Do so is the most formal and tightly bound substitute for a previous verb phrase, never taking an extra object, as in he told me to leave, and I did so. Do it and do that are more conversational: do it names a specific single action, while do that often refers to general or criticized recurring behavior.
Grammar Rule
Do so is the most formal and tightly bound, never taking an extra object; do it/do that are more conversational and flexible.
Do So, Do It, Do That as Verbal Substitutes: Rules and Examples
| Expression | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| do so | formal, exact same agent, no extra object | He told me to leave, and I did so. She was asked to double-check the figures, and she did so before submitting them. |
| do it | specific single action, conversational | He promised to call back, and he did it within the hour. |
| do that | general/recurring behavior, often criticized | Sorry, I didn’t realise I was doing that. |
Remember: never add an extra object after do so, and make sure the subject of do so is the same agent that performed the original action.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below choosing correctly between do so, do it, and do that. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
C1-48 Do so Do it Do that
Click «Start the test» to begin right away — no signup required. You can get a personalized certificate with your name and score at the end, if you want one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most formal verbal substitute?
Do so, as in he told me to leave, and I did so.
Can do so take an extra object?
No, do so never takes an extra object.
What does do it typically refer to?
A specific single action, as in he promised to call back, and he did it within the hour.
What does do that typically refer to?
General or recurring behavior, often in a critical tone, as in sorry, I didn’t realise I was doing that.