining how a goal can be reached or what steps are needed for success.
Grammar Note: Infinitive phrase.
Example Sentence: To achieve this, the company will need to improve its customer service.
Best Use: Academic essays, business reports, presentations, and goal-setting discussions.
Worst Use: Simple instructions that do not involve a particular result.
Tone: Professional, purposeful, formal.
Level: Intermediate.
Similarity Score: 7/10.
Replaceability Tip: Use it when to do so refers to achieving an outcome, not merely completing an action.
To Make It Happen
Phrase: To make it happen
Meaning: To take the steps needed to bring something about.
Explanation: This phrase is more energetic and encouraging than to do so. It often suggests effort, planning, and determination.
Grammar Note: Idiomatic verb phrase.
Example Sentence: We have a strong idea, and now we need a good team to make it happen.
Best Use: Motivational writing, teamwork, casual workplace conversations, and everyday English.
Worst Use: Formal legal documents or technical instructions requiring exact language.
Tone: Positive, energetic, encouraging.
Level: Beginner.
Similarity Score: 6/10.
Replaceability Tip: Choose it when you want to highlight effort and action toward a goal.
To Fulfill This Requirement
Phrase: To fulfill this requirement
Meaning: To meet a stated condition or rule.
Explanation: This phrase is useful when an action is necessary to satisfy a requirement. It sounds formal and precise, especially in official instructions and professional documents.
Grammar Note: Infinitive phrase.
Example Sentence: Applicants must provide proof of identity to fulfill this requirement.
Best Use: Official emails, applications, contracts, academic instructions, and workplace policies.
Worst Use: Casual conversations or tasks that are optional rather than required.
Tone: Formal, precise, professional.
Level: Advanced.
Similarity Score: 7/10.
Replaceability Tip: Use it when the earlier action is necessary to meet a rule or condition.
To Implement the Plan
Phrase: To implement the plan
Meaning: To put a plan into action.
Explanation: This phrase is common in professional settings where ideas need to become practical steps. It is more specific than to do so because it identifies the action as implementation.
Grammar Note: Infinitive phrase.
Example Sentence: The team needs additional resources to implement the plan successfully.
Best Use: Business, project management, policy documents, and professional reports.
Worst Use: Everyday activities that do not involve a structured plan.
Tone: Formal, professional, action-oriented.
Level: Advanced.
Similarity Score: 8/10.
Replaceability Tip: Choose it when the action involves putting a strategy or plan into practice.
To Complete This Step
Phrase: To complete this step
Meaning: To finish one stage of a process.
Explanation: This expression works well when instructions involve several stages. It makes the next action clear and helps readers follow a process.
Grammar Note: Infinitive phrase.
Example Sentence: You must verify your email address to complete this step.
Best Use: Online forms, tutorials, workplace instructions, and educational materials.
Worst Use: Situations that involve an entire project rather than one stage.
Tone: Clear, neutral, instructional.
Level: Beginner.
Similarity Score: 8/10.
Replaceability Tip: Use it when the action is one part of a larger process.
To Act Accordingly
Phrase: To act accordingly
Meaning: To behave or take action based on the information or instructions provided.
Explanation: This phrase is formal and often appears in business messages, policies, and official notices. It assumes the reader understands what action is appropriate.
Grammar Note: Infinitive phrase containing an adverb.
Example Sentence: Please review the updated policy and act accordingly.
Best Use: Formal emails, workplace policies, official notices, and business communication.
Worst Use: Messages where the reader needs specific instructions or may not understand what action is expected.
Tone: Formal, authoritative, professional.
Level: Advanced.
Similarity Score: 7/10.
Replaceability Tip: Use it when the correct response depends on instructions or information already provided.
To Handle It
Phrase: To handle it
Meaning: To deal with a task, issue, or situation.
Explanation: This phrase sounds natural and conversational. It can suggest that someone is responsible for managing a task or solving a problem.
Grammar Note: Infinitive phrase with a phrasal verb.
Example Sentence: The customer has reported a problem, and our support team is ready to handle it.
Best Use: Everyday English, customer service, workplace messages, and informal business conversations.
Worst Use: Formal instructions that require an exact description of the action.
Tone: Neutral, confident, conversational.
Level: Beginner.
Similarity Score: 7/10.
Replaceability Tip: Choose it when to do so refers to managing a problem or responsibility.
To Get It Done
Phrase: To get it done
Meaning: To finish a task or make sure an action is completed.
Explanation: This expression is direct and practical. It often suggests a focus on results rather than the process. It is common in conversation and informal workplace settings.
Grammar Note: Idiomatic verb phrase.
Example Sentence: We have a deadline tomorrow, so we need to work together to get it done.
Best Use: Casual workplace communication, everyday speech, teamwork, and messages.
Worst Use: Formal academic papers or highly official documents.
Tone: Direct, informal, practical.
Level: Beginner.
Similarity Score: 7/10.
Replaceability Tip: Use it when the focus is on finishing a task efficiently.
To Meet This Requirement
Phrase: To meet this requirement
Meaning: To satisfy a condition, standard, or expectation.
Explanation: This expression is more specific than to do so when the action must meet a defined standard. It is useful in professional and academic communication.
Grammar Note: Infinitive phrase.
Example Sentence: You must complete the training course to meet this requirement.
Best Use: Workplace policies, academic instructions, applications, and formal reports.
Worst Use: Casual conversations about optional activities.
Tone: Formal, clear, professional.
Level: Intermediate.
Similarity Score: 7/10.
Replaceability Tip: Choose this when the action is needed to satisfy a particular condition.
