Doings vs Doing: Meaning And Differences

Are you confused about the proper usage of the words “doings” and “doing”? You’re not alone. These two words may seem similar, but they have distinct meanings and uses. Let’s explore the differences between the two and clear up any confusion.

In short, “doing” is the proper word to use in most cases. It is the present participle of the verb “do” and is used to describe an action that is currently happening or ongoing. On the other hand, “doings” is a noun that refers to a person’s actions or activities, especially those that are considered interesting or noteworthy.

For example, you would say “I am doing my homework” rather than “I am in my doings of homework.” However, you might say “I heard about his doings at the party last night” to refer to his actions or activities at the party.

Now that we have established the proper usage of these words, let’s dive deeper into their meanings and uses.

Define Doings

Doings refer to the actions or activities that someone engages in. It is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of actions, from the mundane to the extraordinary. Doings can refer to anything from daily routines, such as getting dressed or making breakfast, to more significant events, such as attending a wedding or traveling to a foreign country.

Doings can also refer to the collective actions of a group of people or an organization. For example, the doings of a company might include the development of a new product, the implementation of a marketing campaign, or the planning of an event.

In some contexts, doings might have a negative connotation, referring to misdeeds or inappropriate actions. However, in most cases, doings are simply the actions that people take in their daily lives.

Define Doing

Doing, on the other hand, refers specifically to the act of performing an action or engaging in an activity. It is a more focused term than doings, and it typically refers to a single action or activity.

For example, if someone says they are doing their homework, they are referring to the specific act of completing their assignments. If someone says they are doing yoga, they are referring to the specific activity of practicing yoga.

Doing can also refer to the way in which an action is performed. For example, someone might say they are doing something carefully or doing it quickly.

Overall, doing is a more specific term than doings, and it refers to the individual actions that make up a person’s doings.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the correct word in a sentence is crucial for effective communication. In this section, we will discuss the proper use of “doings” and “doing” in a sentence.

How To Use “Doings” In A Sentence

“Doings” is a noun that refers to a person’s actions or activities. It is often used to describe events or situations that are happening or have happened.

Here are some examples of how to use “doings” in a sentence:

• Her doings at the party were the talk of the town.
• The newspaper reported on the doings of the local government.
• He was always interested in the doings of his favorite celebrities.

It is important to note that “doings” is not commonly used in everyday conversation and may sound formal or outdated in some contexts.

How To Use “Doing” In A Sentence

“Doing” is a verb that refers to an action or activity that is currently happening or being done by a person or thing.

Here are some examples of how to use “doing” in a sentence:

• She is doing her homework right now.
• He enjoys doing crossword puzzles in his free time.
• The company is doing well in the current market.

It is important to use the correct tense of “doing” in a sentence depending on the context. For example, “I am doing my homework” is present tense, while “I was doing my homework” is past tense.

Overall, understanding the proper usage of “doings” and “doing” in a sentence can help improve clarity and accuracy in communication.

More Examples Of Doings & Doing Used In Sentences

In this section, we will provide some examples of how to use “doings” and “doing” in sentences. These examples will help you to better understand the proper usage of these words and how they can be used in different contexts.

Examples Of Using Doings In A Sentence

• Her doings have caused quite a stir in the community.
• The newspaper reported on the doings of the local government.
• He was always curious about the doings of his neighbors.
• The doings of the company were closely monitored by the media.
• She was not impressed by his doings and decided to end the relationship.
• The doings of the political campaign were closely watched by the public.
• His doings were the subject of much speculation and gossip.
• The doings of the celebrity were captured by the paparazzi.
• They were shocked by the doings of their teenage son.
• The doings of the charity organization were widely praised by the public.

Examples Of Using Doing In A Sentence

• He is doing his best to finish the project on time.
• She was doing her makeup when the phone rang.
• They are doing everything they can to help the environment.
• He is doing a great job as the team captain.
• She is doing her part to support local businesses.
• They are doing their best to raise their children well.
• He is doing some research on the topic before making a decision.
• She is doing her best to stay healthy and fit.
• They are doing a charity walk to raise money for cancer research.
• He is doing some volunteer work at the local animal shelter.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “doings” and “doing,” many people make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have distinct meanings and should not be used interchangeably. Here are some common mistakes people make when using these words and why they are incorrect:

Using “Doings” As A Synonym For “Doing”

One of the most common mistakes people make is using “doings” as a synonym for “doing.” While “doing” refers to an action or activity, “doings” refers to a set of actions or activities. For example, “My doing today was going to the gym” is correct, while “My doings today were going to the gym” is incorrect. The latter implies that there were multiple activities or actions that took place.

Using “Doing” As A Noun

Another common mistake is using “doing” as a noun. While “doing” can be used as a gerund (a verb form that functions as a noun), it should not be used as a standalone noun. For example, “My doing is none of your business” is incorrect. Instead, you should use a more appropriate noun, such as “My actions” or “My behavior.”

