Whether you’re writing an email, preparing a report, or having a casual conversation, the phrase “to do so” often appears in everyday communication. While it serves a useful purpose by referring back to a previously mentioned action, relying on it too frequently can make your writing feel repetitive and less engaging.
Fortunately, there are many alternatives that can add variety, clarity, and personality to your message. Choosing the right expression can help you sound more professional in business settings, more natural in conversations, or more persuasive when presenting ideas. By expanding your vocabulary beyond “to do so,” you can communicate with greater precision and make your writing more enjoyable to read.
In this guide, you’ll discover 33 effective alternatives to “to do so,” along with meanings, examples, and practical tips for using them confidently.
What Does “To Do So” Mean?
The phrase “to do so” means to perform, complete, or carry out an action that has already been mentioned. It helps avoid repeating the same words and keeps communication concise.
For example:
“If you want to apply for the position, you must do so before Friday.”
Here, “do so” refers to the action of applying for the position.
The phrase is generally neutral in tone and works well in both spoken and written English. It is commonly used in professional correspondence, academic writing, and everyday conversations.
When to Use It
“To do so” is useful whenever you want to refer back to an action without repeating it.
Common situations include:
- Professional emails
- Business reports
- Academic papers
- Formal speeches
- Customer service communication
- Everyday conversations
Examples:
- Please submit your documents by Monday if you wish to do so.
- Employees may work remotely if they choose to do so.
- Anyone interested can register online to do so.
Using alternatives can make these sentences feel more dynamic and tailored to the situation.
Is It Polite or Professional?
Yes, “to do so” is both polite and professional. It is widely accepted in formal writing and workplace communication because it sounds clear, concise, and respectful.
In business emails, it helps avoid unnecessary repetition while maintaining a professional tone. In casual conversations, however, some alternatives may sound more natural and conversational.
The key is selecting an alternative that matches your audience, purpose, and desired tone.
33 Other Ways to Say “To Do So”
1. Carry It Out
Meaning: To perform or complete a task.
Tone: Professional, Formal
The team was instructed to carry it out immediately.
Explanation: Common in business and project management settings.
Purpose and Personalization: Ideal when discussing responsibilities and execution.
2. Take Action
Meaning: To begin acting on something.
Tone: Motivational, Professional
We encourage all employees to take action before the deadline.
Explanation: Emphasizes initiative and responsiveness.
3. Proceed Accordingly
Meaning: To act based on given instructions.
Tone: Formal
After reviewing the policy, please proceed accordingly.
Explanation: Frequently used in corporate communication.
4. Follow Through
Meaning: To complete what was started.
Tone: Encouraging, Professional
Successful leaders always follow through on commitments.
Explanation: Highlights reliability and accountability.
5. Execute It
Meaning: To perform a planned action.
Tone: Professional
The marketing department will execute it next month.
Explanation: Often used in strategic and business contexts.
6. Move Forward
Meaning: To continue with an action or plan.
Tone: Positive, Professional
Once approved, we can move forward with the proposal.
Explanation: Suggests progress and advancement.
7. Act on It
Meaning: To respond by taking action.
Tone: Direct, Professional
Please act on it as soon as possible.
Explanation: Useful when immediate action is needed.
8. Implement It
Meaning: To put a plan into effect.
Tone: Formal, Business
The company will implement it across all departments.
Explanation: Frequently used in management and policy discussions.
9. Perform the Task
Meaning: To complete a required duty.
Tone: Formal
Only trained staff should perform the task.
Explanation: Clear and straightforward for workplace communication.
10. Complete the Process
Meaning: To finish all necessary steps.
Tone: Professional
Applicants must complete the process before enrollment.
Explanation: Suitable for procedures and applications.
11. Undertake It
Meaning: To take responsibility for an action.
Tone: Formal
Few organizations are willing to undertake it alone.
Explanation: Conveys commitment and responsibility.
12. Make It Happen
Meaning: To ensure something occurs.
Tone: Motivational
Our team is determined to make it happen.
Explanation: Inspiring and action-oriented.