To Put This Into Action
Phrase: To put this into action
Meaning: To begin using an idea, plan, or decision in practice.
Explanation: This phrase emphasizes the change from planning to doing. It works well when a person or team needs to turn an idea into real steps.
Grammar Note: Idiomatic infinitive phrase.
Example Sentence: We have agreed on the new strategy. Now we need the right resources to put this into action.
Best Use: Business presentations, project planning, teamwork, and motivational writing.
Worst Use: Simple actions that do not involve an idea or plan.
Tone: Professional, active, encouraging.
Level: Intermediate.
Similarity Score: 8/10.
Replaceability Tip: Use it when the earlier action involves applying an idea or plan in the real world.
Mini Dialogue Examples
Formal Dialogue
Manager: Please review the new company policy before Friday.
Employee: Certainly. Should I confirm once I have read it?
Manager: Yes, please do so by the end of the day.
Employee: Understood. I will send my confirmation this afternoon.
Informal Dialogue
Friend A: You said you wanted to join the gym. Have you signed up yet?
Friend B: Not yet. I need to compare a few places first.
Friend A: That’s fine. You can do that online.
Friend B: Good idea. I’ll look at the options tonight.
Business Email-Style Example
Subject: Required Documents for Application
Dear Sarah,
Please review the attached checklist and submit all the required documents by Thursday. You can do so by uploading the files through the application portal.
If you experience any issues, please contact our support team.
Best regards, Michael
Mistakes to Avoid
- Using to do so without a clear reference: Readers should understand which action the phrase refers to. If not, name the action again.
- Confusing do so with do that in every situation: Both can be correct, but do so often sounds more formal.
- Using overly formal language in casual messages: A simple do it or do that may sound more natural.
- Repeating the phrase too often: Too many uses can make your writing feel stiff. Vary your sentence structure.
- Choosing a synonym that changes the meaning: Take action suggests responding to something, while complete the task suggests finishing work.
- Forgetting the grammar: After to, use the base form of the verb, as in to complete or to carry out.
- Using act accordingly without enough context: The reader may not know what action is expected. Give clear instructions when necessary.
Cultural & Tone Tips
Native English speakers often use to do so in formal writing because it avoids repeating a full action. In everyday conversation, however, they may choose shorter expressions.
UK English
In British English, to do so is common in formal letters, instructions, academic writing, and official communication. In casual speech, to do that and to do it are often more natural.
Example:
Please notify the office if you are unable to attend. You may do so by email.
US English
In American English, to do so is also widely understood and used in professional writing. In everyday speech, do that or a direct action verb may sound friendlier.
Example:
If you want to register, you can do so online.
Casual Social English
In texts, chats, and conversations with friends, short expressions are often best.
Instead of:
You should contact the organizer to do so.
Say:
You should contact the organizer to do that.
An even clearer option might be:
Contact the organizer to register.
The most important rule is to choose clarity over formality. A specific verb often communicates more than a general phrase.
Comparison of the Best Alternatives
| Phrase | Tone | Best Context | Professional Level | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| To do that | Natural, neutral | Everyday English | Medium | To do that, visit the website. |
| To carry it out | Formal, precise | Business and research | High | We need a team to carry it out. |
| To accomplish this | Purposeful | Goals and reports | High | We need more time to accomplish this. |
| To complete the task | Clear, direct | Instructions | High | Follow the steps to complete the task. |
| To take action | Strong, proactive | Problem-solving | High | We must act quickly to take action. |
| To implement the plan | Professional | Business projects | Very high | We need additional staff to implement the plan. |
| To act accordingly | Formal, authoritative | Policies and notices | Very high | Review the instructions and act accordingly. |
FAQs
Is To Do So Formal?
Yes, to do so is generally considered neutral to formal. It is common in professional emails, academic writing, reports, and official instructions. In casual conversation, to do that often sounds more natural.
Is It Okay to Use To Do So in Emails?
Yes. It is a useful phrase for avoiding repetition in professional emails.
For example:
Please complete the registration form. You must do so before Monday.
However, make sure the earlier action is clear to the reader.
What Is the Most Formal Alternative to To Do So?
To carry out the action, to fulfill this requirement, and to implement the plan are formal alternatives. The best choice depends on the action you are describing.
For official requirements, to fulfill this requirement is often suitable. For a plan, to implement the plan is more precise.
What Is the Most Polite Alternative to To Do So?
Feel free to do so is a polite and gentle option when you are giving permission.
For example:
If you wish to make changes, feel free to do so.
It sounds welcoming without putting pressure on the reader.
What Should Beginners Use Instead of To Do So?
Beginners can use to do that or to do it. Both are easy to understand and common in everyday English.
For example:
If you want to join, you can do that online.
These alternatives are simple and natural.
Is To Do So Better Than To Do That?
Neither expression is always better. To do so usually sounds more formal, while to do that often sounds more conversational.
Use to do so in formal writing when the reference is clear. Use to do that when you want a relaxed, natural tone.
Conclusion
Learning other ways to say to do so can help you write more clearly and speak with greater confidence. Expressions such as to do that, to carry it out, and to accomplish this offer different tones and meanings. Some are ideal for casual conversations, while others work best in business emails, academic writing, and official instructions.
The key is to choose an expression that matches the action and the audience. Do not use formal words just to sound professional. Instead, focus on clear, natural English. Practice these alternatives in real sentences, emails, and conversations. Over time, you will learn to express the same idea in many effective ways.
Iām John Mark, the creator of EnglishGrammarline. I share simple and meaningful insights into dreams, their symbols, and possible interpretations. My goal is to help readers understand their dreams in an easy and interesting way.