Using “Doings” To Refer To Someone’s Actions

Some people use “doings” to refer to someone’s actions, but this is incorrect. “Doings” refers to a set of actions or activities, not an individual action. Instead, you should use a more appropriate noun, such as “actions” or “behavior.” For example, “His actions were questionable” is correct, while “His doings were questionable” is incorrect.

To avoid making these mistakes in the future, here are some tips:

• Use “doing” when referring to an action or activity.
• Use “doings” when referring to a set of actions or activities.
• Use “doing” as a gerund (a verb form that functions as a noun).
• Avoid using “doing” as a standalone noun.
• Avoid using “doings” to refer to an individual action.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between “doings” and “doing,” context plays a crucial role. Depending on the context in which they are used, the choice between these two words can significantly impact the meaning and tone of a sentence or phrase.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a closer look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “doings” and “doing” might change:

Context	Example	Choice between “doings” and “doing”
General Statement	People enjoy different doing/doings in their free time.	“Doings” is the better choice here as it refers to a variety of activities.
Specific Activity	I love doing/doings yoga every morning.	“Doing” is the better choice here as it refers to a singular activity.
Comparing Activities	She prefers doing/doings yoga to going for a run.	“Doing” is the better choice here as it refers to a singular activity being compared to another.
Emphasis on Multiple Activities	The doings/doing of the company have been under scrutiny.	“Doings” is the better choice here as it emphasizes multiple actions or behaviors.

As you can see, the choice between “doings” and “doing” can depend on the context in which they are used. It’s essential to consider the intended meaning and tone of a sentence or phrase to make the best choice between these two words.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the general rule is to use “doing” as the present participle of the verb “do,” there are some exceptions where “doings” might be used instead. Here are a few cases where the rules might not apply:

1. Noun Usage

One exception is when “doings” is used as a noun to refer to a person’s actions or activities. In this case, “doings” is a plural noun that refers to a collection of actions that have been done or are being done. For example:

• Her doings were always a topic of conversation among the neighbors.
• The company’s doings were closely scrutinized by the media.

2. Regional Usage

Another exception is regional usage. In some parts of the world, particularly in the United Kingdom, “doings” is used more commonly than “doing” as the present participle of the verb “do.” This is not a hard and fast rule, but it is worth noting that in some contexts, “doings” might be the preferred form. For example:

• He was always up to his usual doings.
• Their doings were the talk of the town.

3. Idiomatic Usage

Finally, there are some idiomatic expressions that use “doings” instead of “doing.” These expressions are unique to the English language and do not necessarily follow the standard rules of grammar. For example:

• The whole kit and caboodle of his doings were laid bare for all to see.
• He was caught up in the goings-on of the local political scene.

It is important to note that these exceptions are not exhaustive and that context is key when determining whether to use “doings” or “doing.” In most cases, “doing” will be the correct form to use, but it is worth being aware of these exceptions to avoid any confusion or errors in usage.

Practice Exercises

Improving one’s understanding and use of doings and doing in sentences can take time and practice. To help readers with this, we have compiled a list of practice exercises that can be used to enhance their knowledge of these two words.

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

In this exercise, readers will be asked to fill in the blank with either doings or doing, depending on the context of the sentence. The goal is to choose the correct word that best fits the sentence.

Question	Answer
She was busy with her ____________.	doings
He was caught ____________ something he shouldn’t have been.	doing
The ____________ of the company were discussed at the meeting.	doings
She enjoys ____________ yoga in her free time.	doing

Exercise 2: Rewrite The Sentence

In this exercise, readers will be asked to rewrite the sentence using either doings or doing. The goal is to provide a sentence that is grammatically correct and makes sense.

• Original sentence: The children were busy playing outside.
• Rewritten sentence: The children were busy with their outdoor ____________.
• Answer: doings

• Original sentence: He was caught cheating on the test.
• Rewritten sentence: He was caught ____________ something he shouldn’t have been.
• Answer: doing

Exercise 3: Identify The Correct Word

In this exercise, readers will be given a sentence with both doings and doing. The goal is to identify which word best fits the context of the sentence.

• Sentence: The ____________ of the company were discussed at the meeting, but they didn’t go into detail about what they were ____________.
• Answer: doings, doing

By completing these practice exercises, readers can improve their understanding and use of doings and doing in sentences. Answer keys and explanations have been provided for each exercise to aid in the learning process.

Conclusion

After exploring the nuances between “doings” and “doing”, it is clear that these two words are not interchangeable. “Doings” refers to a specific set of actions or events, while “doing” is a more general term for any action or activity.

It is important to pay attention to the context in which these words are used, as using the wrong one could lead to confusion or miscommunication. Additionally, understanding the differences between similar words is crucial for effective communication.

Key Takeaways:

• “Doings” refers to a specific set of actions or events, while “doing” is a more general term for any action or activity.
• Context is important when choosing between “doings” and “doing”.
• Understanding the differences between similar words is crucial for effective communication.

As with any aspect of language and grammar, there is always more to learn. By continuing to study and expand our understanding of language use, we can become more effective communicators and writers.