13. Put It Into Practice
Meaning: To apply an idea in reality.
Tone: Professional
It’s time to put it into practice.
Explanation: Common in education and training.
14. Go Ahead
Meaning: To proceed with an action.
Tone: Friendly, Casual
If you’re ready, go ahead and submit the form.
Explanation: Conversational and encouraging.
15. Continue With It
Meaning: To keep progressing.
Tone: Neutral
The committee decided to continue with it.
Explanation: Suitable for ongoing projects.
16. See It Through
Meaning: To finish despite challenges.
Tone: Encouraging
We must see it through to the end.
Explanation: Emphasizes perseverance.
17. Take the Necessary Steps
Meaning: To perform required actions.
Tone: Professional
Please take the necessary steps to resolve the issue.
Explanation: Common in formal communication.
18. Proceed With It
Meaning: To continue after approval.
Tone: Professional
Management agreed to proceed with it.
Explanation: Frequently used in business decisions.
19. Handle It
Meaning: To manage or address something.
Tone: Casual, Professional
Our support team will handle it for you.
Explanation: Useful when discussing responsibility.
20. Address It
Meaning: To deal with an issue directly.
Tone: Professional
The company plans to address it immediately.
Explanation: Common in problem-solving discussions.
21. Apply It
Meaning: To use a method or idea.
Tone: Educational, Professional
Once you understand the concept, apply it consistently.
Explanation: Great for instructional content.
22. Pursue It
Meaning: To actively continue toward a goal.
Tone: Motivational
If you’re passionate about the opportunity, pursue it.
Explanation: Encourages determination.
23. Accomplish It
Meaning: To achieve a desired result.
Tone: Positive
With teamwork, we can accomplish it.
Explanation: Focuses on success and achievement.
24. Fulfill It
Meaning: To meet a requirement or obligation.
Tone: Formal
Employees must fulfill it before promotion.
Explanation: Suitable for obligations and duties.
25. Attend to It
Meaning: To give something attention.
Tone: Professional
We’ll attend to it shortly.
Explanation: Often used in customer service.
26. Manage It
Meaning: To control or oversee a situation.
Tone: Professional
The project manager will manage it effectively.
Explanation: Highlights leadership and oversight.
27. Respond Accordingly
Meaning: To act based on circumstances.
Tone: Formal
Review the information and respond accordingly.
Explanation: Common in professional correspondence.
28. Work on It
Meaning: To devote effort to something.
Tone: Casual, Professional
Our developers are working on it now.
Explanation: Appropriate for progress updates.
29. Pursue the Matter
Meaning: To continue investigating or acting.
Tone: Formal
The legal team will pursue the matter further.
Explanation: Often used in official contexts.
30. Take Care of It
Meaning: To handle something personally.
Tone: Friendly
Don’t worry—I’ll take care of it.
Explanation: Reassuring and conversational.
31. Put It Into Effect
Meaning: To officially start using something.
Tone: Formal
The new regulations will be put into effect next year.
Explanation: Common in policy discussions.
32. Bring It About
Meaning: To cause something to happen.
Tone: Formal
Strategic planning helped bring it about.
Explanation: Often used when discussing outcomes.
33. Follow the Procedure
Meaning: To complete required steps correctly.
Tone: Professional
Employees should follow the procedure to request leave.
Explanation: Ideal for instructional and workplace communication.
Conclusion
While “to do so” is a useful and professional phrase, using it repeatedly can make your writing feel predictable. Expanding your vocabulary with alternative expressions allows you to communicate more clearly, naturally, and effectively across different situations. Whether you’re writing a business email, delivering a presentation, or simply having a conversation, the right alternative can strengthen your message and better match your intended tone. Experiment with these options and choose the ones that fit your audience and purpose most naturally.
Discover More Articles
33 Polite Ways to Say “Thank You for Your Advice” in Any Situation
33 Sincere Ways to Say “Thank You So Much” and Show Appreciation
33 Fresh Alternatives to “Stay Up to Date” You Can Use in 2026
